Alumni Return to Support Students in Kings Restaurant Dinner Service

East Sussex College was thrilled to welcome back three of its former students for a special evening at Kings Restaurant, the college’s student-run dining space.

The alumni - Lewis Wren, Jake Cranch, and Charlie Simmons - joined current students to help deliver a full dinner service to the public, offering expert guidance and real-world insight into working in hospitality.

All three alumni are now thriving in the industry. Lewis Wren is making the move from Rathfinny Wine Estate to Whitecliff in Saltdean, where he will take on a Sous Chef role as the restaurant prepares for an exciting rebrand. Jake Cranch is Restaurant Manager at The Tasting Room at Rathfinny, and Charlie Simmons is currently a Sous Chef at Chalk Restaurant in Wiston.

Their return to East Sussex College was a full-circle moment, offering inspiration to current catering and hospitality students following in their footsteps.

Throughout the evening, students worked under the guidance of their former peers to prepare and serve a three-course meal to paying guests. With the pressure of a public service, the support from Lewis, Jake, and Charlie was invaluable. Whether it was perfecting plating techniques, managing front-of-house flow, or keeping calm during the busy service, the alumni brought their industry experience to every part of the evening.

Lewis Wren: “I actually got my job at Rathfinny through the college - an ex-student visited looking for staff, and that’s how the opportunity came about. Coming back today has been great. It’s nice to see young people still interested in cooking, working hard, and having a laugh while doing it. I wanted to come back because the industry needs new talent, and it’s a chance to help students build their skills and confidence for the future.”

Jake Cranch: “Working in the kitchen and front of house here allows you to understand both sides of a restaurant. If one side messes up it affects the other. You learn what each team goes through during service, which is so important. Coming back to college has been weird—but in a good way! It brings back great memories, and it’s exciting to see how things have changed and what stayed the same.”

Charlie Simmons: “I got involved in the alumni dinner because I’ve always been keen to give back to the industry and help bridge the gap between college and real kitchens. This isn’t college food - this is restaurant food. The levels are high. I want students to see what’s possible and realise they’re capable of creating something amazing. It’s a great chance to come back, meet new people, and hopefully inspire the next generation.”

The students took on the challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism, clearly demonstrating the skills they’ve gained during their time at the college. With guidance from the alumni and support from their tutors, they delivered a service that impressed the evening’s guests.

If you’d like to find out more about studying Hospitality & Catering at East Sussex College, click here.