The Cheflife Podcast

Lee Cooper
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  • FOOD

Topic led discussions about life in the kitchen. Featuring chefs and industry champions discussing issues and topics that affect our Cheflife

Episodes

  1. Season 2 Episode 3 - Deepak Mallya

    12/07/2025

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Deepak Mallya

    In this episode of the Chef Life podcast, host Lee Cooper speaks with Chef Deepak Malya, head chef at the Ritz London. They discuss Deepak's unexpected journey into the culinary world, the importance of structure and precision in high-volume kitchens, and the significance of the brigade system in fostering career growth. Deepak shares insights on leadership styles, the balance between innovation and classical techniques, and the ongoing debate between tasting menus and a la carte options. The conversation also touches on staffing challenges in the hospitality industry, the vital collaboration between front and back of house, and the standards set by iconic establishments like the Ritz. Deepak offers valuable advice for young chefs and reflects on the evolving perception of hospitality in modern dining.

    1 hr

  2. 11/10/2025

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Andrew Turvil

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Lee Cooper speaks with Andrew Turvil about his book 'Blood Sweat and Asparagus Spears', which explores the transformative decade of the 1990s in the UK restaurant scene. They discuss the evolution of dining culture, the impact of celebrity chefs, iconic dishes, and the economic and regulatory changes that shaped the industry. The conversation also touches on the role of media in food culture and the legacy of the 90s that continues to influence modern culinary practices. Takeaways The 1990s marked a significant shift in the UK dining culture. Culinary influences from French cuisine began to blend with British flavors. The rise of celebrity chefs changed public perceptions of cooking. Iconic dishes from the 90s still influence modern menus today. The casual dining trend made eating out more accessible to the public. Media exposure helped demystify the culinary world for the masses. Economic challenges in the early 90s shaped the restaurant landscape. The pub culture evolved significantly during the 90s. Social media has transformed how chefs and restaurants connect with audiences. The legacy of the 90s continues to inspire new generations of chefs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Turville and His Work 02:50 The 1990s Restaurant Revolution 06:44 Culinary Influences and Changes in Dining Culture 10:02 Iconic Dishes and Their Legacy 13:28 The Evolution of Gastronomy and Chef Culture 16:04 Media's Role in Shaping Culinary Trends 21:52 Economic and Regulatory Changes in the 90s 29:17 The Evolution of Food Culture 31:44 Casual Dining vs. High-End Restaurants 36:19 Celebrity Chefs and Their Influence 37:36 The Impact of Social Media on Dining 40:45 Nostalgia for the 90s Food Scene 43:47 The Legacy of the 90s in Today's Dining 46:37 Looking Ahead: Future of Food Culture 48:15 NEWCHAPTER 48:20 Introduction to the Raffle and Charity Initiative 49:00 Introduction to Barrett Boards 49:32 Craftsmanship and Quality in Kitchenware Keywords Barrett Boards, Andrew Turvil, Blood Sweat and Asparagus Spears, 1990s restaurant revolution, culinary influences, iconic dishes, chef culture, media influence, economic changes, casual dining, high-end dining

    50 min

  3. 09/14/2025

    Season 2 Episode 1 Mark Haywood (Mr Dingley Dell)

    Summary In this episode of the Chef Life podcast, host Lee Cooper speaks with Mark Haywood of Dingley Dell Pork about the journey of establishing a sustainable pork brand that prioritizes taste, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility. They discuss the challenges faced by farmers, the importance of provenance in food, and the evolving relationship between chefs and farmers. Mark shares insights into the science of taste, the significance of biodiversity in farming, and the future of the pork industry. The conversation highlights the need for chefs to advocate for quality ingredients and the importance of community engagement in supporting local agriculture.

    57 min

  4. 07/14/2025

    A little minisode to keep you going

    Summary In this episode, Lee Cooper discusses the current state of the hospitality industry, focusing on the alarming rate of pub closures in the UK due to rising costs. He highlights the need for innovation, such as repurposing empty office spaces into nightlife venues, and emphasizes the importance of sustainability and technology in the industry. Lee encourages chefs and operators to adapt and reinvent themselves in the face of challenges, while also supporting local producers and embracing new trends like takeaway and delivery. Takeaways Pubs are closing rapidly in the UK due to rising costs. Independent businesses are struggling alongside national chains. Innovative ideas are needed to repurpose empty spaces. Sustainability is essential for the future of hospitality. Technology is becoming integral to operational efficiency. Local producers should be supported to enhance food quality. Takeaway and delivery services are on the rise again. Chefs must control waste and energy usage in kitchens. The industry needs to evolve and adapt to new trends. Reinvention is crucial for survival in the hospitality sector.

    9 min

  5. 05/28/2025

    Episode 5 - Mark Poynton

    Episode Title: From Chester to Caistor – The Journey of Mark Poynton In this episode of the Cheflife Podcast, Lee sits down with acclaimed chef Mark Poynton to explore the milestones of his impressive culinary journey. From his early days in Chester to formative years at the legendary Midsummer House, Mark shares candid insights into the pressures and triumphs that shaped his path. He reflects on launching Restaurant Alimentum, building a name for himself in the competitive Cambridge dining scene, and the evolution that led to his latest ventures — the intimate Restaurant MJP and the ambitious new project Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, nestled near Norwich. Expect honest stories, a deep dive into the highs and lows of running kitchens, and a glimpse into how Mark continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in his passion for great food. https://www.mjprestaurant.com https://www.mjpatcaistorhall.co.uk Instagram @markjpoynton If you or someone you know in the hospitality industry is struggling and needs professional support, please reach out to The Burnt Chef Project — they’re here to help with free, confidential mental health resources. https://www.theburntchefproject.com

    54 min

  6. 05/19/2025

    Episode 4 Carl Newey

    New Beginnings with Carl Newey | The Story We All Tell In this episode of The Cheflife Podcast, I’m joined for the first time by Carl Newey — and it won’t be the last. Carl steps in not just as a guest, but as the new co-presenter of the show. We dive into his culinary journey, the highs and lows of life in the kitchen, and his important ambassadorial role with The Burnt Chef Project. Carl opens up about the story so many chefs carry — the unspoken struggles behind the pass — and why it’s time we keep talking about it. This one marks the beginning of a new chapter for the podcast, and you won’t want to miss it.

    36 min

  7. 04/30/2025

    The Kitchen hierachy

    In this solo episode of Cheflife, host Lee Cooper takes a deep dive into the origins and evolution of kitchen hierarchy—from the rigid structure of Escoffier’s brigade system to the boundary-breaking kitchens of Ferran Adrià, Noma, and Asma Khan. With over two decades in the industry, Lee brings personal stories and hard-earned insight to explore how leadership, structure, and culture have changed in the modern kitchen. Whether you’re a line cook, head chef, or industry vet, this episode challenges you to rethink how your kitchen operates—and who it serves.

    12 min

  8. 04/19/2025

    Episode 2 The lingo

    Kitchen lingo, What is it? Secret code for chefs

    13 min

  9. 06/10/2024

    Episode 1 - Jon Fell

    Episode 1 - Jon Fell Cumbrian chef et al, mad on seafood and an allround top guy. We discuss jon and what he is upto now, the top 100 restaurants list, college ( culinary school), Jons 3 must haves in the kitchen and the story that is always told. For details on Cumbria vacancies https://ospreyinns.co.uk/ for any enquires on cheflife podcast cheflifepodcast@icloud.com

    52 min

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    So I’ve finally picked up the microphone

    Up and running and trying to establish what it is I’m doing.

    4 min

  11. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Let’s start doing something

    I really want to start sharing my journey along with colleagues and friends

    23 sec

Trailers

About

Topic led discussions about life in the kitchen. Featuring chefs and industry champions discussing issues and topics that affect our Cheflife

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Cooper
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lee Cooper
  • Show Website
    The Cheflife Podcast