Kent · England
Tapas Catering for Staplehurst events
From the first sizzle of the sofrito to the last spoonful of crispy rice, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella makes the food a highlight of your event in Staplehurst.
- Cocktail parties
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Tapas and paella menus
Planning an event in Staplehurst?
Planning a tapas spread in Staplehurst
Staplehurst is about 7 miles south of Maidstone, in Kent. For tapas catering in Staplehurst, we can cook in gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and offices. We cater in 922 places across Kent, from the larger towns to small villages. We cook right across the region, from Staplehurst to Canterbury (24 miles away).
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like All Saints Church. For guests coming by train, Staplehurst station is in Staplehurst itself. The High Weald National Landscape is within about 5 miles of Staplehurst, ideal for an outdoor reception.
For tapas catering in TN12, we plan around your venue. Whether your event is on Station Road, High Street and North Down or anywhere nearby, we will bring the pans to you. Nearby, we also cater events in Hawkenbury (1 mile north-east), Marden Thorn (2 miles west), Cross-at-Hand (2 miles north), Wanshurst Green (2 miles north-west) and Sinkhurst Green (2 miles south-east). Further out, we also cater in Maidstone (7 miles north), Ashford (14 miles east), Sittingbourne (15 miles north-east), Royal Tunbridge Wells (12 miles west), Tonbridge (12 miles west) and Kings Hill (10 miles north-west).
A little further out are Brattle Farm Museum (1 mile south-west) and Sissinghurst Castle (3.7 miles south).
- Pubs nearby include The Railway Tavern (under half a mile north)
Tapas catering in Staplehurst, made fresh on the day
We finish hot tapas on site, so they arrive hot. For sharing boards for evening guests and birthday drinks, we’ll put together a menu of albóndigas, Manchego with membrillo and padrón peppers and more.
In Staplehurst, tapas work at home or in a local hall. We bring everything we need to cook, and pack down our cooking area when service is finished.
Occasions we cook for in Staplehurst
They suit standing receptions where a full meal doesn’t fit.
Here are some of the events we cook for around Staplehurst:
- Birthday drinks
- Engagement celebrations
- Tapas starters
- Tapas before paella
If you are looking at a historic venue around Staplehurst, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking.
What to look for in a quote
- How long the team stays
- Whether crockery, cutlery and napkins are included
- How late numbers can change
- How bad weather is handled
The process
We take care of the food from set-up to service, so you are free to enjoy your event. If you’ve chosen tapas or canapés, they go out first while the paella cooks. A summer drinks reception in Staplehurst has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it is dark around 7:00pm, and in December by about 3:50pm.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- You get a selection and a price.
- We set up and finish the hot dishes.
- Canapés go round or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Getting ready for the day
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Name one person we can ask on the day
How to get a price
To get a price, fill in our quote form. Tell us about your event in Staplehurst, and we will put together a menu and price.
Planning help
Planning the cooking area
If a space isn’t suitable, we will tell you. What matters most:
- Space for a serving table or station
- Space on each table
- Venue approval for outside catering
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly before booking.
Menu ideas
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
- Croquetas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
- Serrano ham
- Manchego & membrillo
- Patatas bravas
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
Why live cooking beats a buffet
If you want food that encourages guests to mingle, tapas work brilliantly. Extras such as tapas, desserts, sangria, staff and crockery are priced separately, so you only pay for what you want.
What you get with us
- Waiting staff and crockery on request
- Catering across Kent, including Staplehurst
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
See How we price And What paella catering costs.
Prices and what affects them
Every event is priced individually, and the price depends on a few things:
- Travel, parking and access
- The paellas you choose
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Whether you need crockery
Live paella pricing depends on the event. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. Your quote spells it all out.
Getting an accurate quote
We can quote more accurately with a few details. Here’s what’s useful:
- What the venue already provides
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- The date and time of the event
- A picture of where we’d cook
We quote for each event separately, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, use our quote form.
Questions from Staplehurst
Which station should guests use for Staplehurst?
Staplehurst station, in Staplehurst itself.
Is Staplehurst close to London?
About 36 miles from central London, and we cover it as standard.
Are your tapas vegetarian-friendly?
Lots. Tortilla, bravas and Manchego are popular vegetarian choices.
How many different paellas?
Typically two or three, so every guest has a choice. Tell us about your guests’ diets and we’ll suggest the mix.
Can we add drinks?
We can add sangria and bar staff.
How do you work out quantities?
Pans are sized to your numbers and other courses. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
Do you cook it at the event?
Yes. Every paella is cooked from scratch on site, where your guests can watch.
Can you supply plates?
Yes, on request. Proper crockery or quality disposables are available.
Dishes our guests love
Croquetas
Crisp outside, creamy inside.
Tortilla española
Tortilla is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free when made carefully.
DIY paella versus live catering
Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. We’re happy to give you a quote to compare.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, have hot stock ready, and do not stir once the rice goes in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.
Places near Staplehurst
Also in Staplehurst
For planners, venues and organisers
Organising a club, school or community event in Staplehurst? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Tell us about the event and we’ll suggest a menu.
Hosting a party at home? Send a picture of the space and tell us about parking, and we will let you know if live paella is a good fit.
- 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