Chill out during the great British summer

Game Fair exhibitor Harvey and Hamilton makes some of the finest British kit for sundowners, picnics and outdoor living, that is built to last.

Its range of leather and canvas coolbags, insulated totes, wine coolers, ice buckets and rugs are practical, durable and timeless.

Launching its initial range in November 2020, Harvey and Hamilton was born on the plains of the Masai Mara enjoying very civilised sundowners under the setting African sun, having come off a successful ascent of Mount Kenya. And out there they really know how to do sundowners well.

Founder Nick Hamilton had been long frustrated at the absence of any

combination of both quality and functionality to keep drinks and food cold: wicker hampers, while traditional are heavy, cumbersome and have negligible insulative properties; while cheap polyester and foam cool bags are not particularly attractive, poorly made and frankly pretty useless.

And how are you supposed to be able to keep ice cold for a decent gin and tonic in the field?

And so, under that equatorial setting sun, gin and tonic (with ice) in hand the decision was made to design a range of gear specifically designed for sundowners, and eminently suitable for picnics, that used the best materials, was made with the finest workmanship, looked good, and most importantly performed well.

Nick explained: “The vast majority of our materials are British. We believe in using the best materials to make products that will stand the test of time and use.

“Our oak bark tanned leather is from JFJ Baker in east Devon, one of England’s oldest tanneries. Each hide takes 15 months to tan, which makes the fibres particularly strong and hard wearing – every one is hand finished using their own blend of oils and greases. Even their hides come from Devon cows.

“Our canvas comes from two very old British textile mills: British Millerain has been producing the finest canvas in its Lancashire mill since 1880. Meanwhile, Halley Stevenson have been producing waxed textiles from its site in Dundee since 1864.

“We use 18oz and 24oz plain weave and twill canvas which is either waxed with food grade waxes, or treated for water repellency.

“Our insulated products are lined with 40mm of high-performance layered insulation manufactured in Nottingham that keeps champagne cold, or hot food warm. All fittings from YKK zips to rivets are solid brass for durability and

longevity.

“All our products are then expertly stitched together and finished at a small workshop in Somerset by the finest craftsmen and craftswomen in the West Country. We’re proud to support British businesses, and make very high quality British products for a British market.”

www.harveyandhamilton.co.uk