Order Order!

Former House of Commons front-of-house manager Alex Kristall joins host Terry Wiggins to trace her unusually circuitous route from paediatric nursing to the upper echelons of corporate catering. Alex explains how coffee-bar shifts funded her travels, then led into contract catering and a baptism of fire running 13 busy outlets inside Westminster, from the Members’ Tea Room to the public Jubilee Café . She recalls the thrill of hearing Big Ben chime above her office on day one, the logistics of feeding 650 MPs during late-night votes, and the eerie lockdown inside Parliament during the 7 July bombings .

Winning a coveted Acorn Award opened doors to Google, where she headed the UK and Ireland free-food programme and learned how workplace design and nutrition can turbo-charge performance . Today Alex is Managing Director of the Good Eating Company within Sodexo, balancing global backing with a craft-led ethos. She spotlights their new Tottenham Court Road site, complete with an acre-and-a-half hydroponic farm that supplies a British-sourced, farm-to-fork menu and hosts school and community tours .

Throughout the chat, Alex champions local supply chains, talent development and family first, while swapping stories of coffee obsessions, House of Commons folklore and the true meaning of “Order, order” in both Parliament and the kitchen .

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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From gutting fish in the House of Commons to overseeing luxury banquets in Sydney, Ian Burch’s career is a masterclass in skill, adaptability, and sugarwork.

In this episode of Order Order!, host Terry Wiggins catches up with his former colleague to explore Ian’s journey from a nervous 18-year-old in the butchery department to Executive Pastry Chef at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.

Ian reflects on formative years working in Parliament’s busy kitchens, including witnessing Margaret Thatcher’s resignation, training in advanced pastry at Westminster College, and why he ultimately traded fine dining in London for a new life in Australia.

We cover everything from the art of chocolate, launching haute croissant concepts across the Sofitel group, and mentoring young chefs, to Ian’s ongoing exploration of food, art, and structure — not to mention a cheeky red card in a Parliament football match.

—Order Order! is produced by Blue Smoke Media.Want to create your own podcast? Email [email protected]

📍 Recorded between London and Sydney📷 Follow Ian’s work on Instagram @ianjburch

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Jose Souto didn’t plan to become one of Britain’s leading experts in game cookery — but the House of Commons kitchen changed everything.

In this episode of Order Order!, Terry Wiggins sits down with his old colleague and friend to explore Jose’s remarkable journey: from a struggling student to a chef, teacher, author, falconer, and passionate advocate for sustainable food.

Jose opens up about the discipline and camaraderie of life at Parliament, why teaching changed him forever, how a side project turned into a bestselling book series (The Game Larder), and how mentoring students gave him the same sense of purpose he once found in the kitchen.

—Order Order! is produced by Blue Smoke Media.Want help creating your own podcast? Email: [email protected]

🎧 Follow the show and don’t forget to rate and review!📷 Follow Jose: @wildfoodboy on Instagram📚 Learn more about The Game Larder book series: [Search “Jose Souto Game Larder”]

Terry Wiggins started working in the kitchens of the UK Parliament in 1974. Nearly 50 years later, he’s got stories — and recipes — you’ve never heard before.

In this debut episode of Order Order! Terry shares how he landed the job at 16, what it was like serving food through historic moments (like the Falklands War and the Queen's passing), and how one dish — House of Commons Jerk Chicken — became a cult hit with MPs, staffers, and even got its own Twitter account.

Along the way, we unpack the origins of the dish, its unique flavour profile, and how food in Parliament evolved from French classics to global fusion. Plus, a live tasting session — and Terry's secrets for making it at home.

—Got a photo of your own version of the dish?Email us at [email protected] or tag us on Instagram @orderorderpodcast.

Want to make your own podcast?This show was produced by Blue Smoke Media. Reach out to [email protected] to start your own.