The Secret Diner is a unique public restaurant located within the grounds of HMP Sudbury, offering members of the public the opportunity to enjoy high-quality dining while supporting rehabilitation and skills development. Staffed predominantly by prisoners undertaking hospitality training, the restaurant provides invaluable real-world experience in customer service, food preparation, and restaurant operations, helping individuals build the skills and confidence needed for employment on release.

The Right Course partnered with The Secret Diner in 2024 following a highly successful showcase event that demonstrated the exceptional talent, professionalism, and potential of the prison’s hospitality team.

In September 2024, The Secret Diner’s inmate-led team welcomed 60 employers for an evening organised in partnership with PeoplePlus, Restaurant Lovage, and Club Soda. The event was attended by The Right Course Trustees Fred Sirieix and Francesco Messina and showcased the skills, dedication, and resilience of the team, who delivered outstanding hospitality despite challenging autumn weather. Guests travelled from across the country, some making journeys of almost five hours through heavy rain, reflecting the growing reputation and impact of this unique training and employment initiative.

The Secret Diner has continued to host a series of highly successful showcase events, including two standout evenings supported by renowned chef Alex Bond of Alchemilla in Nottingham, alongside his personal assistant, Evie Calcutt, an experienced front-of-house hospitality professional. These events have played an important role in strengthening relationships with local employers, generating new opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing support from existing industry partners.

For learners, the showcases have provided a unique opportunity to develop creativity, adaptability and resourcefulness. Working with ingredients generously donated by Lidl at one of the events, and making use of existing crockery, furnishings and equipment within the restaurant, learners have successfully delivered food and service inspired by Michelin-star standards, despite operating with little to no additional budget. The experience has demonstrated what can be achieved through innovation, teamwork and a commitment to excellence.

Following the withdrawal of education provision as a result of wider HMPPS funding challenges, The Right Course has worked closely with both the education and employment teams at the prison to help safeguard the future of hospitality training at The Secret Diner. This collaborative approach will ensure learners continue to benefit from employer engagement, personalised support, industry visits and tailored progression routes into employment.

The programme is already delivering positive outcomes, with learners securing roles at employers including Wagamama, Marston’s and Costa Coffee. With further employer partnerships developing, even more employment opportunities are expected in the coming year.