CityLife

Hairy Bikers rev up for food fest

JOIE DE VIVRE: Hairy Bikers

THERE’S something wonderfully charming about the fact that when I call up Dave Myers of cooking duo The Hairy Bikers, he has to postpone the interview for an hour because he’s busy riding around the country on his motorbike.

But then again, it seems as though there’s never a quiet moment for the successful bearded culinary duo at the moment.

Not only can we currently see them on our screens every teatime as they take us on a culinary tour around the country, but last month they could also be seen wowing the crowds at the Bolton Food and Drink festival.

“That was great fun,” says Dave. “I grew up in Barrow in Furness, so it was really nice to be back on my home turf!

“The north west area is home to some of our favourite produce – like Lancashire black pudding, and delicious Ormskirk potatoes.

“It was great to showcase these to people who may not have known about all the glorious stuff on their doorstep.”

The bikers are currently in the process of travelling around once again to film Mums Know Best, a series which showcases the best home cooked recipes being served up by mums across the land.

Luckily for us though, they’ve been kind enough to take time out of their busy schedule to be return to the North West on 12th October to host the annual Manchester Food and Drink awards.

“We’re really looking forward to that,” says Dave. “We both love Manchester – it’s home to some incredibly talented chefs working in some brilliant restaurants.

Northcote Manor

“For example, I really love what Nigel Howarth’s doing at the moment at Northcote Manor. And I always try to have at least one meal in Chinatown whenever I’m here – usually at the Yang Sing which is one of my all-time favourite restaurants.

“I have no doubt at all that the Food and Drink awards will show me some new places we’ll need to try out on our next trip!”

Are there any festival events in particular that the Hairy Bikers are looking forward to any festival events in particular attending?

“Sadly, we’re only going to be in the area for that one day, but we’re certainly going to try to pack in as much as we can while we’re there. I don’t think we’re going to have a moment to ourselves!”

Of course, there’s one question that I feel duty bound to ask him. Does Dave have any predictions for who will win he anticipates winning the coveted MFDF awards? “Oooh, I wouldn’t like to say!” he laughs.

“I don’t think it would be very fair of me. I’m sure that everyone has just as good a chance as each other.

“It’s going to be a great night though, and I’m sure everyone there will have a great time, regardless of whether they win any awards or not!”

The Manchester Food and Drink Awards gala dinner is being held at the Palace Hotel on Monday, October 12. Tickets cost £80 and can be purchased from http://mfdfgaladinnerandawards.eventbrite.com/