Thom Eagle

4 June 2026
4-6pm
The Perfect Place to Grow

Ahead of Open School East’s 2026 Summer Exhibition, two older members of Despacito Art School worked with Community Chef Thom Eagle to make pickles with produce grown at our Community Allotment (rhubarb, tomatoes, carrots, dill, sage, spring onions). Pickles were served at our 2026 Summer Exhibition pop-up food stall at the OSE Mobile Unit. 

This workshop was part of OSE’s wider work with Thom to offer training pathways for young people coming out of Despacito (12+), as well as to equip them with the skills and knowledge to make their own affordable and nutritious food. 

The workshop took place at The Perfect Place to Grow, who kindly shared their kitchen, equipment, knowledge and team. 

The OSE Community Allotment planters are kindly hosted by OSE Civic Partner Ethel-Athel Alleyway Garden.

Thom Eagle is an award-winning author and cook. His first book First, Catch: Study of a Spring Meal was awarded Best Debut Food Book by Fortnum & Mason in 2019, nominated for an Andre Simon, and named one of the best food books of the year by The Times and The BBC Food Programme. He is currently based in Kent where he writes, grows vegetables, and teaches classes on pickling, fermenting, curing and foraging. 

The Perfect Place to Grow is a cafe and training kitchen in Margate supporting 18-24 year olds facing barriers into sustainable employment. We use food in all its forms to help young people gain the skills that will allow them to change their futures for the better. Opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

This Civic Programme event is part of OSE’s two-year thematic cycle Home is where the garden is – find more events: https://openschooleast.org/home-is-civic