1 February 2023

Alumni pop-ups at Coast Restaurant

Coast Restaurant, Hastings

East Sussex College’s Coast Restaurant, based at the College’s Station Plaza campus in Hastings, is set to host Alumni pop-up themed events this year, including the return of award-winning chef Marcus Clayton.

Marcus Clayton, winner of the UK finals of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, returns to the College on Thursday 16 March to talk to students about his journey from East Sussex College student to award-winning chef!

That evening, Coast Restaurant opens for an exclusive pop-up alumni dining experience which sees Marcus and current students prepare a five-course vegetarian meal, featuring a pared-down version of the dish that won him the prestigious award.

The alumni pop-up event returns on Tuesday 25 May, when second successful Alumni, Rob Hills, returns to College. Like Marcus, Rob will speak to students and then guide students through each step involved in creating a five-course Pan Asian meal, before opening to the public in the evening.

Rob HillsBook your dinner reservation at these exclusive events now, as places are limited. The five-course dining experience cost just £30. To book call 030 300 38456 or email jacqueline.pransky@escg.ac.uk. The restaurant is open from 6.30pm - 10.00pm and reservations/arrivals are between 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Ahead of the Alumni pop-up events, Coast Restaurant Manager, Jakki Pransky, said, “These evenings are a wonderful opportunity for our current students to see firsthand what they can achieve after they leave our course. Rob and Marcus were studying at the College only a few years ago. With their passion, and the knowledge that they gained here, they have carved paths for themselves within the industry and continue to climb. They were more than happy to come back to the College for pop-ups and quite excited when I approached them with the idea.”

“In addition to what a fantastic experience this will be for our students, equally, we have such a supportive customer base who become part of the students' experience here in the restaurant and love watching them grow from the time they first meet them their first year to when they leave.”

Coast Restaurant is conveniently located on the first floor of East Sussex College’s Station Plaza campus in Hastings, and is directly next to the train and bus station. Coast Restaurant is staffed by Hospitality and Culinary students with support from Vocational Skills Practitioner Rob Rowley, Restaurant Manager, Jakki Pransky and Head Chef, David Koller.

Students prepare, cook, present and serve delicious contemporary dishes in the restaurant, as part of their training, at an affordable price.

The restaurant boasts 5* reviews on TripAdvisor! Click here for further information about Coast Restaurant, including opening times.