Gordon Hamme's perfect day
Gordon Hamme has worked in fine jewellery and the silver trade for some 30 years with a passion for contemporary British silverware and the craftspeople who produce it. More recently his work has led him to create a showcase for British silversmithing in the shape of British Silver Week (www.britishsilverweek.co.uk/) in 2008. Here Gordon tells us about his perfect day in London.
"When I first started thinking about becoming a journalist the most obvious book I could have written was 'The cafés of London'. I think London still does the best breakfasts in the world - and I've eaten everywhere from street markets to the Ritz.
The food markets would be the first place I'd to go. For the crème de la crème in London I'd head for the wholesale meat market in Spitalfields in the City of London where the cafes buy the freshest and best of produce - they're open very early in the morning.
For an early morning meeting or if I've got a packed day I'll start at Simpsons in the Strand (www.simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk/), which does the most fabulous kedgeree. I often meet with people from abroad and they just love the panelled dining room, which does remind me of my time at school - both the food and the ambience.
Every day is pretty close to perfect at the moment. I am really enjoying myself visiting silversmith's workshops, galleries (in particular the Lesley Craze Gallery London (www.lesleycrazegallery.co.uk/)) and retailers in London, Sheffield, Glasgow and Edinburgh for my latest project 'British Silver Week'. In my opinion the UK has some of the finest silversmiths in the world including Brett Payne and Malcolm Appleby.
This project will showcase these very skilful, artistic people. Silversmiths are being asked to make a signature piece which will be limited edition for exhibition and sale from 10th June 2008. And of course to finish the day at the sumptuous home of a friend whose dining table is laid with silver cutlery, bowls, plates and a beautiful candle-lit candelabra is as good as it gets."