Essex lads Russell and Jamie in the G20 action

By dwebber

Two Essex celebrities were in the thick of the G20 action yesterday – but in very different places.

Comedian Russell Brand and chef Jamie Oliver were both prominent faces among the world leaders, protestors and press that swamped London yesterday, ahead of the start of the G20 summit today (Thursday, April 2).

But while Russell Brand attended the protests in the City, Jamie Oliver was busy preparing a special meal for Obama, Brown, Sarkozy, Merkel and the other G20 leaders at Downing Street.

Brand informed his followers on Twitter that he would be heading to the protests in the Square Mile and later posted a piece on his website (www.russellbrand.tv) about his day, entitled Revolution.

With his customary wit, he gives his unique perspective on the protests, the politics, the media clamour and where he stands amid all the hype and hysteria.

"These protests are important," wrote Brand. "It thrills me to see people putting aside the relentless tyranny of the self and acknowledging in action community and oneness..."

Meanwhile, Jamie Oliver's G20 experience was rather different.

The chef was asked to prepare a meal for the G20 leaders at Downing Street last night and decided to put together a 'Best of British' menu.

"I'm very, very proud of my country and its food traditions," said Oliver ahead of the dinner.

To start the world leaders were served Scottish salmon with seashore vegetables, which was followed by slow-roasted shoulder with Jersey Royal potatoes, asparagus and wild St George mushrooms, then Bakewell tart with custard for dessert.

Jamie enlisted a team of eight apprentices from his Fifteen restaurant to prepare the meal and from his diary entry on his website (www.jamieolvier.com) last night, it seemed to be a big success:

"We did it, the dinner went really well! I was so proud of the apprentices as they really held it together.

"I was well chuffed with the food and we worked out that if you were to serve the whole three courses at home then it would come in at around £11 a head," he said.

"The food was homely and proved that you can serve very humble food in the most opulent of places.

"It was an amazing night and I managed to have a few laughs with the guests as well... one of the highlights of the night was that I got to meet President Obama and his wife which was such a thrill for me."

Not bad for a lad from Clavering.

"The dinner went really well, everyone was chuffed, I am so proud of the chefs and apprentices from 15, what a night!"