Buckinghamshire · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Thornborough, Buckinghamshire
From the first sizzle in the pan to the last crispy spoonful, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella makes the food a highlight of your event in Thornborough.
- Evening sharing boards
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Table tapas as a starter
Live tapas catering in Thornborough
About our tapas catering in Thornborough
Tapas and paella go hand in hand, served while the paella cooks, but they’re great on their own. On the menu are tortilla española, patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo, and we are regularly asked to cater cocktail parties and evening sharing boards.
Near Thornborough, tapas suit gardens, barns and marquees. We bring everything we need to cook, and pack down our cooking area when service is finished.
- Location
- Thornborough (MK18)
- Area hub
- Buckinghamshire
- Dietary options
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quotes
- Ask us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
How it works
The paella is cooked in giant, shallow pans over gas burners. We need a level, ventilated spot, and we agree where that is before the day. Evening receptions in Thornborough stay light until about 9:00pm in late May and 9:25pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- You tell us the date, venue, numbers and how you’d like the tapas served.
- We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
- On the day we arrive, set up and finish the hot tapas on site.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- We pack down when service ends.
Before we arrive
- Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
- Plan cover in case of rain
- Tell us when you want to eat
How to get a price
To get a price, use our quote form. Tell us about your event in Thornborough, and we will put together a menu and price.
Read more
Places near Thornborough
More for events in Thornborough
Why live cooking beats a buffet
Nibbles fill a gap. Tapas make a proper course. When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, bread and salads, travel and VAT. We itemise ours.
What you get with us
- Real theatre, not just catering
- Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
- Sangria and bar staff available
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
Read Our pricing Or The cost guide.
Thornborough: your questions answered
Is Thornborough too small for live paella?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Let us know about access and parking.
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St Mary?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is typically elsewhere. Send us the reception address.
Are there vegetarian tapas?
Yes. Tortilla, patatas bravas, padrón peppers and Manchego are vegetarian classics.
What space do you need to cook?
Less than you might think: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. Send us a photo if you are not sure.
Do you cater for young children?
Yes. A simple chicken paella is generally popular with children. Tell us how many are coming.
How do you work out quantities?
We plan quantities around your timings and courses. Tell us more for a suggestion.
Do you provide serving staff?
Yes, if you want them. Canapés need staff to carry them round.
When should we book?
The sooner the better. Popular dates book up first, so it pays to ask early.
For planners, venues and organisers
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we will keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Booking for a company? Tell us what your finance team needs, and we’ll talk you through the process. We can work with your facilities team on access and timings.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
DIY catering keeps costs down, but the host spends the party cooking. Booking us means you get the show without the stress.
You can hire equipment and do it yourself, but there’s shopping, prep and hours of cooking. We take care of all of it.
Dishes our guests love
Manchego & membrillo
Spanish sheep’s cheese with quince paste.
Gambas al ajillo
Popular with prawn fans.
Dietary needs and planning tips
With a little notice, every diet is easy. We suggest:
- Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
- Widen the selection for a tapas-only menu
- Pair tapas with sangria, cava or sherry
- Label vegetarian and allergen-free dishes
Canapés go round with the drinks as guests arrive.
Churros or crema catalana to finish.
Drinks receptions around Thornborough
Thornborough is about 3 miles east of Buckingham, in Buckinghamshire. We bring tapas catering to homes, gardens and venues in Thornborough. We cater in 263 places across Buckinghamshire, from the larger towns to small villages. Our events stretch from Thornborough to Milton Keynes (7 miles away).
Historic buildings near Thornborough often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. Nearby historic houses include Stowe House (4.9 miles north-west). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed.
Here we cover the MK18 postcode area, so your event can be anywhere in it. Local streets include High Street, Chapel Lane and The Green; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Adstock (2 miles south), Padbury (2 miles south-west), Buckingham (3 miles west), Steeple Claydon (5 miles south-west) and East Claydon (5 miles south). We also cook in nearby towns such as Aylesbury (13 miles south), Elmhurst (13 miles south), Southcourt (14 miles south), Haydon Hill (12 miles south), Turnfurlong (14 miles south) and Quarrendon Estate (12 miles south).
Other landmarks nearby include Buckingham Castle (3.1 miles west) and Buckingham Movie Museum (3 miles west). Open spaces near Thornborough include Buckingham Sand Pit.
Perfect for your event in Thornborough
They make a perfect starter before paella.
Whatever you’re celebrating in Thornborough, live paella can be the centrepiece. We regularly cater:
- Tapas before paella
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Drinks reception canapés
- Engagement drinks
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Mary, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
What to look for in a quote
- Whether travel is included
- How bad weather is handled
- A clear list of what’s included
- Staff numbers and hours
Before you choose a spot
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- Unloading access
- Venue approval for outside catering
- An area to prepare hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
Menu ideas
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Tortilla española
- Albóndigas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Padrón peppers
- Croquetas
- 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