Surrey · England
Tapas Catering in Tongham
We cook Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Tongham and nearby, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.
- Tapas and paella menus
- Tapas starters
- Drinks reception canapés
Tapas catering for Tongham events
Diets, allergies and planning
Paella is one of the easiest dishes for mixed diets, because every paella has its own pan. Here are a few tips for planning:
- Check diets in advance
- Separate seafood dishes from the rest
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Ask for labels on each dish
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Serving boards and crockery.
Tapas catering in Tongham, cooked live
Many classic tapas are naturally vegetarian, like tortilla and padrón peppers, and several can be made gluten-free. We cook gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas and tortilla española, and we are regularly asked to cater engagement drinks and evening grazing.
Around Tongham, tapas suit garden parties and village-hall celebrations. All the cooking equipment comes with us, and we clear our cooking area away afterwards.
What happens on the day
We get there well before serving, unload, set up the burners and prepare the stock. Your guests are welcome to watch as the paella takes shape. Sunset in Tongham is around 9:20pm in June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- First, we check availability.
- You pick the style.
- We set up on arrival.
- Hot and cold tapas are served.
- We clear away at the end.
Getting ready for the day
- Arrange a covered spot for wet weather
- Have a level space ready for the pans
- Tell us where to park and unload
Get a quote
It is easy to get a price: share your date, venue, numbers and diets. We’ll come back with a clear quote.
Planning help
How we price tapas catering
The same guest numbers can mean different prices, depending on:
- Waiting and bar staff
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Chicken, vegetable or premium seafood
- Timings and hours
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, bread and salads, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
Getting an accurate quote
For a quote, it helps to have:
- The date and time of the event
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
Most quotes start with a few simple details: date, location, guest numbers and diets. You can fill in our quote form.
Tongham questions
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St Paul?
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. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is Tongham close to London?
About 33 miles from central London.
Is the paella cooked on site?
It is. We arrive with everything we need and cook it there and then, then serve straight from the pan.
Do you cook tapas on site?
Yes, hot dishes are finished at the venue.
Do you supply canapé staff?
Staff make canapés work, which we can supply.
Can you cater for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, and meat eaters often go back for seconds. They have their own pans, stock and spoons.
Do you do desserts?
Yes. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Ask about your date even if it’s soon.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Some hosts like to cook themselves. Common mistakes are mismatched pans and burners, overfilling and stirring. If you’d rather enjoy the party, let us cook.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, keep the stock hot, and don’t stir once the rice goes in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
The menu, dish by dish
Croquetas
Crisp outside, creamy inside.
Manchego & membrillo
Easy and classic.
Is live paella right for your event?
Sandwich buffets are forgettable. Tapas feel special. The price depends on your guest numbers, the menu and how many courses you choose, along with staff, extras and travel. We quote for each event individually.
Why book with us
- Real theatre, not just catering
- A clear, itemised quote
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
Read Our prices page And The cost guide.
What we need at the venue
Every venue is different, so we’ll ask about yours before we confirm. Generally, we look for:
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Space on each table
- Parking near the venue
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise before you book.
Popular choices
- Padrón peppers
- Croquetas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Tortilla española
- Gambas al ajillo
- Patatas bravas
- Albóndigas
- Olives & bread
- Serrano ham
Occasions we cook for in Tongham
They’re easy to eat with a drink in hand.
Big or small, live paella works well. Typical bookings include:
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Work receptions
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Sharing tapas starters
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Paul, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
What to look for in a quote
- Allergen information for each dish
- The deadline for final numbers
- What the price includes, item by item
- What the caterer needs from your venue
Nearby places to Tongham
Also in Tongham
Tapas for events in Tongham
Tongham is about 1 mile south-east of Aldershot, in Surrey. For tapas catering in Tongham, we plan around your venue and timings: a quote, a plan and live cooking on the day. We cater in all 395 towns and villages across Surrey. You can also see our page for Guildford, about 7 miles away.
Historic houses near Tongham include Wanborough Manor (3.1 miles east) and Farnham Castle (3.2 miles west). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. If you are looking at a historic venue around Tongham, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking.
Wherever your event is in GU10, we can bring tapas catering to you. Local streets include The Street, Chester Way and Lambourne Way; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Nearby, we also cater events in Sandy Cross (1 mile south), Ash (1 mile north-east), Seale (1 mile south-east), Ash Green (1 mile north-east) and Badshot Lea (1 mile west). We also cook in nearby towns such as Guildford (7 miles east), Woking (9 miles north-east), Camberley (7 miles north), Farnham (3 miles south-west), Frimley (6 miles north) and Haslemere (10 miles south).
Other landmarks nearby include Ash Museum (1.3 miles north-east) and Farnham Castle (3.2 miles west). Green spaces nearby include Aunt's Pool and Hog's Back.
- Local schools include The Connaught School (under half a mile north-west) and Ash Manor School (0.5 miles north)
- Pubs nearby include The White Hart pub (within half a mile south-east)
- Local facilities include Seale and Tongham (1 mile south)
- 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