The Order Order Podcast
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From Commons Kitchen to Culinary Consultant
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From Commons Kitchen to Culinary Consultant

Chef Steve Walpole shares Westminster war stories and sky-high menus

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.

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