Downton Abbey stars gathered at Camden Stables Market’s Gilgamesh restaurant yesterday to help raise money for animal welfare charity Animals Asia.

Ham & High: Downton Abbey actors Lesley Nicol, Sophie McSheera, and Joanne Foggatt at the charity fundraiser in Gilgamesh, Camden Town. Picture: Polly HancockDownton Abbey actors Lesley Nicol, Sophie McSheera, and Joanne Foggatt at the charity fundraiser in Gilgamesh, Camden Town. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

Lesley Nicol (Downton’s Mrs Patmore) led the way having become a devoted supporter of the charity and its work to end bear bile farming in China and Vietnam. This followed a trip to Animals Asia’s bear sanctuary in Chengdu, China, last year during a break in Downton filming.

On her return, she said: “My husband and I felt completely privileged to be invited to visit Chengdu - and we had no idea what to expect - but it was without doubt one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.”

Ms Nicol was joined by co-stars Sophie McSheera (aka Daisy Mason), Joanne Foggatt (aka Anna, Lady’s Maid to Lady Mary Crawley) and Peter Egan (aka Shrimpie Flintshire).