Canapés & Drinks Reception
Canapés & Drinks Reception Catering in London
At Vlamber, we provide canapé catering and drinks reception service for corporate events, networking receptions, weddings, brand launches, private celebrations and PR events across London. Canapés served in timed rounds by a professional team, with a menu built across British, Spanish and refined international culinary traditions — and a drinks plan to match. From a one-hour corporate reception to a three-hour wedding drinks reception with live stations, we design and deliver the full experience.
What Is A Canapés & Drinks Reception?
A canapés and drinks reception is a standing event format where guests mingle freely while food is served in rounds by the catering team. There is no fixed seating, no formal dining sequence and no disruption to conversation — the food comes to the guests, not the other way around.
It is one of the most versatile formats in London event catering and works across almost every event type:
- It keeps guests moving and socialising
- It allows the event to breathe around speeches, presentations or entertainment
- It scales easily from 20 guests to 500+
- It accommodates dietary requirements without drawing attention to them
- It creates a strong visual impression when the canapés are well-made and well-presented
The average price for canapé catering in London is around £21 per guest, with typical packages ranging from £18 to £45 per person depending on the number of canapés, ingredient quality, staffing and any additional elements such as live stations or drinks packages. Dinner With Shaun
At Vlamber, our canapé menus start at £19 per person for a solid staffed selection and scale up to £85 per person for a full reception experience with premium canapés, live stations, wine service and a dessert selection.
How Many Canapés Per Person?
This is the question we get asked most. The answer depends on how long the reception runs and whether the canapés are the only food being served.
Six to eight canapés per person suits a short reception of around one hour. Ten to twelve is appropriate when canapés are replacing a main meal. Tagvenue
For most canapé events lasting a few hours, nine canapés per person is the standard recommendation — enough to keep guests comfortable without the formality of a sit-down meal. Masons Kitchen
Our general guide:
Reception length | Canapés pp | Notes |
1 hour | 6–8 | Pre-dinner drinks or short corporate reception |
1.5–2 hours | 8–10 | Standard corporate or brand event |
2–3 hours | 10–14 | Evening reception, wedding drinks, networking |
3+ hours | 14–16+ | Or add bowl food to supplement |
We advise on quantities as part of every proposal — there is no guesswork on our end.
What Events Is It Ideal For?
Corporate Networking & Drinks Receptions
The most efficient format for professional gatherings. Guests eat, drink and connect without the structure of a seated dinner.
Brand Launches & PR Events
Canapés that look as good as they taste — presentation matters as much as flavour when the room is full of press, partners and photographers.
Wedding Drinks Receptions
The classic pre-dinner reception while the wedding party are taking photographs. Sets the tone for the evening ahead.
Private Celebrations
ets the tone for the evening ahead. Private Celebrations Birthdays, anniversaries, milestone events — a canapé reception keeps the energy high and the atmosphere relaxed.
Gallery Openings & Creative Events
Compact, elegant canapés that allow guests to move freely through the space without plates or cutlery.
Christmas Parties & Seasonal Receptions
One of the busiest catering formats in London from November through January. We recommend early booking.
How We Serve It — The Vlamber Approach To Canapé Service
Canapé service is as much about timing and team management as it is about the food. A great canapé gets to the guest hot, fresh and at the right moment in the evening. A poorly managed canapé service means three rounds in the first 15 minutes, nothing for the next hour and guests hunting for food.
Our service approach:
Timed rounds We plan the rotation of canapés across the event — which items go out first, when the heavier bites come through, when sweet items close the reception. Nothing is left to chance.
One server per 25–30 guests One server per 25 to 30 guests is a sound baseline for canapé receptions, plus chefs on site for warm items. We staff accordingly and adjust for venue complexity (multiple floors, outdoor spaces, tight rooms). Dinner With Shaun
Hot items cooked and held properly Warm canapés are managed in the kitchen or back-of-house area and brought out in controlled batches — never sat out until they are cold.
Dietary items clearly managed Guests with dietary requirements don’t have to ask every server. We brief the team, label trays where appropriate and ensure the right items reach the right guests.
Replenishment and pacing We monitor consumption and adjust pace throughout the event — speeding up if guests are hungry, slowing down before a speech or presentation.
Our Canapés — British, Spanish & Refined International
At Vlamber, canapés are not afterthoughts — they are the centrepiece of the reception. Our chefs design each one to be eaten in one or two bites, to hold well on a tray, to look impressive and to taste genuinely good.
Our canapé selection draws from three main traditions:
Classic British Canapés Mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish, smoked salmon blinis, mature Cheddar and chutney tartlets, sausage rolls with English mustard, prawn cocktail bites, pork pie with Stilton, scotch quail eggs, coronation chicken on crisp bread, cheese straws
Spanish-Inspired Canapés Croquetas de jamón ibérico, pan cristal with tomato and Iberian ham, gilda (Cantabrian anchovy, piparra, gordal olive), tortilla española bites, piquillo peppers with brandade, salt cod fritters with aioli, mini cheesecake vasca bites, churros with chocolate for dessert
Refined International Selection Blinis with crème fraîche and cured salmon, smoked salmon with cream cheese on rye, beef tartare on toasted brioche, tuna tartare with avocado and sesame, burrata and heirloom tomato on crostini, mezze-inspired bites (labneh, pomegranate, pistachio), duck liver parfait on toast with fig
Our Menus — 6 Reception Packages
All prices are per person, excluding VAT (20%). Staffed service is included in all menus from Menu 2 upwards. Delivery fee and minimum spend apply depending on location.
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MENU 1 — "The Classic Reception" From £19 pp | Staffed tray service | Min. 20 people | 1 hour | 6–7 canapés pp
A well-executed, clean canapé selection for a one-hour reception. Reliable, presentable and well-suited to corporate events, pre-dinner receptions and shorter networking formats.
Cold canapés:
Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill on blini (British-European)
Mature Cheddar and caramelised onion chutney tartlet (British)
Coronation chicken on crisp bread with mango (British classic)
Warm canapés:
Mini sausage roll with English mustard (British)
Croqueta de jamón ibérico (Spanish)
Sweet close:
Dark chocolate and salted caramel bite
✅ Vegetarian option included | ✅ Gluten-free available on request -
MENU 2 — "British & Spanish Reception" From £26 pp | Staffed tray service | Min. 20 people | 1.5 hours | 8–9 canapés pp
A stronger reception with more variety — British canapés alongside Spanish-inspired bites. Ideal for corporate events, partner receptions and private celebrations.
Cold canapés:
Smoked Scottish salmon with cream cheese and dill on blini
Prawn cocktail bite on baby gem with smoked paprika (British)
Pan cristal with grated tomato, Iberian ham and extra virgin olive oil (Spanish)
Gilda: Cantabrian anchovy, piparra pepper and gordal olive (Spanish)
Warm canapés:
Mini Yorkshire pudding with roast beef and English horseradish cream (British)
Croqueta de jamón ibérico (Spanish)
Cheese and caramelised onion tartlet (British)
Sweet close:
Mini Basque-style cheesecake bite (Spanish)
Dark chocolate and orange petit four
✅ Vegetarian options included | ✅ Gluten-free available on request -
MENU 3 — "Vlamber Signature Reception" From £35 pp | Staffed tray service | Min. 25 people | 2 hours | 10–11 canapés pp
The Vlamber reception. A broader selection across British, Spanish and refined international canapés — designed for events where the food is part of the impression. Ideal for brand events, corporate hospitality, wedding receptions and private celebrations.
Cold canapés:
Smoked Scottish salmon with cream cheese, dill and capers on toasted rye
Tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu aioli and sesame on rice crisp
Pan cristal with grated tomato, Iberian ham and AOVE (Spanish)
Blini with crème fraîche, home-cured salmon and trout roe
Gilda premium: Cantabrian anchovy, piparra, gordal olive (Spanish)
Warm canapés:
Mini Yorkshire pudding with wagyu beef and English horseradish (British)
Croqueta trufada de jamón ibérico (Spanish)
Mini sausage roll with apple, sage and wholegrain mustard (British)
Salt cod fritter with mild aioli (Spanish)
Sweet close:
Mini Basque-style cheesecake bite (Spanish)
Dark chocolate and Maldon salt petit four
✅ All dietaries available with advance planning -
MENU 4 — "London Prestige Reception" From £48 pp | Full staffed service | Min. 30 people | 2–2.5 hours | 12–13 canapés pp
A premium reception for events where every detail counts. Elevated ingredients, more complex canapés and a refined service standard — suited to high-profile corporate receptions, wedding drinks and brand hospitality.
Cold canapés:
Smoked Scottish salmon with cream cheese, dill and Avruga caviar on Melba toast
Red tuna tartare with avocado, micro herbs and sesame crisp
Blini with artisan crème fraîche, home-cured salmon and Oscietra caviar
Pan cristal with D.O. Iberian ham, grated tomato and premium AOVE (Spanish)
Duck liver parfait on brioche toast with fig and port gel (British-European)
Burrata with heirloom tomato and basil on crostini
Warm canapés:
Mini wagyu beef Yorkshire pudding with truffle cream and crispy shallots (British)
Liquid truffle croqueta de jamón ibérico (Spanish)
Piquillo pepper stuffed with salt cod brandade (Spanish)
Mini beef Wellington bite with Dijon mustard cream (British)
Sweet close:
Mini Basque-style cheesecake with honey (Spanish)
Raspberry and dark chocolate petit four
Lemon curd tartlet with Italian meringue (British patisserie)
✅ All dietaries available. Full service coordination included. -
MENU 5 — "Grand Reception" From £62 pp | Full staffed service + 1 live station | Min. 35 people | 2.5–3 hours | 14–15 canapés pp + station
A reception built for significant events — weddings, gala evenings, major corporate celebrations and high-end hospitality. Premium canapés across the full menu, plus one signature live station of your choice to create a centrepiece moment in the room.
Cold canapés:
Oscietra caviar and crème fraîche on blini (3 per person)
Scottish smoked salmon with cream cheese, herb oil and trout roe on Melba toast
Red tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu aioli, micro cress and sesame crisp
Pan cristal with D.O. acorn-fed Iberian ham, grated tomato and premium AOVE (Spanish) Duck liver parfait with fig, port gel and toasted brioche (British-European)
Labneh, pomegranate, pistachio and sumac on artisan flatbread
Warm canapés:
Mini wagyu beef Yorkshire pudding with black truffle cream and crispy shallots (British)
Liquid truffle Iberian ham croqueta (Spanish)
Mini beef Wellington with Dijon cream (British)
Piquillo pepper stuffed with lobster and salt cod brandade (Spanish)
Crab and avocado tempura bite with citrus aioli
Sweet close:
Mini Basque-style cheesecake with honey and bee pollen (Spanish)
Dark chocolate, Maldon salt and caramel petit four
Lemon curd tartlet with Italian meringue
Mini churros with dark chocolate dipping sauce (Spanish)
Live station included — choose one: Jamón Ibérico Carving Experience (Iberian ham carved to order)
Oyster & Raw Bar (oysters, ceviche bites, prawn cocktail)
Sushi & Sashimi Bar (select nigiri and rolls)
Caviar & Champagne Corner (Oscietra caviar, blinis, crème fraîche)
✅ Full dietary management and service coordination. Drinks packages available separately. -
MENU 6 — "The Vlamber Full Reception Experience" From £85 pp | Full staffed service + 2 live stations + dessert close | Min. 40 people | 3 hours
The most complete canapés and drinks reception Vlamber offers. Exceptional canapés across every course, two signature live stations, a dedicated dessert close and a drinks service plan — for weddings, landmark celebrations and prestige corporate events where the reception is the evening.
Cold canapés — opening round:
Beluga or Oscietra caviar on blini with artisan crème fraîche (3 per person)
Scottish smoked salmon, cream cheese and trout roe on Melba toast
Red tuna tartare with avocado, yuzu and micro herbs on sesame crisp
Coronation lobster on brioche crostini (premium reimagining of the British classic)
Labneh, pomegranate and pistachio on artisan flatbread
Warm canapés — mid-reception:
Mini wagyu beef Yorkshire pudding with black truffle, horseradish and microgreens (British)
Liquid truffle Iberian ham croqueta (Spanish)
Piquillo pepper with lobster and salt cod brandade (Spanish)
Mini beef Wellington with Dijon cream and tarragon (British)
Crab and smoked salmon tempura bite with citrus aioli
Spanish signature round:
Pan cristal with D.O. acorn-fed Iberian ham, grated tomato and premium AOVE
Gilda de lujo: hand-selected Cantabrian anchovy, Basque piparra, gordal olive and smoked oil
Salt cod fritter with Piquillo pepper aioli
Two live stations — choose two:
Jamón Ibérico Carving Experience
Oyster & Raw Bar (oysters, ceviche, prawn cocktail)
Sushi & Sashimi Bar
Caviar & Champagne Corner
Cheese & Charcuterie Luxe Table (British + Spanish + Continental)
Dessert close:
Mini Basque-style cheesecake with honey and bee pollen (Spanish)
Dark chocolate and Maldon salt petit four (Belgian 72%)
Lemon curd tartlet with Italian meringue (British patisserie)
Mini churros with dark chocolate dipping sauce (Spanish)
Raspberry macaron
Seasonal fruit skewers with honey dip
✅ Full dietary management across all rounds. Premium service coordination, drinks plan available separately. Full event timeline included.
Menu Summary — Quick Reference
Menu | Price | Duration | Canapés pp | Best for |
1 — The Classic Reception | £19 pp | 1 hour | 6–7 | Corporate, pre-dinner |
2 — British & Spanish Reception | £26 pp | 1.5 hours | 8–9 | Corporate, private events |
3 — Vlamber Signature Reception | £35 pp | 2 hours | 10–11 | Brand events, weddings |
4 — London Prestige Reception | £48 pp | 2–2.5 hours | 12–13 | High-profile corporate, weddings |
5 — Grand Reception | £62 pp | 2.5–3 hours | 14–15 + station | Gala, wedding, VIP |
6 — The Vlamber Full Experience | £85 pp | 3 hours | Full menu + 2 stations | Landmark events |
All prices exclude VAT (20%). Staffing included from Menu 2. Delivery fee and minimum spend apply.
Drinks — What We Offer Alongside The Canapés
Drinks at a reception are as important as the food. We can advise on and coordinate:
Wine & Champagne
Sparkling wine or Champagne on arrival
White, red and rosé wine service throughout
Sommelier-selected wine pairing available
Cocktails & Signature Drinks
Signature cocktail on arrival (works especially well for brand events and weddings)
Classic cocktail service through the reception
Mixologist available as an add-on
Premium Non-Alcoholic
Sparkling elderflower and seasonal mocktails
Cold-pressed juices and infused waters
Premium soft drinks and artisan kombucha
Live Stations — The Centrepiece Of The Reception
A live station transforms a canapé reception into an experience. It gives guests a destination in the room, creates a visual moment and adds a layer of theatre that people remember.
Our signature stations:
Jamón Ibérico Carving Experience A skilled carver working at a traditional jamonero — D.O. acorn-fed Iberian ham sliced to order and served with pan cristal and extra virgin olive oil. One of the most impressive additions to any London reception.
Oyster & Raw Bar Fresh oysters opened to order with mignonette and lemon, alongside ceviche bites, dressed prawn cocktail and selected raw seafood.
Sushi & Sashimi Bar A curated selection of nigiri, sashimi and premium rolls prepared by a specialist chef. Clean, elegant and universally popular.
Caviar & Champagne Corner Oscietra or Beluga caviar served with blinis, artisan crème fraîche, Champagne or sparkling wine. The most indulgent station on the menu.
Cheese & Charcuterie Luxe Table A styled grazing table combining premium British cheeses (Stilton, Quicke’s Cheddar, Baron Bigod Brie), Spanish-cured meats, artisan crackers, pickles and accompaniments.
Dessert Atelier A styled dessert station to close the reception — Basque cheesecake, petit fours, churros, seasonal fruit and chocolate.
Dietaries & Allergens
Across all our canapé menus we manage:
- Vegetarian (all menus — integrated into the canapé rotation)
- Vegan (all menus — proper alternatives, not just crudités)
- Gluten-Free (managed and labelled throughout service)
- Dairy-Free (planned into the canapé selection)
- Halal-friendly (on request)
- Shellfish-free or nut-free (on request, with advance notice)
Dietary canapés are served as part of the rotation — not on a separate tray — so guests with requirements are never made to feel different.
How To Book — 3 Steps
Tell us about your reception
Date, venue, guest numbers, duration, dietary requirements and any preferences on cuisine direction or stations.
Receive your proposal within 24–48 hours
Full canapé menu, quantities, staffing plan, service timeline and clear pricing.
We confirm and manage everything
Venue coordination, team briefing, service timing, dietary management and clear-down — all handled by us.
Planning a drinks reception or canapé event in London?
Tell us your date, venue, guest numbers and event type and we will put together a proposal tailored to your reception — including canapé selection, quantities, staffing and any live station options.
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