East Sussex · England
Tapas Catering in Whitesmith
Planning tapas catering in Whitesmith? We bring the pans, burners and fresh ingredients and cook while your guests watch.
- Evening sharing boards
- Tapas and paella menus
- Cocktail parties
Tapas catering in Whitesmith
Tapas catering in Whitesmith, made fresh on the day
Tapas and paella go hand in hand, served while the paella cooks, but they work on their own too. Whether it is welcome-drink canapés and cocktail parties, we can cook Serrano ham, albóndigas and patatas bravas for your guests.
For a country party near Whitesmith, tapas and sangria set the mood. Every guest is catered for, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal included, each in a separate pan and clearly labelled.
- Location
- Whitesmith (BN8)
- Area hub
- East Sussex
- Dietary options
- Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quotes
- Contact us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
What tapas catering costs
Your quote will be clear and itemised. What affects it most:
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- Parking and unloading
- Your choice of paellas
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
Larger events generally cost less per head, since the set-up is much the same either way. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.
What to tell us
For a quote, it helps to have:
- The date and time of the event
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- The courses you’d like
We need only a few details to quote: date, location, guest numbers and diets. To send them, use our quote form.
Paella compared with other options
Plated starters need a kitchen. Table tapas are relaxed and sociable. There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A simple paella lunch costs less than a wedding with canapés, three paellas and waiting staff. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why Whitesmith hosts choose us
- A quote that spells everything out
- Waiting staff and crockery on request
- Paella cooked from scratch on site
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
Read How we price And What paella catering costs.
Whitesmith: your questions answered
Is Whitesmith 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 cook at venues in the South Downs National Park?
Yes. Some venues there have rules about vehicles, ground and cooking, so check with yours. We’ll follow the site rules.
Can you do sangria?
Sangria, yes, plus bar staff for your own drinks.
Do you cover Whitesmith?
Yes. We cover London and the South East, including Whitesmith. For a quote, use our quote form.
Are the tapas fresh?
Yes, hot dishes are finished at the venue so they’re served at their best.
What happens if it rains?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We’ll agree a wet-weather plan with you.
Are your tapas vegetarian-friendly?
Lots. Tortilla, bravas and Manchego are popular vegetarian choices.
What areas do you cover?
We cater across London and the South East, including East Sussex. Find your area.
Who books tapas catering in Whitesmith?
They make a perfect starter before paella.
If you’re planning any of these, we can help:
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Office parties and launches
- Engagement parties
- Anniversary parties
For guests coming by train, Berwick (Sussex) station is about 4.5 miles away.
What to look for in a quote
- Payment terms and deposit
- When final numbers are due
- VAT, if it applies
- Exactly what’s included in the price
Whitesmith: venues and local tips
Whitesmith is about 5 miles north-west of Hailsham, in East Sussex. We cook at events in gardens, halls and venues around Whitesmith. Whitesmith is one of 289 towns and villages in East Sussex we cover. Our nearest city page is Brighton, about 14 miles away.
Historic houses near Whitesmith include Michelham Priory (3.5 miles south-east) and Horselunges Manor (3.6 miles east). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. Historic buildings near Whitesmith often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. The South Downs National Park is within about 7 miles of Whitesmith, ideal for an outdoor reception.
For tapas catering in BN8, we plan around your venue. Whether your event is on Whitesmith Lane and Whitesmith or anywhere nearby, we can cook there. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Chiddingly (1 mile east), East Hoathly (1 mile north), Halland (2 miles north-west), Shortgate (2 miles west) and Blackboys (4 miles north). We also cook in nearby towns such as Eastbourne (10 miles south-east), Bexhill-on-Sea (13 miles east), Seaford (9 miles south), Lewes (8 miles west), Hailsham (5 miles south-east) and Crowborough (10 miles north).
Other landmarks nearby include Hellingly Hospital Railway (4 miles east) and Tickerage Castle (4.6 miles north). Open spaces near Whitesmith include Selwyns Wood.
A closer look at the menu
Croquetas
Always among the first to go.
Patatas bravas
A tapas classic.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
For a small group, cooking yourself can work well. For big numbers or lots of diets, a caterer makes life easier, and keeps vegetarian and allergy-safe pans separate.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, have hot stock ready, and don’t stir once the rice goes in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
Step by step
Serving is fast: the paella goes straight from the pan to the plate, so large groups are fed quickly. Afterwards we clear our cooking area away. At midsummer, it is light in Whitesmith until about 9:15pm, perfect for canapés outdoors. In late September, sunset is about 7:05pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:55pm, are better indoors.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish hot tapas on site.
- Canapés go round or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Before we arrive
- Plan cover in case of rain
- Give us a contact for the day
- Give us your final numbers and diets
Getting a price
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: venue, timings, courses and extras. To send your details, send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
Planning for every diet
Few dishes handle mixed diets as well as paella, because every paella has its own pan. A few tips:
- Canapés need staff to serve
- Decide whether tapas are a starter, canapés or the whole meal
- Add sangria or cava
- Check diets in advance
Each dish is labelled.
Sangria and bar staff.
Space, weather and the venue
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but a few things matter:
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Space for a serving table or station
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think.
Menu ideas
- Tortilla española
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Serrano ham
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Olives & bread
- Albóndigas
- Patatas bravas
Towns and villages near Whitesmith
More for events in Whitesmith
- 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