Live paella catering, cooked fresh at your event · London and the South East
A spread of tapas on wooden boards with glasses of red wine

West Berkshire · England

Tapas Catering for Theale events

Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Theale and the surrounding area.

  • Work receptions
  • Tapas before paella
  • Engagement parties

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Tapas catering in Theale

Tapas for events in Theale

Theale is about 4 miles west of Reading, in West Berkshire. From the centre of Theale to the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. Theale is one of 155 towns and villages in West Berkshire where we cook.

Parks such as Calcot Park have their own rules for catering, so check before planning a party there. Historic buildings near Theale often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue.

We cater events across RG7 and the streets around it. Streets in the area include Station Road, High Street and Bath Road, and we can cook for an event on any of them. If your venue is just outside Theale, we also cover Sheffield Bottom (1 mile south-east), Englefield (1 mile north-west), Calcot (1 mile east), Beansheaf Farm (1 mile east) and Trash Green (2 miles south-east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Newbury (11 miles west), Thatcham (8 miles west), Burghfield Common (3 miles south), Speenhamland (11 miles west), Spencers Wood (5 miles south-east) and Shaw (10 miles west).

Other landmarks nearby include Battle Hospital (3.8 miles north-east) and Thames Valley Police Museum (1.2 miles south). The countryside around Theale includes Hosehill Lake and Moor Copse Nature Reserve.

  • Nearby schools include Theale Green Community School (less than half a mile west) and Theale Green Community School (under half a mile west)
  • Nearby, you’ll find Red Lion pub (less than half a mile north)
Map of Theale © OpenStreetMap contributors

How our tapas catering works in Theale

We will recommend a tapas selection for your event, starter or main event. Popular choices include patatas bravas, albóndigas and Manchego with membrillo, and typical bookings are for table tapas as a starter and engagement drinks.

For a party in a place like Theale, a tapas spread is easy and sociable. Your quote spells out exactly what’s included: menu, staff, crockery and anything else you choose.

Location
Theale (RG7)
Area hub
West Berkshire
Diets
Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
Also available
Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
Quote
Quoted for your event
Last updated
23 October 2026
A board of cheeses, cured meats, olives and grapes with bread

The process

Here’s how the day generally runs: we set up the pans and start the sofrito, the rice cooks in front of your guests, and we serve straight from the pan at the agreed time. Sunset in Theale is around 9:25pm in June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.

  1. It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
  2. We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
  3. On the day we arrive, set up and finish the hot tapas on site.
  4. Canapés go round with the drinks, or table tapas go out to share.
  5. Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.

Preparing for the day

  • Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
  • Tell us when you want to eat
  • Give us your final numbers and diets

How to get a price

Not sure what you need yet? No problem: give us the basics about your event, and we’ll make suggestions. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.

Ask for a quote

Related guides

Theale questions

Which station should guests use for Theale?

Theale has its own station: Theale station.

How far is Theale from London?

Roughly 43 miles from the centre of London, and we cover it as standard.

Do you provide serving staff?

Yes, if you want them. Canapés need staff to carry them round.

Are the tapas fresh?

We finish hot dishes on site; cold tapas are laid out as guests arrive.

What does tapas catering cost?

It depends on guest numbers, the menu, the courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.

Do you do tapas on their own?

Yes, tapas work on their own, for receptions, parties and evening food.

Do you provide plates and cutlery?

Yes, on request. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables can be added to your booking.

How many tapas per person?

That depends on their role in the meal. We’ll suggest quantities for your event.

About the dishes

Croquetas

Crisp outside, creamy inside, frequently with ham or mushroom.

Gambas al ajillo

Prawns sizzled in garlic and olive oil with a little chilli.

Catering for every guest

We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests. To get it right:

  • Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
  • Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
  • Ask for labels on each dish
  • Ask guests about diets and allergies

We clear our equipment when service ends.

Serving boards and crockery.

DIY paella versus live catering

Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. Ask us for a quote and compare.

Plenty of people try cooking paella for their own party. Common mistakes are mismatched pans and burners, overfilling and stirring. If you’d rather enjoy the party, let us cook.

Planners, venues and businesses

For larger events, we plan the number of pans and serving points around your timings, so guests are fed quickly. Tell us how long you have for food.

Planning an event for a club, school or charity in Theale? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Give us the details and we will suggest a plan.

Prices and what affects them

The price comes down to a few factors:

  • How many courses
  • The length of service
  • Plates, cutlery and glassware
  • Travel, parking and access

There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A simple paella lunch costs less than a wedding with canapés, three paellas and waiting staff. Your quote spells it all out.

Getting an accurate quote

A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what’s useful:

  • Your date and when you want to eat
  • A photo of the space, if you can
  • Approximate guest numbers, including children
  • The courses you’d like

Tell us your date, venue or postcode and roughly how many guests, along with any dietary needs, and you’ll get a menu idea and a price. Just send us your details through our quote form.

Before you choose a spot

We will be honest if a space will not work, and suggest an alternative. What matters most:

  • Parking near the venue
  • The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
  • A spot for our serving station

Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we will tell you honestly before booking.

On the menu in Theale

  • Tortilla española
  • Padrón peppers
  • Patatas bravas
  • Albóndigas
  • Olives & bread
  • Gambas al ajillo
  • Manchego & membrillo
  • Serrano ham
  • Chorizo in red wine
  • Croquetas

Browse the menu

Why choose live paella in Theale?

A sandwich buffet is easy but forgettable. Tapas feel special. Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. We will send you a quote.

Why us?

  • Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
  • Drinks service on request
  • Catering across West Berkshire, including Theale
  • Cooking your guests will gather round to watch

Take a look at Our prices page Or Our guide to catering costs.

  • 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

See the menu · How it works · Get a quote