West Sussex · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Thorney Island, West Sussex
Looking for tapas catering in Thorney Island? We arrive with the pans, burners and fresh ingredients and cook in front of your guests.
- Work receptions
- Sharing tapas starters
- Anniversary parties
Tapas catering near Thorney Island
Tapas for events in Thorney Island
Thorney Island is about 4 miles south-east of Havant, in West Sussex. For an event in Thorney Island, we can cook in gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and offices in and around Thorney Island. Thorney Island is one of 371 places in West Sussex we cover. You can also see our page for Southampton, about 21 miles away.
If you are looking at a historic venue around Thorney Island, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Southbourne station, about 1.8 miles north-east. The coast is within about 4 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
We cater events across the PO10 postcode area and the streets around it. From Hunter Road, Emsworth Road and Spartan Close or anywhere nearby, we will bring the pans to you. Nearby, we also cater events in West Thorney (1 mile south-east), North Hayling (1 mile west), Tye (1 mile south-west), Northney (1 mile west) and Emsworth (2 miles north). Within a short drive, we also cover Bognor Regis (11 miles east), Chichester (7 miles east), Selsey (9 miles south-east), Portfield (7 miles east), Yapton (14 miles east) and East Wittering (5 miles south-east).
Other landmarks nearby include Havant War Memorial Hospital (3.2 miles north-west) and Emsworth Museum (1.6 miles north). Not far away are Nutborne Marshes.
- Nearby schools include Bourne Community College (1.9 miles north)
Tapas catering in Thorney Island, made fresh on the day
Tapas pair naturally with a live paella, served while the paella cooks, but they’re great on their own. Whether it is tapas before paella and birthday drinks, we’ll put together a menu of padrón peppers, tortilla española and gambas al ajillo.
For a country party near Thorney Island, tapas and sangria set the mood. We plan the timings around your day, so the paella is ready when you want to eat.
- Area
- Thorney Island (PO10)
- County
- West Sussex
- Special diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quotes
- Ask us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
Step by step
We arrive in good time before you want to eat, unload, set up the burners and prepare the stock. Your guests are welcome to watch as the paella takes shape. At midsummer, it is light in Thorney Island until about 9:20pm, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it is dark around 7:05pm, and in December by about 4:00pm.
- It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
- We suggest a selection and confirm a quote.
- On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
How to prepare
- Let us know the timings for the day
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Arrange a covered spot for wet weather
Getting a price
Getting a quote is simple: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We will come back with a clear quote and a suggested menu.
Planning help
Planning the cooking area
If a space is not suitable, we’ll tell you. The main points are:
- Space on each table
- Space to finish hot dishes
- A spot for our serving station
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise.
What we offer
- Gambas al ajillo
- Patatas bravas
- Tortilla española
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Chorizo in red wine
- Olives & bread
- Manchego & membrillo
- Serrano ham
- Albóndigas
Occasions we cook for in Thorney Island
They’re easy to eat with a drink in hand.
Whatever the occasion, paella can be the star of the food. We frequently cook for:
- Drinks reception canapés
- Sharing tapas starters
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Tapas before paella
After a ceremony at a church such as The Parish Church of St Nicholas, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Comparing caterers
- Who provides the crockery
- A clear list of what’s included
- When payment is due
- Allergen information for each dish
What affects the price in Thorney Island
There’s nothing hidden: the price is based on:
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- The paellas you choose
- The number of people
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, sides, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
What we need to know
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- The date and time of the event
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
Every event is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
A closer look at the menu
Patatas bravas
A tapas classic and generally vegetarian.
Manchego & membrillo
Easy and classic.
Nearby places to Thorney Island
Other catering in Thorney Island
Catering for every guest
We take diets and allergies seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Make sure dishes are labelled
- Collect dietary needs
- Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
- Canapés need staff to serve
Dishes are labelled for diets and allergens.
Staff to serve canapés.
Paella compared with other options
Generic canapés all look the same. Tapas bring something different. Travel, parking and access can affect the price, so tell us about the venue when you ask for a quote. Everything is confirmed in writing.
Why Thorney Island hosts choose us
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Sangria and bar staff available
- Live cooking, not reheated food
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
Working with your venue
Events in public spaces, like parks, usually need permission. We’ll provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can plan ahead.
Questions from Thorney Island
Can you cater a reception after a service at The Parish Church of St Nicholas?
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 normally elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Can you cook near the sea around Thorney Island?
Yes, with a sheltered cooking spot. Sea breezes cool the pan, so a windbreak, building or gazebo helps.
Can you do sangria?
Yes. Sangria can be added, and bar staff if you’re providing the drinks.
Do you cook it at the event?
Yes. Every paella is cooked from scratch on site, in front of your guests.
Can you provide dessert?
Yes, Spanish desserts can be added. Let us know if you’d like one in your enquiry.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
Of course. Canapés with drinks or tapas for the tables, while the rice is cooking.
What do you need at the venue?
Level ground for the burners, pans and a table, outdoors or in a marquee or well-ventilated area, and the venue’s permission for live cooking.
Do you come to Thorney Island?
Yes. We cover London and the South East, and Thorney Island is within our area. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
- 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