THE CRAFTSMEN'S DINNER

We launched a fantastic film at The Roux in Parliament Square on Monday. London's press and bloggers were treated to a preview of the first film of a series all about Michel Roux Jr's search for Britain's finest craftsmen. Here it is:

James Rogan (Rogan Productions) hand picked a world class team including director Ed Mcgowan fresh from filming David Attenborough and Barack Obama. Multi award winning Robert Hollingworth was responsible for all the amazing shots like the tomato drop. ​

The craftsmen's dinner explores what it means to be a master craftsman. Passion. Dedication. Obsession. Caring about all the tiny details that nobody will probably notice, but the craftsmen will always know; so it must be perfect. We rely upon doing things the right way, even if it is usually the long hard way. ​

We are paid in a deep knowing of having made something well and given a little part of our selves to make others happy. Our prize is the ability to relax after a long day of hard, honest, work. Planting the seeds of tomorrows reputation with today's satisfaction.​

I have made many new friends on this project which somehow proves that if you gather a group of people who all do totally different jobs but who all take a pride in doing them well then there are suddenly no barriers, only a group of human beings that enjoy each others company.

Before we came home we called in at Naine's North Street Potters in Clapham. Naine makes the best pots but that is probably because she has always done things the right way. She spends her time giving, as we walked in the door she handed us each a cup of almost ridiculous beauty. She looks after her community and epitomises the opposite of lazy and selfish. I feel richer having met her. She invited us have a go at throwing a pot and I was reminded of Michel's speech the night before. It was about teaching others. To complete the circle of craftsmanship, you have to hoist up the apprentice to stand on your shoulders. Naine was a very good teacher and held my hands tight to centre the clay then stepped away so my hands could learn. ​

I enjoyed teaching Michel how to make a Chef's knife, he was eager to get stuck in and a fast learner. Being involved in the process of learning deepens ones ability to learn. ​I have learned about filming, presenting, potting, farming, brewing and salmon smoking.... but perhaps it has all just been a great excuse to make some fabulous friends! 

The Craftsmen: Sasha, Me, Michel, Ole, Nairne, Simon and Ian

My apprentice is called Smudge. Today I will try to pass on some of the inspiration and lessons I have been given from my fellow craftsmen.... mostly - 'Enjoy it!'

LINKS
​Craftsmen's Dinner YouTube Channel
Rogan Productions Blog - Ferraby Knives
​Silverspoon Blog - Launch of the Craftsmen's Dinner
Ole Hansen -The Salmon Smoker
Naine - North Street Potters
​Simon, Ridgeview Wine
Sasha - Grierson Organics

Thanks for the photos, Robert Holingworth and Piers Allardyce