Paella Pals FAQs

1. What is Paella Pals?

Paella Pals is a private chef service based in Devon and Cornwall offering authentic, freshly cooked Spanish paella for private events. We bring the full Mediterranean experience to your home, wedding, celebration, golf or yatch club, you name it — live cooking, premium ingredients, and a touch of Spanish charm.

2. What areas do you cover?

We cover the South West of England, primarily Cornwall and Devon. For any other areas, we may travel upon special request depending on the event size and location.

3. How many guests can you cater for?

We cater for groups from 10 guests up to around 80 guests as standard. Larger gatherings can also be arranged with additional coordination. Please ask us about our different packages to find the option that best suits your event.

4. How far in advance should I book?

We require bookings to be made at least two weeks in advance, though we recommend three to four weeks whenever possible to ensure your preferred date is available.

5. What types of paella do you offer?

We prepare authentic Spanish recipes, all gluten-free and lactose-free as standard:

• Seafood Paella

• Chicken & Pork Paella

• Vegetarian/Vegan Paella

• Premium Varieties: Mixed “Mar y Montaña”, Black Seafood Paella, or El Senyoret (shelled seafood).

6. Are there vegan, vegetarian, or allergen-friendly options?

Yes. We take dietary needs seriously. All our paellas are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, and we offer full vegetarian and vegan versions without compromising flavour. Please inform us of any allergies when booking so we can adapt accordingly.

7. Do you provide cutlery, plates, or table service?

In our standard service, clients provide their own tableware. However, we can supply eco-friendly disposable cutlery and plates upon request. We typically serve guests directly from the paella pan — it’s part of the experience! Full table service can also be arranged if desired.

8. What does the service include on the day?

We arrive on-site, set up our cooking area, and prepare the paella live in front of your guests. The cooking and serving take approximately one hour. After serving, we stay around for a little bit — or we might just sit and eat with you, so get ready to squeeze us in!

9. Do you require a deposit?

Yes, we ask for an initial deposit at the time of booking to secure your date. The remaining balance is due shortly before the event, once all final details are confirmed.

10. What makes Paella Pals different from other caterers?

Authenticity, showmanship, and quality. We use genuine Spanish ingredients — such as Arroz Bomba de Valencia and Azafrán de La Mancha — combined with fresh local produce from the Southwest. Our live cooking adds theatre to the meal, turning each event into a shared Mediterranean experience.

11. Can you prepare paella indoors or in bad weather?

Yes. We use professional gas burners with full safety certification, suitable for outdoor cooking under cover (gazebo, tent, etc.). Indoor preparation may be possible in well-ventilated spaces, provided the venue allows it.

12. What other dishes can you provide?

We also offer a selection of Spanish-inspired starters and desserts for smaller groups. These change seasonally and may include tapas-style bites or light Mediterranean sweets. Please ask about our current options when booking.

13. Do you offer drinks such as sangría or wine?

We’re currently working on adding a drinks service that includes authentic sangría and Spanish wines. Until then, you’re welcome to bring your own drinks — we’ll be happy to coordinate pairings or serving arrangements.

14. How long does the full experience last?

From our arrival to clean-up, the full experience typically lasts around two to two and a half hours, including set-up, live cooking, serving, and closure.

15. Do you cater for weddings and corporate events?

Absolutely. Our paella service is ideal for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate gatherings, and festivals. We can adapt the presentation and setup to match the tone and style of your event.