We feature some of the best chef’s in the world on The Staff Canteen but where would they be without their kitchen porter?
We thought it was time to celebrate the unsung heroes of the kitchen in a new monthly feature, KP of the Month, and this month it is Kongolo Wani. He currently works at Outlaw's at The Capital in Knightsbridge, and he was nominated by head chef Tom Brown, who said: “I nominated Kongolo for the KP of the Month because of his hard work, great attitude and positivity. He keeps all the chefs and staff here smiling and laughing and without him our kitchen would be a much duller (and quieter) place! He recently won the Boutique Hoteliers Shining Star award and no one deserves it more than he does. We couldn’t be more proud of him."
Kongolo Wani
How long have you worked at Outlaw's at The Capital for?
I have worked at The Capital for ten years now.
Why did you want to be a kitchen porter?
I wanted to be a kp because I love working with the chefs and because I love the team.
Are you interested in cooking or happy to stay as a kitchen porter?
I don’t think I would like to be cooking so I just want to stay being the best kp!
What is it like to work at Outlaw's at The Capital, and what is Tom like as a boss?
Working at the Capital is amazing! Everyone is so nice and always happy. Chef Tom is a very good chef and is always good to me.
As a kitchen porter, what’s the most annoying thing chefs do in the kitchen?
The most annoying thing the chefs do is don’t finish the tea when I making it for them!
KP Heaven and Hell
Heaven
I like most about the job when the team is all together and working and enjoying themselves.
Hell
Theres nothing I don’t like! that’s why I'm always happy!
And do you get to try the food? Do you have a favourite dish you have tried at the restaurant?
I like trying all the food here at The Capital especially because I love fish! My favourite is definitely John Dory.
Would you encourage other chefs to nominate and celebrate their kitchen porters?
I would encourage the chefs to nominate and celebrate the KPs more, because KP is very hard job and you must be strong for it and when people tell you what you do is good it makes you strong.