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

Greater London · England

Tapas & canapé catering in Turnpike Lane, Greater London

From the first sizzle in the pan to the last crispy spoonful, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella turns food into part of your event in Turnpike Lane.

  • Tapas before paella
  • Sharing tapas starters
  • Receptions and drinks parties

Get a quote

Tapas catering for Turnpike Lane events

Organising for someone else?

Events in public spaces, like parks, generally need permission. We can send whatever the landowner or council needs from us.

For big numbers, we plan pans and serving points to keep queues short, so everyone eats promptly. Tell us how long you have for food.

How our tapas catering works in Turnpike Lane

Canapé tapas suit standing receptions; for seated meals, table tapas. Lots of events do both. We’re frequently asked to cater drinks parties and receptions and office parties and launches, with Serrano ham, croquetas and tortilla española.

Canapé tapas suit smaller London spaces in Turnpike Lane. We serve straight from the pan, so every plate is hot, and service is quick once it is ready.

Area
Turnpike Lane (N8, N22, N15)
Area hub
Greater London
Special diets
Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
Extras
Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
Quotes
Contact us for a quote
Last updated
23 October 2026
A jug of red sangria with orange slices next to a glass

Paella compared with other options

Nibbles fill a gap. Tapas are a real course. Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, as there’s no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. Ask us for a quote.

Why Turnpike Lane hosts choose us

  • Waiting staff and crockery on request
  • Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
  • Served hot, straight from the pan
  • Cooking your guests will gather round to watch

See How we price Or What paella catering costs.

Events we cater in Turnpike Lane

One spread covers many tastes and diets.

Live paella works for big and small events alike. Common bookings include:

  • Tapas with a paella main course
  • Welcome-drink canapés
  • Engagement drinks
  • Anniversary parties

After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St John The Baptist (greek Orthodox), canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.

What to look for in a quote

  • Any travel, parking or access charges
  • How bad weather is handled
  • Plates, cutlery and napkins, or disposables
  • How late numbers can change

12 questions to ask before you book

How the day works

We work to your timings. If things run behind, we hold the paella at the right stage so it is still served fresh. Evening receptions in Turnpike Lane stay light until about 8:55pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.

  1. First, we check availability.
  2. You pick the style.
  3. We set up on arrival.
  4. We serve the spread.
  5. Afterwards, we clear up.

Preparing for the day

  • Tell us where to park and unload
  • Plan cover in case of rain
  • Let us know the timings for the day

Ask for a quote

It is easy to get a price: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We’ll come back with a clear quote and a suggested menu.

Tell us about your event

Read more

What we need at the venue

Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but there are a few things to check:

  • Space on each table
  • Space for a serving table or station
  • Unloading access

As a London location, Turnpike Lane is inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and parking takes planning: let us know about permits, bays or off-street parking.

If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise before booking.

On the menu in Turnpike Lane

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

Browse the menu

Planning a tapas spread in Turnpike Lane

Turnpike Lane is about 3 miles north of Highbury, in Greater London. Give us the address of your event in Turnpike Lane, and we’ll plan the journey and set-up before the day. Turnpike Lane is one of 764 places in Greater London where we cook. We cook right across the region, from Turnpike Lane to London (6 miles away).

Historic buildings near Turnpike Lane often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue. For guests coming by train, Turnpike Lane has its own station, Hornsey station.

We cook at events all over N8, N22 and N15. That could mean an event in a garden on Bury Road, High Road and Glebe Road or the roads around them. If your venue is just outside Turnpike Lane, we also cover Hornsey (1 mile west), Noel Park (1 mile north), Wood Green (1 mile north), Stroud Green (1 mile south) and Crouch End (1 mile south-west). We also cook in nearby towns such as London (6 miles south), City of Westminster (6 miles south), Marylebone (5 miles south), Kensington (7 miles south-west), St Pancras (4 miles south) and Shoreditch (5 miles south).

Well-known places in the area include The Mall Wood Green (within half a mile north) and Municipal Borough of Wood Green (0.8 miles north-west). The countryside around Turnpike Lane includes Darland's Lake and Railway Fields.

  • Local schools include Greig City Academy (within half a mile south-west) and Moselle Upper School (0.8 miles east)
  • Pubs nearby include The Toll Gate pub (less than half a mile north-east)
Map of Turnpike Lane © OpenStreetMap contributors

How we price tapas catering

These are the factors that matter most:

  • Guest numbers
  • The length of service
  • Whether you need crockery
  • Your choice of paellas

Got a budget? Let us know, and we will put together a menu that fits. A simple menu can still feel generous.

What we need to know

To check availability and price, we need:

  • Expected numbers
  • Which courses you have in mind
  • A picture of where we’d cook
  • Where the event is

Each quote is tailored to your event. Give us your date and numbers, and we will check availability at the same time.

Catering for every guest

We take diets and allergies seriously. Help us by following these steps:

  • Pair tapas with sangria, cava or sherry
  • Tell us what role tapas play
  • Include staff for canapés
  • Ask guests about diets and allergies

Tapas go out to the tables at the start of the meal.

Waiting staff for canapés.

Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?

Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.

Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. We are happy to give you a quote to compare.

Turnpike Lane: your questions answered

What about parking in Turnpike Lane?

It can be, so tell us about parking bays, permits or a driveway. We’ll plan unloading around it.

Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St John The Baptist (greek Orthodox)?

Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking typically happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.

Are there vegetarian tapas?

Plenty are vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers. Each dish is labelled.

What does tapas catering cost?

It depends on guest numbers, the menu, the courses, staff and travel. Tell us about your event and we will send a quote.

Do you cook inside?

Only in a suitable, well-ventilated area with the venue’s permission. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.

Can you bring crockery?

If you need them, yes. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables are available.

When should we book?

As soon as you have a date. Popular dates book up first, so contact us early.

How do you work out quantities?

Quantities depend on timing and courses. Give us the details and we will advise.

  • 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