(C) South Shore Productions – Photographer: Jon Boast
The Hairy Bikers have set their sights on dishing up the ultimate Christmas dinner, inspired by Northern producers who are revolutionising the British food scene.
From Turkey Doner Kebab starters and gourmet marshmallows to award-winning Christmas Puddings and frangipane mince pies, this one-off special promises a fabulous three-course festive feast with a twist.
Dave Myers and Si King hail from opposite sides of the North and felt it had been too long since their families got together around one table for a proper celebration.
So they hatched a plan to ride the backbone of the North – the Pennines – to meet, taste and be inspired by the best food artisans and producers around.
Basing themselves just outside Bolton, they then treat three generations of both the King and Myers families to the best Northern Christmas ever.
The hunt to create the ultimate Christmas dinner takes the bikers to Todmorden on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, Darlington, Bollington in Cheshire, Sheffield and then Doncaster.
Along the way they meet award-winning local producers and discover how tradition and the modern world are influencing one another in unique and exciting ways.
Si King says: “There is something lovely about taking the time to cook for your nearest and dearest at Christmas, but this time we were looking for surprising alternatives to the typical festive menu.
“This very special Christmas dinner is a celebration of our love of the best food produce in the north of England, and of our shared friendship.”
Dave Myers says: “My wedding, 10 years ago, was the last time both families got together so we thought the best way to celebrate such a special occasion was to cook a Christmas feast, but with a twist.
“Our families will not be expecting some of the food we’ve prepared such as the turkey doner kebab starter which hands down is one of the most exciting dishes we have cooked. It’s a game-changer for Christmas.
“We turned our backs on traditional turkey for the main course and took inspiration from northern Europe, where pork is the centre piece for millions of Christmas dinners, and we found an incredible pork supplier in the heart of the north – Lancashire.”
The Hairy Bikers Go North for Christmas has been produced for BBC Two by South Shore. The Commissioning Editor is Max Gogarty and the Executive Producers are Andrew Mackenzie and Melanie Leach.
This one-off hour-long Christmas special is due to air on Wednesday 22 December at 8pm.
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