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 September 1st.

As part of the contract, Chartwells has partnered with Ben McKellar, who is known for using local and seasonal products, to produce menus which draw on The Ginger Chef’s local sourcing and knowledge, blended with Chartwells’ expertise in higher education.

Chartwells has committed to investing £1 million over five years in campus facilities at the University.

Robin Mills, managing director of Chartwells, said: “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.”

McKellar himself said: “I am hugely passionate about creating great food using fresh, local produce and this relationship with the University of Sussex and Chartwells is a brilliant opportunity to educate people about all the fantastic produce we have available in Sussex.

“It will also give the University a real taste and flair for Brighton's local food scene, keeping it up-to-date with the highly-creative food movement which we enjoy here in the city.”