Hairy Bikers Come Home, BBC2

11:18am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

EVER since the Hairy Bikers first fell on to our screens laughing their beards off, I've been a fan.

In the stuffy and self- important world of TV cookery, Dave Myers and Si King have been a barrel full of fun and fresh air.

If you don't like this lovable pair, you have a heart made of stone.

Last night, they were back with the first of a two-part special called Hairy Bikers Come Home - a welcome repeat - which saw them charging around the north of England and getting all giddy over black puddings and traditional bakeries.

Perhaps the charm of these bearded wonders is that they're not professional chefs but, rather, two ordinary blokes who love their food And, thanks to a complete lack of cynicism, they still have a huge love and enthusiasm for grub.

It's always nice to see local food being given a bit of good publicity. Last night it was thumbs up for Lancashire Hotpot as well as a pigeon breast salad with bacon and black pudding at Bury Market.

We're used to seeing Si and Dave hurtling around the world on their motorbikes, taking in the sights of Mexico, Namibia, Turkey, the Far East. . . and rustling up their own versions of local dishes.

Instead of appearing in sterile kitchens, the pair prefer to rough it' a bit, making impressive food wherever they find themselves.