During the course of the afternoon it becomes clear that this is not strictly true: only a masochist would make glass purely for the money.For a start there is the failure rate. Each one represents two tons of refractory concrete and will take at least 10 days to heat up. They cost pounds 9,200, but Simon knows they will earn their keep with reduced gas bills over the coming years. Overhead there is a huge extractor fan to keep the workers cool. "I don't like the thought of my staff slowing down because they are too warm," he explains, only half joking.

"We cost everything by the minute," he says explaining several times that his is a business done for money not love. The company is already renowned in America for the classic and decorative tableware designed by Simon and his co-director Ben Dunnington. A similar following in the UK is not far off thanks to Liberty, the Conran Shop and Contemporary Applied Arts (CAA).The time has come for them to move to a larger workshop. The new set- up will allow Simon and Ben to take on more assistants, creating more time for new designs and one-off commissions, such as the recent collaboration with architect Nigel Coates: "He faxed us a whole lot of rough shapes for some decorative vases for a shop he was working on in Tokyo." The results - large organic vessels in citrus-coloured frosted glass - pleased both architect and glass makers so much that more projects are in the pipeline.The new workshop is dominated by two furnaces which Simon has just built himself. In the last five years alone he has steered his business from a small operation, dependent on restoration work for over 50 per cent of its income, to an international business with a weekly output of over 800 items, and an annual turnover in excess of pounds 250,000. One minute there is nothing but an iron wand and a crucible of liquid glass, and the next a treacly bubble is being caressed into shape with the aid of a wooden palate and a scorched wad of The Sunday Times: "I don't know why, but I find it's the best newspaper for the job". Assistants shuttle between the furnace and Simon's creation, anointing it with decorative blobs of coloured glass which are then massaged into place. Simon has been making glass for seventeen years and says he's "reasonably proficient" at it, though his ambition - to take his company, Simon Moore London Ltd, to the point where it is regarded as the best in the country - suggests he's a little better than that.

Simon is making glass table legs and each one is taking ten minutes Slow going, apparently Could it be the heat? "God no - this is nothing. The only thing which really affects my glass making is how hungover I am when I get in." Watching Simon blowing glass is like witnessing a cross between a religious ceremony and a magic show. Beakers and bowls around pounds 5, tray, jug, cocktail shaker and wine cooler all around pounds 20. All come in four rich colours, gold, emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. Liberty, Regent Street, W1, 0171-734 1234.6 If you are on a budget or need your picnic to be completely kid-proof you will find everything you need in Asda.

A set of four plates, cups and cutlery won't break the bank at pounds 4.99. Bowls, dishes and plates are sold individually starting at 79p in bright colours. Keep chilled with a Coolerbag pounds 5.99 or pack everything in a strong trolley bag 99p Call 0113 243 5435 for branches.. It is one of the hottest days this year, and Simon Moore's small glass-blowing workshop in Stockwell is arguably the hottest place in London, if not the country.