Downing's delight from the Dorchester!

Stuart ConibearStuart Conibear joined Downing College on 3 August 2009 as Executive Head Chef.

Stuart joins us from Le Cordon Bleu Academy of Culinary Arts in London in which he worked as a Chef Teacher of Classical French Cuisine. His role involved the teaching of basic stocks and sauces to refined plated Michelin Standard Cuisine.

Le Cordon Bleu Academy has over 30 schools around the world as well as a number of Fine Dining Restaurants on the Regent Seven Seas Cruise Liners. While working on the cruise liners, Stuart was also given the opportunity to teach in many countries.

Stuart is no stranger to Cambridge as he was Executive Head Chef at The Hotel Felix from the day of opening. Within the first four months the hotel's Restaurant Graffiti was awarded 2 AA Rosettes.

During his career, Stuart has worked alongside many celebrated Chefs as well as working in senior roles at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane and the celebrity hang out The Ivy Restaurant in London.

At Downing College, Stuart will be putting a special emphasis on sourcing and using fresh, seasonal, quality, locally-produced ingredients when creating his dishes.

Stuart very much looks forward to working with our new and existing clients.