FAQs

If there’s anything you’d like to know that isn’t answered here, or if you have a specific question regarding your event, party or gathering, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Payment & Pricing

  • Prices are tailored to the type of paella you would like. You can find a transparent break down of my pricing on my menu page. I don’t charge anything extra for service or preparation, and there are no hidden costs.

    There is a minimum charge (£250) and I cook for up to a maximum of 15 portions.

    To book, I’ll simply need a £5 per person deposit to secure the date. Full payment is then taken 72 hours before your event.

  • There’s no set number, only a minimum charge of £250. Due to the nature of traditional paella cooking methods, I prepare one dish of one set size which serves a maximum of 15 portions.

    For this reason, I wouldn’t advise booking me for parties of more than 15 people. However, if you’re looking to host a smaller gathering and are happy to meet the minimum charge, you can keep your event as small and intimate as you like…all the more leftovers for afterwards!

    Leftovers will always be packaged up and left for you to enjoy later.

  • You’ll need to pay a £5 per person deposit up front to secure the date. Once we’ve spoken to confirm your date and location, I will send you a secure payment link to do so.

    Full payment is then taken 72 hours before the paella.

Menus & ingredients

  • Pre-choose your paella from the menus, and any extras you’d like to accompany it, and let me know by submitting an enquiry. Ingredients can be customised to suit your tastes.

    Please note I can only offer one variety of paella for your entire party, as it is all cooked in the same pan.

  • Wherever I can find the right quality at the right price. Generally Hove Lagoon for fish and the Brighton Sausage company for meat. Vegetables from Taj, Waitrose, or the Sussex Peasant.

  • Yes, the Vegana options is a middle eastern dish mejadra, cooked a la paella with rice, lentils, spices and fried onions. Not authentically Spanish, but no less delicious.

    The base ingredients of the paella (soffrito, rice and beans) are fully vegan - so if you’d like to discuss tailoring the traditional paella or adding bespoke ingredients (such as additional vegetables), please get in touch.

    Please note I can only offer one variety of paella for your entire party, as it is all cooked in the same pan. So if you need to cater for one vegetarian or vegan within your party, the entire dish will need to meet their requirements.

  • It’s important to note that I can only offer one variety of paella for your entire party, as it is all cooked in the same pan. Therefore, if you require me to meet the dietary requirements of any one guest, the entire dish will need to be cooked according to their needs.

    You are required to make me aware of any allergies ahead of time.

Setup & Logistics

  • I need easy access to where I will cook and due to it being wood fired it has to be outside. A gazebo as cover can be arranged.

    I’m completely self-sufficient in terms of power as I cook over wood. The cooking space being lit is handy, as is access to water - although this isn’t essential.

    Outdoor and remote events welcome!

  • Enough for the fire bowl and a small table and the space should be suitable for a contained open fire. 

  • Ideally as much as possible but if the diary is clear I can do it with 24 hours’ notice.

  • Allow 1.5 hours for preparation, and one hour for service, clean up and departure. For example, for a 7pm service, arrival is at 5.30, and I will be cleaned up and finished by 8pm.

    Any leftovers will be packaged for you to have later!

  • The weather in England is notoriously unpredictable, and we do our best to navigate this to ensure you’re compensated should your event be affected. However, please be aware that for outdoor events, you will need to account for the chance of drizzle or wind.

    I come prepared with my own gazebo to cook under, so I’ll always be able to provide my services in poor weather, even though I’m required to cook outdoors over an open fire.

    If you’re concerned about poor weather, I recommend you factor in a covered area so you can enjoy your meal free from the perils of English weather.

    If the event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of either party (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions, or public health emergencies), we will work with you to reschedule the event at no additional cost or provide a refund minus any non-recoverable expenses.

  • First and foremost, I don’t do “catering” in the traditional sense. Socarrat is a small personalised business and, as such, I do not cater for large or corporate events.

    There is a minimum charge (£250) and I cook for up to a maximum of 15 portions. If your event requirements fit within this, then I’m the right person for you.

  • No, not all. They are dependent on season and availability 

  • Our cancellation policy is put in place to ensure fairness for both parties and to protect the time and resources we commit to your event.

    You can review our full Cancellation Policy on our Terms & Conditions page.