Former MP and journalist Michael Portillo was taught how to make the “perfect” Cornish pasty in Penzance, as part of a television series that aired last week. 

Held at Warrens Bakery in the Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance, the session was filmed for  BBC Two’s Great British Railway Journeys. In the show, Portillo travelled from Plymouth to Porthcurno, marking the end of his journey across the length and breadth of the country by train.

The episode aired last Friday at 6:30pm, and Portillo was taught how to prepare the “perfect authentic pasty” – he was given tips of the trade regarding all things Cornish pasty.

Warrens Bakery’s head baker Jason Jobling, who hosted the pasty-making session, said: “It was a real privilege and honour for both me and the bakery to be involved with the filming of Great British Railway Journeys.”

Oldest Cornish pasty producer in the world

He added: “Here at the bakery we are all extremely passionate about the Cornish pasty. As the oldest Cornish pasty producer in the world, it was a perfect fit for us to teach Michael how to make and crimp a Cornish pasty in Cornwall.”

As to what the team thought of the former MP, Jobling said: “Michael was great fun, keen to get involved and genuinely interested in the history and provenance of our products.”