Food and drink news

Eat Central seating area

Eat Central seating area

Eat Central relaxing area

Eat Central food kiosks

Fresh interiors and new menus ready to launch

Eat Central is reopening its doors on Friday 13 September!

Following an extensive refurbishment, our main campus eatery is ready to welcome students and staff with a vibrant new look, upgraded menus, and improved dining spaces designed for ultimate comfort.

Revamped décor, exciting new features, innovative food offerings, and extended opening hours make Eat Central the ideal place for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something to eat or drink, a place to catch up with friends or colleagues, meet new people, or relax, the restaurant has it all covered! 

Step inside to explore the transformed space and take a look at what the University community thinks about the restaurant's revamp.

New design and modern features

A talented team of design and construction space specialists have transformed the outlet into a vibrant, contemporary space. Features include a food court-style layout with communal seating areas and some quiet spots, new furniture and counters, cosy booths, sustainable tables, digital screens, an adaptable space for live performances, and comfortable areas for relaxing.

Five food kiosks, including beloved Tortilla, will each have their own checkout counters and offer a range of unique and nutritious meal options.

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability has played a crucial role in decisions around the renovation of the restaurant.

The new design features worktops, upholstery, and tabletops made from recycled materials like offcuts, bottles, and waste wood. Bins and video screens will motivate diners to separate their waste and compostable packaging correctly.

All compostable packaging and food waste will continue to be converted into fertiliser, using our on-site aerobic digester. This fertiliser will then be used on our campus grounds.

New menus

Based on feedback from Sussex Uni Food’s 2024 survey, Foodie Forums, and research into the local food scene as well as agency marketing surveys into current food trends, our catering partners have created upgraded menus with rotating global dishes and familiar favourites.

Customers will be welcomed with a balanced and inclusive offer for all, with five kiosks blending high-street brands with Tortilla, new and improved Sussex Saver, premium warm salads, award-winning fried chicken street food and Japanese rice and noodle bowls, amongst other balanced options. All meals are made with high-quality ingredients, locally sourced when possible, and offered at great value.

Executive Chef, Mike King, said: "Eat Central is our flagship outlet, the beating heart of the campus, where all our food is prepared.

"I’m really looking forward to stepping into a truly innovative place, with great facilities and equipment that will enable us to do a lot of new things!"

Sussex Uni Food Contract Director, Mark Lawrence, said: "We're excited to welcome the University community and beyond as we reopen our doors this term. Transforming Eat Central into an accessible, vibrant hub for both day and night has been a challenging yet rewarding project.

"With enhanced food offering, a refreshed atmosphere and longer opening hours, the team are excited to welcome customers back."

Breakfast, lunch and dinner – Eat Central has you covered

The restaurant will be open between 8am-9pm, Monday to Friday, serving food until 7pm. The Tortilla counter will be available every day between 11am-8.30pm.

Craving a delicious meal? Want to relax or catch up with friends? Eat Central is the perfect spot to eat, socialise, connect, or unwind – morning or evening.

Groups including student societies are welcome to utilise and book the space for events until 9pm. There are two areas available for this, with seating for approximately 50 people. Please contact sussexunifoodhub@chartwells.co.uk for further information. 

Keep an eye out for free samples and more during Welcome Week and follow @sussexunifood on Instagram for more!

For questions or feedback, please contact Bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk.

Back to news list