Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Upper Ifield, Kent
From the first sizzle of the sofrito to the last spoonful of crispy rice, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella makes the food a highlight of your event in Upper Ifield.
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Sharing tapas starters
- Engagement celebrations
Tapas catering near Upper Ifield
Tapas for events in Upper Ifield
Upper Ifield is about 2 miles south-east of Gravesend, in Kent. Whether your event is in the middle of Upper Ifield or on the outskirts, we offer the same service: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. We cater in all 922 towns and villages in Kent, from the larger towns to small villages. You can also see our page for London, about 23 miles away.
For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Higham station, about 2.2 miles north-east. Historic houses near Upper Ifield include Cobham College (1.9 miles south-west) and Temple Manor (3.4 miles south-east). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed.
We cover events in every part of DA12. For events just outside Upper Ifield, we cover Shorne (1 mile east), Shorne Ridgeway (1 mile south-east), Thong (1 mile west), Chalk (1 mile north) and Higham (2 miles east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Maidstone (11 miles south-east), Sittingbourne (14 miles east), Dartford (9 miles west), Sevenoaks (14 miles south-west), Northfleet (3 miles north-west) and Swanley (11 miles west).
Well-known places in the area include Gravesham Community Hospital (3.1 miles north-west) and Gravesham Museum (3 miles north-west). The countryside around Upper Ifield includes Sawyers Lake and Rede Common.
- Nearby schools include Thamesview School (1.2 miles north-west)
- Nearby, you will find The Rose and Crown pub (0.5 miles east)
Tapas catering for your event in Upper Ifield
Tapas suit drinks receptions, evening parties, office events and weddings. For drinks parties and receptions and sharing tapas starters, we can cook patatas bravas, Serrano ham and tortilla española.
In a rural spot like Upper Ifield, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We serve straight from the pan, so every plate is hot, and a queue moves quickly.
Your questions about tapas catering in Upper Ifield
Do you come out to small places like Upper Ifield?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
What’s the nearest station to Upper Ifield for guests?
Higham station, about 2.2 miles north-east of the centre.
Where do you cater?
London and the South East: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
How long does the paella take?
We get there in good time to set up. Once the rice goes in, it takes about 20 minutes, timed around your event.
Are your tapas vegetarian-friendly?
Many tapas are naturally vegetarian, like tortilla and padrón peppers. Each dish is labelled.
Will there be enough food?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Let us know about any other food. Our guide to portions explains more.
Do you cater for young children?
Children are welcome. Tell us how many and roughly how old, and we will plan a pan with them in mind.
Do you cater in Upper Ifield?
Yes. We cater across London and the South East, including Upper Ifield and the rest of Kent. To check your date, send us your details through our quote form.
What’s in the pans
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Tortilla española
Potato omelette served in wedges or squares.
The process
Here’s how the day typically 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 when you are ready to eat. Sunset in Upper Ifield is around 9:20pm in June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish hot tapas on site.
- We serve canapés or table tapas.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Preparing for the day
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Check the venue allows live cooking
Get a quote
We need only a few details to quote: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. You can fill in our quote form.
Read more
Diets, allergies and planning
Most events have a mix of diets. To cater well for them:
- Pair tapas with sangria, cava or sherry
- Let us know if tapas are a starter or the main event
- Separate seafood dishes from the rest
- Ask for labels on each dish
Tapas go out to the tables at the start of the meal.
Spanish desserts to finish.
Paella compared with other options
Tapas are flexible, so they fit most plans. Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, as there’s no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. We will send you a quote.
Why choose Love Paella in Upper Ifield
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Tapas, canapés and desserts if you want them
- Drinks service on request
- Catering across Kent, including Upper Ifield
Take a look at Our pricing Or Our guide to catering costs.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it is harder than it looks. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right at scale is tricky. 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.
Events we cater in Upper Ifield
They’re ideal when a full meal doesn’t fit.
Whatever you are celebrating in Upper Ifield, live paella can be the centrepiece. We regularly cater:
- Launches and office parties
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Table tapas as a starter
- Canapés with welcome drinks
A picnic in Shorne Woods Country Park? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is often easier for catering.
Before you book anyone
- Whether crockery, cutlery and napkins are included
- Payment terms and deposit
- Allergen information for each dish
- What the caterer needs from your venue
Prices and what affects them
The same guest numbers can mean different prices, because of:
- Parking and unloading
- Guest numbers
- Timings and hours
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
Seafood and premium ingredients cost more than chicken or vegetable paellas, so the menu you choose affects the price. We will suggest options to suit your budget.
Details that help
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- Diets and allergies you know about
- The date and time of the event
- Expected numbers
- The courses you’d like
Each quote is tailored to your event. Give us your date and numbers, and we’ll check availability at the same time.
Also in Upper Ifield
For planners, venues and organisers
Venues often have their own rules about outside caterers: cooking areas, access times and documents. Tell us what your venue needs and we will work to it.
If you’re booking for a business, tell us how you’d like to handle the booking and payment, and we’ll explain how it works. We’re happy to liaise with facilities on access and timings.
- 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