Kent · England
Tapas Catering for Standen events
From the first sizzle in the pan to the last crispy spoonful, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella turns food into part of your event in Standen.
- Table tapas as a starter
- Work receptions
- Birthday drinks
Planning an event in Standen?
Tapas catering for your event in Standen
We will recommend a tapas selection for your event, starter or main event. Typical bookings include table tapas as a starter and drinks parties and receptions, serving tortilla española, Serrano ham and Manchego with membrillo.
In a rural spot like Standen, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We serve straight from the pan, so every plate is hot, and a queue moves quickly.
Planning a tapas spread in Standen
Standen is about 9 miles west of Ashford, in Kent. Whether your event is in the middle of Standen or on the outskirts, we offer the same service: paella cooked live, every diet catered for and a clear quote. We cook in all 922 towns and villages across Kent. Our nearest city page is Canterbury, about 21 miles away.
If you’re looking at a historic venue around Standen, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. The High Weald National Landscape is within about 6 miles of Standen, ideal for an outdoor reception.
We cook at events all over TN27. Local streets include Smarden Road, Pook Lane and Weeks Lane; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. If your venue is just outside Standen, we also cover Curteis' Corner (1 mile south-west), Lashenden (1 mile north-west), Monk's Hill (1 mile north-east), Biddenden (1 mile south-west) and Stede Quarter (1 mile south-east). Within a short drive, we also cover Maidstone (11 miles north-west), Ashford (9 miles east), Sittingbourne (15 miles north), Kings Hill (14 miles north-west), Foley Park (12 miles north-west) and Paddock Wood (12 miles west).
Other landmarks nearby include Benenden Hospital (3.5 miles south-west) and Romden Castle (2.7 miles north-east).
Other catering in Standen
Before you choose a spot
We’ll be honest if a space will not work, and help find another spot. The main points are:
- Unloading access
- A spot for our serving station
- Space on each table
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think.
What we offer
- Olives & bread
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Gambas al ajillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Albóndigas
- Tortilla española
- Serrano ham
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
Live paella or other catering?
Tapas are flexible, which makes them easy to plan around. Compared with a plated meal, live paella is frequently good value, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. Ask us for a quote.
Why choose Love Paella in Standen
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- A clear, itemised quote
- We cover Standen and the whole of Kent
- Waiting staff and crockery on request
See How we price And What paella catering costs.
Your questions about tapas catering in Standen
Can you cook at venues in the High Weald National Landscape?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules; ask your venue. We will work to whatever the site needs.
Which station should guests use for Standen?
Headcorn station, about 2.6 miles north-west of the centre.
Can we have tapas without paella?
Absolutely, for receptions, parties and evening food.
Do you do starters?
Yes, and it is a popular combination. Tapas first, paella to follow.
Do we need staff for canapés?
We can provide staff. Canapés need staff to serve.
How much does tapas catering cost in Standen?
The price depends on numbers, menu, courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
When should we book?
The sooner the better. Popular dates book up first, so it pays to ask early.
How long do you need on site?
It depends on the menu and numbers. We agree the timings in advance.
Planning for every diet
Allergies and diets are taken seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Decide whether tapas are a starter, canapés or the whole meal
- Include staff for canapés
Each dish is labelled.
Sangria and bar staff.
How the day works
We work to your timings. If speeches run late or the photos take longer, we hold the paella at the right stage so it’s served at its best. Evening receptions in Standen stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:15pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- Send us the date, venue, numbers and serving style.
- We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
- On the day we arrive, set up and finish the hot tapas on site.
- We serve canapés with drinks or set table tapas down to share.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
Before we arrive
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Plan cover in case of rain
- Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
Ask for a quote
We quote for each event separately, so the price fits what you actually want. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
Related guides
What tapas catering costs
We will give you a clear, itemised quote. What affects it most:
- The length of service
- Distance and access to the venue
- Guest numbers
- Crockery and cutlery, or disposables
Larger events typically cost less per head, because the cooking set-up is similar for different sizes of event. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.
Getting an accurate quote
The more we know about your event, the better we can plan. Try to include:
- A photo of the space, if you can
- Expected numbers
- The address or venue name
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
Getting a quote is simple: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We’ll come back with a clear quote and a suggested menu.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Cooking it yourself? Test your pan and burner first, keep the stock hot, and leave the rice alone once it’s in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. Ask us for a quote and compare.
The menu, dish by dish
Tortilla española
Potato omelette cut into bites.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Perfect for your event in Standen
Big or small, tapas work.
We’re booked for all kinds of occasions in Standen and nearby. Some of the most common are:
- Welcome-drink canapés
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Engagement parties
- Table tapas as a starter
For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Headcorn station, about 2.6 miles north-west.
What your quote should include
- How long the team stays
- How each diet is kept separate
- What the caterer needs from your venue
- When payment is due
- 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