Michael King, Executive Chef, Sussex Uni Food
The University catering partnership swept the prestigious Public Sector Catering Awards this year, at an event held on 9 April. The team were winners in both the Chef of the Year and University Caterers of the Year categories in recognition of a sector‑leading commitment to social good, sustainability and an exceptional student experience.
With awards decided by an independent panel of industry experts, these wins represent a significant national endorsement of Sussex Uni Food’s impact and innovation.
A partnership delivering value on campus
Sussex Uni Food is a partnership between the University of Sussex and Chartwells Universities that goes beyond everyday catering, helping to shape the student and staff experience through an engaging food offer, events, and student feedback.
A new contract introduced in 2023 has delivered clear improvements, including the refurbishment of venues such as Eat Central and Doctors Orders, the introduction of carbon labelling, a regularly refreshed menu of innovative dishes, and a programme of engagement with students throughout the year.
The partnership supports wider University priorities by providing affordable, sustainable meals, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive campus experience, and thereby helping strengthen student retention and recruitment. It also boosts commercial income through providing catering for our conferencing and hospitality offering.
Michael King – Chef of the Year
Executive Chef Michael King was recognised as ‘Chef of the Year’, celebrating his outstanding leadership, creativity and the transformative impact he has had on campus dining. Over the past year, Michael has reinforced our local supply chains, raised food standards, and delivered high‑quality, affordable meals to around 5,000 students and staff each day.
He led the redevelopment of Eat Central into a contemporary multi‑kiosk food court and drove the success of Bamboo, now the University’s highest‑performing outlet. A passionate advocate for responsible sourcing, Michael has removed farmed salmon from menus, championed Marine Conservation Society ‘Best Choice’ fish and redirected spend to support small‑scale coastal fisheries.
His focus on wellbeing and affordability includes the hugely successful Sussex Saver meal, now rolled out nationally at other Chartwell Universities catering outlets, and the Cheap Eats Club, which equips students with budgeting skills and cooking confidence. Michael also invests heavily in his team, creating clear pathways for apprentices and chefs to grow through competitions, masterclasses and leadership development.
The Sussex Uni Food team
University Caterer of the Year – Sussex Uni Food
Sussex Uni Food has reimagined campus catering as a vibrant, student‑focused hospitality experience. Eat Central has become a lively social hub where global flavours, visual theatre and regularly refreshed concepts offer students choice, creativity and a place to connect. Despite fewer students on campus, sales have risen by 39%, reflecting the popularity of the refreshed offer.
Student experience sits at the heart of everything the team delivers, from cultural pop‑ups and film‑themed menus to comedy nights, community celebrations and free healthy breakfasts during assessment periods. Instagram now acts as an extension of their service, providing real‑time feedback, nutritional advice and a platform for student voice.
With strong sustainability credentials and an empowered, long‑standing team, our catering partnership is a model that is modern, inclusive and trusted - creating spaces where students feel supported, represented and at home.
Try the latest from Sussex Uni Food
Check out Sussex Uni Food’s newest offerings, including the new waffles and pancake breakfast, Student Takeover menus, and more exciting dishes launching across campus.