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Best Tapas Caterers in the UK
Bring the vibrant flavours of Spain to your next gathering with the best Tapas Catering available across the UK! We've got 366 incredible tapas caterers ready to serve up a feast, from traditional Spanish classics like patatas bravas and gambas al pil pil, to modern twists and fusion tapas. Perfect for private parties, corporate events, or weddings, our expert caterers promise a delicious and authentic experience. Browse our selection and let your taste buds travel!
Every tapas caterer on Poptop has been carefully vetted by our team, ensuring exceptional food quality, professional service, and a proven track record of delighting guests.
The average cost for tapas catering is around £20 per guest, with the final price depending on your chosen menu, number of dishes, and guest count.
Our amazing UK-wide tapas suppliers have successfully catered 654 events, earning 217 verified reviews with an excellent average rating of 4.84*.
4.93(59 reviews)
• 126 bookings
Tapas Inspired By The Mediterranean
Three courses of sharing tapas, inspired by the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean in a relaxed and intimate style.
from £65 / person
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Best Tapas Caterers in the UK
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK
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Georgia Doyle2 Nov 2023
Chef Eugen delivered amazing quality canapes for our corporate function. He went out of his way to be accommodating and was more than helpful.
The food itself was delicious, there was way more than enough to go round as we had 60-70 guests attend.
Would definitely re-use his service again.
A
Andy wilson3 Jan 2023
All through the booking process communication was superb, the service was great, food was superb, set up brilliant could not fault anything at all
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Genevieve van der Vyver26 May 2022
Nafi, owner of Indimax Caterers, was extremely organised and professional. He made excellent suggestions ahead of time and brought a wealth of knowledge to our event. Presentation of the food was excellent and everyone enjoyed it. He even trained our waiting staff and ensured that our event went smoothly. Literally could not have done it without him and will definitely use him again.
C
Claudia Miceli26 Sep 2021
I was nervous as I had booked last minute and all online, but I needn’t to be. The service, the food and the whole experience was great. My guests (around 14) were all delighted and so full by the end of it!
We had the canapés + 2 bowls each (risotto + tagliata) and there was plenty to go around. The chef also accomodate my egg allergy: I had chosen the mini burgers (as too good to pass, although due to the bun I wouldn’t have had them): he made some egg free for me! The two chefs showed up with serving platters and disposable cutlery / bowls. They cleaned up after themselves. One after thought: if you want so, make sure to ask the chefs to leave behind everything; I think some got thrown away if not enough of it (ie two arancini left = bin). I’d have happily had them the next day 😂. All in all flawless service. Will certainly book them again. Bravo!
A
Anna Taylor23 Aug 2021
We booked the Greek Way for a corporate BBQ and the service was excellent from start to finish. Katerina was very helpful and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend.
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Jane Timothy3 Jul 2021
I ordered this package for a wedding reception for my son who wanted a ‘Caribbean feast’. It truly was a feast, the curry goat was tender and very tasty, the jerk chicken was moist and had just the right amount of spice. Almost every guest commented on the deliciousness of the food, several had a second serving. There was more than enough food and Dawn was able to offer a vegetarian option as well as a dish for a guest with a nut allergy. She kept me fully informed of timings and delivery was easily done. I cannot recommend this company more highly.
We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies
We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.
Tapas Caterers in the UK: a buyer’s guide that actually helps
Tapas is the party food that keeps guests chatting, nibbling, and smiling. It’s relaxed, beautifully social, and surprisingly flexible for all sorts of events. In this guide we’ll walk you through when tapas catering makes the most sense, how to choose a menu style, what it usually costs in the UK, and the key decisions that make service smooth. We’ll also show how we help you compare options, book with confidence, and keep planning simple from day one.
Why tapas works so well for British events
Tapas is built for mingling. Small plates pass easily through a crowd, dietary needs are straightforward to accommodate, and the format suits everything from polished receptions to backyard birthdays. We find it shines when you want a menu with variety that still feels cohesive. Think patatas with a punchy aioli, garlicky prawns, marinated peppers, croquetas that disappear the moment they land, and a hero paella station that anchors the spread.
Tapas also scales neatly. You can keep it light for a short drinks party, or build it into a full meal with hot and cold dishes, salads, breads, and a sweet finish. Guests love the grazing pace, and hosts love the lack of fuss.
Events that tap into tapas
Here’s where we see tapas caterers deliver the best results:
Weddings that want a relaxed, food-first reception without a rigid seating plan
Corporate offsites that need something easy, quick to serve, and not messy around laptops
Summer parties where sunshine, sangria vibes, and small plates feel like the right call
Anniversaries that call for something celebratory and sharable without a formal three-course
Housewarmings where people drift between rooms or into the garden
Seasonal celebrations where you want familiar favourites with a festive kick
If you’re mixing ages or tastes, tapas is a diplomatically brilliant choice. There’s always something for the spice fiends, the cautious eaters, the veggies, and the kids.
Spaces that suit tapas service
Most UK venues and private settings are already a good fit, especially when we match you with the right format:
Marquees and tipis where a paella pan becomes part of the theatre
Barns that favour long tables, big sharing bowls, and rustic boards
Village halls with simple kitchen access and easy in-out for caterers
Private homes where a compact prep station and passed plates keep it tidy
Offices where speed, smell control, and minimal kit matter
5.0(11 reviews)
• 2 bookings
Experience Spain's Finest with Our Tapas Catering
Experience the divine taste of Spain with Spanglish Catering. Our expert chefs and exceptional service will leave your guests raving. Trust us to make your event truly unforgettable.
Tapas Catering is your neighbourhood Spanish catering company, cooking all of your favourites with a hip new spin on traditional cuisine.
from £45 / person
No reviews yet • 1 booking
Delicious Tapas Variety of Authentic, Spanish Delights
My intention it to bring different flavours to your event so it becomes something new for all to enjoy and never forget, the presentation will be platters or individual boxes for safety.
from £5 / person
4.72(169 reviews)
• 814 bookings
The Tapas Sharing Platter Experience
Create a relaxed dining experience with tapas sharing platters prepared & served by your own private chef, who takes over your kitchen to cook, present each dish & leave everything spotless.
from £55 / person
5.0(58 reviews)
• 138 bookings
Paella and Cold Tapas Dishes with Glass of Organic Cava
We are offering a delicious paella experience in the comfort of your own home or chosen venue, guaranteed to impress your guests and allow you to spend your special day with your friends.
from £42 / person
5.0(58 reviews)
• 138 bookings
Colourful Mediterranean Tapas Party
This is a tasting menu from around the Mediterranean, a delicious selection of small plates & tapas cooked from fresh ingredients in your home. We provide all the equipment.
from £58 / person
5.0(3 reviews)
• 12 bookings
Delicious Tapas Style Hot Buffet
I have cooked many tapas meals for all sorts of different groups of people in all sorts of places. With the wonderful aromas, you will love this meal.
from £35 / person
5.0(4 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Tapas-Style Private Dining Experience with Honey Glazed Chorizo
Your and your guests will love this tapas-style dining experience, infused with the tastes and colourful flavours of Spain.
from £65 / person
🎉 New to Poptop
Spanish Style Tapas Street Food
We have refined our menu time and time again to ensure we are only serving the very best to our guests.
from £10 / person
POPTOP CHOICE 😎
4.96(75 reviews)
• 178 bookings
Spanish-Style Home Dining Tapas Night & Dessert
A simple-delicious small plates menu using some of the finest ingredients. We take care of everything from setting the table to clearing away so you can relax with your guests.
from £40 / person
4.97(36 reviews)
• 85 bookings
Delicious Tapas Plates Inspired By Spain
We will take you on a tapas journey and won’t be shy on our portions, so if you try something you love there’s plenty to go around. Happy to modify menu to suit everyone’s tastes.
from £50 / person
5.0(10 reviews)
• 7 bookings
Authentic Spanish Canapes, Tapas & Paella Served Buffet Style
We are offering a selection of 3 handmade canapes, follow by 3 tapas options buffet style and paella.
from £37 / person
Tapas Caterers spotlight 🌟
Spanish Style Menu with Tapas To Start
4.94(17 reviews)
• 41 bookings
This menu is bringing classic Spanish inspired dishes with classic spanish flavours and bringing them to a restaurant standard dish. Coming from spanish heritage, I will bring some classic dishes from my mothers home town on the south coast! With heavy influence from neighbouring Morocco using spices and herbs in dishes to some classic well known dishes
About supplier
I have been cooking professionally since the age of 15, I have been very lucky throughout my career to have learn from some of the UK most talented chefs. I am traditionally French trained and have worked in award wining hotels & restaurants across London and the South east up to rosette standard.
from £68 / person
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All Poptop’s suppliers are rigorously vetted and approved by our team of party experts, ensuring you book the very best.
Hotels where timing and service standards are set and everything runs to the minute
If you’re working with limited access or strict venue rules, we’ll prioritise suppliers who have their own power options, compact rigs, or ready-to-serve cold tapas sets.
Menu styles you can choose
Tapas is more than small plates. There are a few ways to design the experience, and each has its place.
Pan-Iberian crowd-pleasers. A balanced line-up chosen for broad appeal. Expect tortilla, patatas bravas, albondigas, garlic prawns, chorizo in a rich glaze, Manchego with quince, olives, and a couple of bright salads.
Paella plus tapas combo. The paella station becomes the visual centre, supported by 6 to 10 small plates and breads. It feels generous and keeps service flowing even at peak times.
Gluten-free or vegan led. Mediterranean flavours translate brilliantly into plant-forward menus. We lean into roasted veg, pulses, citrus dressings, and dairy-free aioli, with clearly labelled items so guests can relax.
Kid-friendly tapas. Think milder sauces, crispy bits, and simple winners like mini croquetas, tortilla squares, meatballs without heavy spice, and fruit skewers for dessert.
When we shape a menu with you, we focus on pace and balance. A neat rule is one star protein, one hearty carb, one bright salad or veg, one indulgent bite, and one fresh finish. Then we adjust for service time, season, and space.
How much to order and how to portion
Portion planning is where stress usually creeps in. We keep it simple.
Drinks party, light nibbles for 2 to 3 hours: aim for 5 to 6 pieces per guest
Substantial canapés or tapas replacing a light meal: around 8 to 10 pieces per guest
Full meal with paella and sides: 1 medium portion of paella plus 4 to 6 small plates shared between 2 to 3 guests
Kids eat less, late-night crowds eat more, and cold weather adds appetite. We’ll tune the numbers to your guest list and schedule, then add a small buffer so you don’t run short.
Service formats that keep everything smooth
There are three common ways to run tapas and paella. Each one changes the feel of the event.
Fully staffed pass service. Trays of hot and cold items circulate. Best for weddings and corporate functions where you want polish and pace.
Buffet and station service. Guests approach a central table and a paella pan. Great for marquees, barns, and village halls. Highly efficient and lets people pick at leisure.
Drop-off with light setup. Caterer delivers everything ready to go with disposable serveware or simple platters. Perfect for housewarmings and offices when you don’t need staff on site.
We’ll help you choose based on venue rules, headcount, and your budget.
Pricing and what affects it
For the UK market, you’ll usually see tapas catering between 15 and 32 pounds per person. Where you sit in that range depends on a few factors.
The style of service. Staffed pass service costs more than a simple buffet.
Hot versus cold balance. Hot items add equipment, fuel, and chef time.
Protein choices. Seafood and premium meats push costs higher.
Minimum spends. Small guest lists can trigger minimums that matter more than per-person rates.
Travel and access. Rural or complex load-ins can add a logistics fee.
Peak dates and late finishes. Summer Saturdays or midnight pack-downs increase staffing hours.
We show instant, all-inclusive pricing wherever possible so you know exactly what’s covered. No guessing, no hidden extras.
Dietary needs, allergens, and clear labelling
Tapas is excellent for mixed diets, but that only helps if everything is labelled and briefed. We’ll confirm any requirements for gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, halal, or nut-free dishes early and make sure suppliers provide obvious markers on boards and menus. Cross-contamination plans are documented in advance, which is especially important for severe allergies. If you need children’s options, we’ll flag milder sauces and lower-salt items, and cut service to kid-friendly sizes.
Equipment, power, and venue logistics
Good service starts with tidy logistics. Before we shortlist suppliers, we agree the practical bits.
Power and ventilation for any on-site cooking
Space for a paella rig or griddle, including a weather plan if outdoors
Access routes, load-in times, and where the van can park
What the kitchen can provide and what must be brought in
Waste handling and clean-down rules
If your venue is strict, we match caterers who can work entirely self-contained. If your space is tiny, we lean into menus that travel perfectly and finish quickly on site.
Questions to ask before you book
You’ll make a faster, better decision if you get clear answers to a handful of points.
What is the exact per-person or minimum spend, and what does it include
How many pieces per guest or how large is the paella portion
What equipment is brought, and what the venue must supply
How many staff will be on site and for how long
How dietary needs and allergens are handled in prep and service
What happens if timings slip or headcount changes
What the cancellation and refund policy is
We put these answers in one place for every option you’re considering, side by side.
How we make tapas catering effortless
Poptop is not just a party planning marketplace. It’s the straightforward way to organise an unforgettable event with peace of mind and support at every step. Here’s how that translates in practice.
Enjoy a truly friendly attitude.
You get more than a menu. We connect you with personable professionals who engage with your guests and keep the mood warm from start to finish.
Plan your party in minutes, not days.
Instant, all-inclusive pricing means faster decisions. You see what’s included and can book when you’re ready.
Get an event that is uniquely yours.
Menus flex to your tastes and needs, from gluten-free line-ups to kid-friendly servings or a pescatarian twist.
Relax and plan without anxiety.
We keep communication clear with updates at each stage, so you always know what happens next.
Find what you need effortlessly.
Pop in your date, guest count, and postcode, then browse a curated set of matching tapas caterers.
Discover everything in one convenient place.
From food to entertainment, it’s all under one roof. You don’t need ten tabs open to plan one party.
Host a party that will be remembered.
We specialise in services that feel fresh, from showpiece paella stations to modern, plant-led tapas.
Book with confidence and complete security.
We vet suppliers carefully, provide reliable support on the day, and back bookings with a money-back guarantee if anything goes wrong.
Sample ways to shape your menu
A few tried-and-true combinations we’ve seen guests rave about:
Easy summer social. Cold tapas boards to start, a bright tomato and olive salad, then a chicken and chorizo paella as the main event, with a zesty citrus dessert to finish.
Plant-forward showcase. Griddled aubergine with herby oil, chickpea and pepper salad, mushrooms with garlic, crispy potatoes with dairy-free aioli, and a saffron veg paella.
Family-friendly feast. Bite-size tortilla, mild meatballs, cheese and bread selection, patatas with a gentle sauce, then a mixed paella so everyone gets something they like.
After-work office mix. Compact cold platters delivered, a couple of hot trays finished on site, compostable serveware, and a steady one-hour service that fits around speeches.
We can swap in seafood, add a premium grazing table, or run late-night top-ups if the dance floor keeps going.
What happens after you enquire
The process is designed to be quick.
Tell us your date, location, expected headcount, and any dietary highlights
Compare instant, all-inclusive quotes from relevant tapas caterers
Chat with your top choices in the same place to fine-tune the menu
Book securely, receive confirmations and timelines, and add any extras later
Because pricing is transparent, you’ll be able to commit without a week of back-and-forth.
Final tips from us
Build a running order that leaves a little space between food drops. Tapas works best when guests can graze without feeling rushed.
Mix temperatures and textures. A crisp, a stew, something grilled, something fresh, and something creamy gives a sense of abundance.
Keep plates and napkins easy to grab at multiple points, not just one table.
Agree who announces the paella service. A quick note gets everyone moving and keeps the line friendly.
Ready to choose your tapas caterer
If you’re searching for Tapas Caterers in the UK, you’ve got options, and we’ll help you pick the right one in minutes. Tell us your date, guest count, and postcode, then explore instant, all-inclusive offers that match your event style and budget. We’ll keep you informed, protect your booking, and make sure your party feels uniquely yours.
