During his visit, Chef Josef has run a number of masterclasses for staff and girls. Throughout his residency, the whole community have enjoyed specially-themed lunches and dinners as he brought his trademark passion and innovation into the Downe House kitchens.

Over the weekend, Chef Josef ran a three-course masterclass with the Lower School girls using delicious fresh ingredients from around the globe as well as preparing a traditional British lunch menu including home-battered fish. The workshops and themed meals will continue throughout the week.

Lower Fourth girl, Alex said, “I really enjoyed the cookery workshop because I learnt how to make food from Thailand, Italian and Australian food! I also enjoyed being able to have independence in making the dishes!”

Born in Germany, Chef Josef now resides on Gaya Island and travels around the world as a culinary consultant after thirty years of working for Grand Hyatt. Budde’s recent projects include consultancy at Twinpalms Resort, Phuket and Gayana Island Resort and Bunga Raya Eco Resort. One of Budde’s self-professed greatest career achievements was being awarded the 1st Michelin star for the Grand Hyatt, Tokyo. Having worked in USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand and Singapore, we are delighted to have such a culinary powerhouse with us in Berkshire.