Greater London · England
Tapas Catering in St Paul's Cray
We cook Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in St Paul's Cray and nearby, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.
- Tapas starters
- Evening sharing boards
- Engagement celebrations
Book tapas catering in St Paul's Cray
How our tapas catering works in St Paul's Cray
Tapas are made for sharing and talking over. Canapés go round while guests mingle, or table tapas go out to share. Whether it’s work receptions and birthday drinks, we’ll put together a menu of tortilla española, Serrano ham and patatas bravas.
Canapé tapas suit smaller London spaces in St Paul's Cray. Each paella is cooked from scratch on the day, not reheated, and served as soon as it’s ready.
- Area
- St Paul's Cray (BR5, BR7)
- County
- Greater London
- Diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quote
- Ask us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
Planning a tapas spread in St Paul's Cray
St Paul's Cray is about 1 mile north of Orpington, in Greater London. Wherever your event is in the BR5 area, we can cook for your guests. St Paul's Cray is one of 764 towns and villages in Greater London where we cook. We cook right across the region, from St Paul's Cray to London (11 miles away).
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like St Barnabas. A picnic in Chislehurst Common? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is often easier for catering. St Paul's Cray is within about 6 miles of the Kent Downs National Landscape, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
This part of Greater London takes in BR5 and BR7, and we can cater your event anywhere in it. Whether your event is on Main Road, Murray Road and Rushet Road or anywhere nearby, we will bring the pans to you. If your venue is just outside St Paul's Cray, we also cover St Mary Cray (1 mile south), Poverest (1 mile south), Derry Downs (1 mile south), Orpington (1 mile south) and Kevington (2 miles south-east). We also cook in nearby towns such as London (11 miles north-west), City of Westminster (14 miles north-west), Marylebone (14 miles north-west), Kensington (15 miles north-west), St Pancras (13 miles north-west) and Shoreditch (12 miles north-west).
Nearby you will also find Lullingstone Castle (4.8 miles south-east) and London Borough of Bromley Museum (1.5 miles south). Not far away are The Warren and Summer Hill.
- Schools near St Paul's Cray include Walsingham School (under half a mile north) and Kemnal Technology College (0.9 miles north)
- Pubs nearby include The Blue Anchor Public House (0.5 miles south-east)
How we price tapas catering
Every event is priced individually, based on a few main things:
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- Distance and access to the venue
- The length of service
- The paellas you choose
Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff and crockery are optional extras, so you can choose exactly what you need.
Details that help
Here’s what makes a quick, accurate quote possible:
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- The courses you’d like
- Your date and when you want to eat
- A picture of the space, if you can
Send us the date, your venue or BR5 postcode and guest numbers, along with any dietary needs, and we will reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. To get started, send us your details through our quote form.
Why choose live paella in St Paul's Cray?
If you want food that encourages guests to mingle, tapas work brilliantly. Larger events generally cost less per head, since the set-up is much the same either way. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.
Why choose Love Paella in St Paul's Cray
- No hidden extras in your quote
- Live cooking, not reheated food
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
- Waiting staff and crockery on request
Also near St Paul's Cray
More for events in St Paul's Cray
DIY paella versus live catering
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
Some hosts like to cook themselves. The usual problems are a pan too big for the burner, too much rice and stirring once the rice is in. If you’d rather enjoy the party, let us cook.
Organising for someone else?
Throwing a party at home? Send us a photo of the garden and tell us about access, and we’ll tell you honestly whether live paella will work.
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we will keep you updated on timings and set-up.
A closer look at the menu
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Patatas bravas
Always popular.
Space, weather and the venue
Before the day, we’ll agree where we cook. A good spot ticks these boxes:
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
- Space for a serving table or station
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
As a London location, St Paul's Cray is inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and parking takes planning: let us know about permits, bays or off-street parking.
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise.
On the menu in St Paul's Cray
- Patatas bravas
- Albóndigas
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Tortilla española
- Manchego & membrillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Serrano ham
- Gambas al ajillo
St Paul's Cray: your questions answered
Can you cook in Chislehurst Common?
Only if the landowner, normally the council, allows it. Check with them, and we will provide our paperwork.
What’s the nearest station to St Paul's Cray for guests?
St Paul's Cray has its own station: St Mary Cray station.
How soon do we need to book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Ask about your date even if it’s soon.
Do you come to St Paul's Cray?
Yes. We cover London and the South East, including St Paul's Cray. To check your date, fill in our quote form.
Are your tapas vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Tortilla, patatas bravas, padrón peppers and Manchego are vegetarian classics.
Will there be enough food?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
When do you arrive?
We get there in good time to set up. Once the rice goes in, it takes about 20 minutes, and we time it to your schedule.
Can we add drinks?
Yes. Sangria can be added, and bar staff if you’re providing the drinks.
Perfect for your event in St Paul's Cray
Tapas are sociable food.
Big or small, live paella works well. Common bookings include:
- Work receptions
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Welcome-drink canapés
- Cocktail parties
Guests travelling by rail: St Mary Cray station is in St Paul's Cray itself.
What to look for in a quote
- VAT, if it applies
- How late numbers can change
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- The venue requirements
How it works
Once the rice is in, we do not stir it. That’s how the grains cook evenly and the toasted base, the socarrat, forms. The smell normally draws people over. Evening receptions in St Paul's Cray stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- First, we check availability.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We arrive and set up our station.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Preparing for the day
- Give us a contact for the day
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Have a level space ready for the pans
Ask for a quote
Still deciding on the menu? No problem: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we will make suggestions. Start when you’re ready: send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
- Cooked live in giant pans at your event
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options
- Paella, tapas, canapés and desserts
- Sangria, bar staff, crockery and waiting staff