Skip to content

Free uk delivery over £50*

Free UK Returns

We ship internationally

Friends of Ham

21 March 2018

We caught up with Claire Kitching, co-owner of the Friends of Ham restaurants in Ilkley and Leeds, to chat about her favourite Tom Raffield lights and how they enhance the quirky, rustic interior spaces.
The bespoke Tom Raffield Flock Chandelier in Friends of Ham, Ilkley
Tom Raffield Flock Chandelier in Friends of Ham Restaurant

Friends of Ham have a reputation that precede them. A craft beer deli, a charcuterie Ale bar, a continental bier deli, a celebration of all things ham-orientated. Known for their artisan hams, charcuterie, cheeses and extensive range of draft and bottled craft beers, the unique bars in Leeds and Ilkley are dubbed to be ‘a British take on European tapas and Cafe culture’.

We caught up with Claire Kitching, co-owner of Friends of Ham, to discuss why she chose the Tom Raffield Giant Flock Chandelier, Helix Pendants and Wheal Table Lights to be a part of the bars' well loved, unique and quirky decor. 

The bespoke Tom Raffield Flock Chandelier in Friends of Ham, Ilkley.
The bespoke Tom Raffield Flock Chandelier in Friends of Ham, Ilkley.
Ash, Oak and Walnut flock components
Ash, Oak and Walnut flock components

TR: Tell us about your Giant Flock Chandelier.

CK: "We get so many great comments on our Tom Raffield lighting. The bespoke Giant Flock Chandelier is a total statement piece which everyone notices as soon as they enter the back room of Friends of Ham in Ilkley, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a fabulous centre piece. The contrasting ash, oak and walnut components look great against the cool-toned restaurant walls".

Tom Raffield Helix Pendants
Tom Raffield Helix Pendants in Ash

TR: Why did you choose Tom Raffield lighting?

CK: "I was doing a lot of research on Pinterest when it came to designing our bar in Ilkley and came across a photo of one of the Tom Raffield Helix Pendants against some wooden wall cladding. I was immediately drawn to the image (because wooden cladding was something we desperately wanted to use in our downstairs corridor) and fell in love with the aesthetic of the wooden lighting and corresponding backdrop. I love the beautiful lines and the simplicity of the Helix Pendants and the way the glowing pink toned light permeates through the wood shade".


TR: How do the Helix Pendants enhance your interiors?

CK: "The Helix Pendants at Ham and Friends & Friends of Ham give off a lovely warm, cosy glow. At Ilkley we’ve hung a cluster of three different sized lights at varying lengths and they are just fantastic, they really light up the area around the beer fridge - they are like a little beacon calling beer fans over!"

Tom Raffield Helix Pendant in Ash
Tom Raffield Helix Pendant in Ash.
Tom Raffield Helix Pendant in Ash
Ash Helix Pendant close up.

TR: Which Tom Raffield fitting is your favourite?

CK: "My favourite design, without a doubt, would be the Wheal Table Light. We used this design in our newest restaurant Ham and Friends - I want to put these in my house! The lights give a sexy, New York bar, jazz club vibe to the bar at Ham and Friends - I just love them!"

Wheal Table Lights and helix Pendants at Ham & Friends
Tom Raffield Wheal Table Light
Wheal Table Lights and Helix Pendants at Ham & Friends
Wheal Table Lights and Helix Pendants at Ham & Friends

Photography credits: Justin Slee, Ben Bentley and Friends of Ham.

Explore Tom Raffield Lighting

Posted: 21.03.18
Updated: 31.05.23

Items added to basket