West Sussex · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Woodmancote, West Sussex
Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Woodmancote and the surrounding area.
- Engagement drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Tapas and paella menus
Live tapas catering in Woodmancote
About our tapas catering in Woodmancote
Tapas suit drinks receptions, evening parties, office events and weddings. Popular choices include patatas bravas, Serrano ham and gambas al ajillo, and typical bookings are for engagement parties and drinks reception canapés.
Near Woodmancote, tapas suit gardens, barns and marquees. Tapas, canapés, desserts, sangria and staff can all be added, so one booking can cover the whole menu.
- Area
- Woodmancote (BN5)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Special diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Also available
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quote
- Contact us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
The process
A typical event goes like this: 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’re ready to eat. Evening receptions in Woodmancote stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- First, we check availability.
- You pick the style.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
Getting ready for the day
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Choose a level spot for the cooking area
- Tell us when you want to eat
Getting a price
Each quote is tailored to your event. Tell us your date and guest numbers, and we will confirm whether we’re available that day.
Related guides
What’s in the pans
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Tortilla española
A vegetarian favourite.
Planning a tapas spread in Woodmancote
Woodmancote is about 6 miles south-west of Burgess Hill, in West Sussex. Events in Woodmancote are planned around your venue and timings: a quote, a plan and live cooking on the day. Woodmancote is one of 371 places in West Sussex we cover. Our events stretch from Woodmancote to Brighton (8 miles away).
Historic buildings near Woodmancote often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue. Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Hassocks station, about 4.3 miles east. Woodmancote is within about 6 miles of the South Downs National Park, ideal for an outdoor reception.
For tapas catering in BN5, we plan around your venue and your guests. For events just outside Woodmancote, we cover Blackstone (1 mile north-east), Small Dole (2 miles south-west), Henfield (2 miles north-west), Albourne (2 miles north-east) and High Cross (2 miles north-east). Within a short drive, we also cover Crawley (14 miles north), Horsham (11 miles north), Worthing (9 miles south-west), Haywards Heath (8 miles north-east), Burgess Hill (6 miles north-east) and Littlehampton (15 miles south-west).
A little further out are The Dene Hospital (4.7 miles north-east) and The Budding Foundation Museum of Gardening (4 miles east). The countryside around Woodmancote includes Woods Mill and Truleigh Hill.
Planning the cooking area
We cook in large pans over gas burners, so we need a suitable spot. Here’s what we look for:
- Permission from the venue
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
- A spot for our serving station
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise.
Menu ideas
- Albóndigas
- Gambas al ajillo
- Croquetas
- Serrano ham
- Olives & bread
- Patatas bravas
- Padrón peppers
- Manchego & membrillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
What affects the price in Woodmancote
There are no hidden charges: the quote reflects:
- How many guests are eating
- Whether you need crockery
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- Timings and hours
Larger events typically cost less per head, because the cooking set-up is similar for different sizes of event. Give us your numbers and we will quote.
Getting an accurate quote
Good planning starts with a few facts. Try to include:
- Whether you want canapés, tapas or desserts
- Roughly how many adults and children
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. When you’re ready, use our quote form.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and keeps vegetarian and allergy-safe pans separate.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. Ask us for a quote and compare.
Who books tapas catering in Woodmancote?
They make a perfect starter before paella.
Live paella suits almost any gathering. In Woodmancote, people book us for events such as:
- Evening sharing boards
- Birthday and anniversary parties
- Work receptions
- Tapas before paella
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like The Parish Church of St Peter.
Comparing caterers
- How long the team stays
- Whether travel is included
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- If the price includes VAT
For event organisers in Woodmancote
For larger events, we plan the number of pans and serving points around your timings, so everyone eats promptly. Tell us how long you have for food.
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we’ll keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Nearby places to Woodmancote
More for events in Woodmancote
Your questions about tapas catering in Woodmancote
We are having a ceremony at The Parish Church of St Peter: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is typically elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Do you come out to small places like Woodmancote?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
Yes, and it’s a popular combination. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
Do you provide drinks?
Sangria, yes. We can also supply bar staff for your own drinks.
How far ahead should we book?
As soon as you have a date. Popular dates book up first, so it pays to ask early.
Is halal food available?
Yes, we do. We use halal chicken and leave out pork and alcohol, in its own pan.
Can you cater for children?
Yes, children are easy to cater for. Tell us how many and roughly how old, and we will plan for them.
Is the paella cooked on site?
Yes, always. Every paella is cooked from scratch on site, where your guests can watch.
Catering for every guest
We take diets and allergies seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Ensure dishes are labelled
- Tell us what role tapas play
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
Table tapas are set down to share.
Staff to serve canapés.
- 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