Leading education caterer Chartwells has joined forces with Brighton chef Ben McKellar, aka The Ginger Chef from the renowned Gingerman Restaurant Group, to bring a local flavour to the University of Sussex’s campus, hospitality and event dining under a new 10-year contract.
£43 million contract
The University of Sussex has selected Chartwells to run the cafes and restaurants, and provide hospitality and conferencing at its campus on the edge of Brighton. Under this £43m deal, Chartwells – which has successfully operated the cafe at the University’s Innovation Centre for nine years – will deliver provisions to 13,000 students and over 2,000 members of staff from 1 September 2013. It will also support the University as student and staff numbers continue to grow.
The Ginger Chef’s local sourcing and knowledge
As part of the contract, Chartwells has partnered with Ben McKellar, who is known for his uncomplicated, full-flavoured food using the highest quality seasonal products. Together they are producing menus which draw on The Ginger Chef’s local sourcing and knowledge, blended with Chartwells’ expertise in higher education. The result looks set to be a gourmet offering of varied cuisines at great value for money, to suit all tastes and budgets, while Chartwells also supports the University’s goals for carbon reduction and improved environmental sustainability.
£1 million investment in campus facilities
Chartwells has committed to investing £1 million over five years in campus facilities at the University. This substantial contribution will see campus cafes refreshed and refurbished, enhancing the student and staff dining experience. It also plans to strengthen the campus’ community culture by supporting student forum groups and providing extended opening hours. In addition, it will provide fun and informative sessions to improve health, wellbeing and life skills with student survival and cookery master classes, nutritional advice and support.
In addition to the team transferring from the University, Chartwells is recruiting for 35 jobs on campus, helping to provide work opportunities for students and further improving the skills of existing employees with training and development. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Chartwells has also pledged to offer work placement opportunities to Sussex students within other areas of its FTSE 100 parent company.
Value for money and ethical expectations
Robin Mills, Managing Director of Chartwells commented; “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver services to the University of Sussex. We have great plans to really enhance the dining experience for students and staff; this starts with the menus and we are really excited to be working with Ben McKellar on these.
“Students today want a range of options that deliver great value for money while also meeting their ethical expectations. Our offer will rival the very best of the high street while supporting local, sustainable and Fairtrade suppliers to provide fresh, tasty food with clear provenance for customers.”
About Ben McKellar
Ben McKellar owns The Gingerman Restaurant, the highest rated restaurant in Brighton. With his wife and business partner Pamela McKellar he also owns pub venues The Ginger Pig (which has been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide), The Ginger Fox (also awarded a Bib Gourmand) and The Ginger Dog.
About Chartwells
Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Chartwells works with over 2,000 education units including primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools, colleges and universities.
Central to Chartwells is its Eat, Learn, Live ethos which helps to educate young people about how to have a happy, safe and healthy lifestyle while contributing to a sustainable world.
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