THE Hairy Bikers are back with a new BBC show later this week – and the first episode will see them explore Lancashire.
The Hairy Bikers Go North is an eight-part series for BBC Two which will see them travel from the west coast to the east, discovering the northern producers who are revolutionising the British food scene.
Each week they will base themselves in stunning locations including Bamburgh Castle, a farmhouse in Clough Bottom and a manor house where Henry VIII is said to have stayed, while exploring the changing areas through restaurants, recipes, and inventive new food entrepreneurs.
Along the way they take in some of the best gastropubs in the land, meet award-winning local producers and discover how tradition and the modern world are influencing one another in unique and exciting ways.
They begin their journey in Lancashire in an episode which will air this Thursday (23 September). During the episode they will visit all parts of the stunning county - from Pendle in the east to Blackpool in the west.
As we all know, Lancashire has a regional cuisine to match anywhere in the country, with some of the best gastropubs in the land and award-winning producers of fine food.
In the episode, Dave and Si ride to Newton-in-Bowland to visit The Parkers Arms which is renowned for its succulent homemade pies.
Having heard of the last temperance bar in the country, the bikers later set off to find out more about this teetotal movement and the alternative drinks they offer.
Ashley Morley, owner of Mr Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar in Rawtenstall, said: “They came in just to hear the history of the company. They also tasted our products and cordials.
“We were blown away that they wanted to come and visit us.
“They were so nice and so easy to get along with and literally what you see on the telly.”
Next, the bikers visit Carron Lodge in Preston, a family-run farm that rears water buffalo and uses their milk to create the most beautiful cheeses. Inspired, the bikers then cook a cheesy lasagne for the family.
Si and Dave’s favourite tipple is gin so the next visit to a gin school goes down a treat.
They took a trip to Goosnargh Gin which is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. Here, they crafted their own gin from scratch with the help of some of the owners.
Richard Trenchard, owner of the company, said: “It was really brilliant for them to visit and to be involved.
“The Hairy Bikers spent a whole day with us. They tried their own gins and then distilled their own.
“BBC producers had obviously done their research and found out about our awards and the work we do."
Si and Dave trying their homemade gin (Credit:BBC)
Infused by their learning, the bikers then create a gin and key lime pie on site and used Goosnargh’s 'Chapter 2 Dark Skies Gin' in their dish.
It wouldn’t be a proper Lancashire trip without visiting Blackpool and it wouldn’t be a trip to Blackpool without eating an ice cream from the Notarianni Ices, which is a small family run ice cream parlour serving a homemade vanilla ice cream since 1928; they use a secret family recipe handed down four generations.
With that box ticked, there is only one left to do before ending their Lancashire tour … Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower.
The Hairy Bikers Go North has been produced for BBC Two by South Shore. The first episode airs on Thursday 23 September at 8pm.
Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here