Words: Gentleman's Journal
At Gentleman’s Journal, we have a keen eye for identifying the figures at the forefront of their respective industries. That’s why we’ve embarked on a series of insightful conversations with industry leaders, delving deeper into their interests and perspectives. Today, we’ve asked HAM Restaurants group owner, Crispin and Bistro Freddie founder Dominic Hamdy a few questions on life, style, and the best places he likes to spend time in
The best restaurant in the world is…
Brawn never ever misses.
Your favourite hotel…
Maison Salix in Provence - a hugely personal and ambitious project by two wonderful people.
The city destination you never tire of is…
Barcelona. I go there to climb with a friend who lives in the city. You're in the mountains within an hour, and straight back into the city for a swim in the sea, a caña and a plate of jamòn. Perfect.
The drinks order that never disappoints is…
A vodka martini. Ice cold with a lemon twist.
Your perfect holiday…
Somewhere with no signal, no internet and a beautiful view. It doesn't get much better than sailing in the Aegean.
The menswear brand you rate…
I can't seem to buy anything but Our Legacy. I'm still wearing pieces that I bought 12+ years ago.
The best gift you have ever received…
A painting by Virginia Corbett was given to us as a wedding present. The scale of it is much too big for our small terrace house - it somehow feels so indulgent.
The last thing you bought and loved…
Two tiny oak and straw chairs for my 1-year-old daughter. I bought them from an antiques market in Provence and she's learning to sit up on them.
The book everyone should read before they die is…
Bacon in Moscow. It follows a London gallerist's attempt to bring Bacon's work, the first of any western artist, to the USSR. It has it all - audacity, glamour, ambition and adventure. There is something so transportative - old 80s Soho, some of my favourite restaurants such as Quo Vadis and a time that doesn't exist but feels so close.
The best piece of advice you have received…
Keep moving forward.
The person in your career you admire most…
Jeremy King. He has a magic touch in creating authentic restaurants with a story and longevity.
The quote you live by…
It'll all be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end.
The advice you would give to someone starting out in your profession…
Be curious, ask as many questions and experience as many people as you can.
Your biggest luxury...
Really good white Burgundy, most recently Maison Skyaasen's Meursault.
What do you do to relax…
Really good white Burgundy.
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