From Commons Kitchen to Culinary Consultant

Former House of Commons chef Steve Walpole joins host Terry Wiggins to reveal the untold culinary world inside Westminster. Hear how a mix-up at the security desk landed Steve in the Commons kitchen instead of the Lords , the whirlwind of feeding MPs from silver-service banquets to late-night cafeterias , and the banqueting highlights that ranged from state openings to Nelson Mandela’s visit .Steve recalls the mentors and competitions that shaped his craft, including the Awards of Excellence and a riotous Ready Steady Cook showdown before 30,000 Scouts at the O2 , before charting his rise to Senior Executive Head Chef at British Airways and his current life as a global food consultant and judge.The episode then heads to Westminster Kingsway College, where Terry and Steve sample a student-run seven-course tasting menu and chat with budding chefs and butchers about ducks, deer and Riesling pairings . Throughout, Steve champions education, mentorship and making your own luck in the kitchen .If you love behind-the-pass stories, Parliament lore and plenty of chef banter, pull up a chair and enjoy Episode 4 of Order, Order.Sources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit orderorderpodcast.substack.com