The Hairy Bikers' Best of British — Season 1
About this season
The Hairy Bikers are back and they're on a mission to prove that British food is the best in the world.
Episodes (30)
1. Royal Family
Aired 14 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore the incredible influence the monarchy has had over the food we eat.
2. Bread
Aired 15 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how our love affair with bread has evolved over centuries.
3. Vegetarian
Aired 16 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore the history behind the vegetarian society.
4. British Waterways
Aired 17 November 2011 • 59 min
Si and Dave explore the amazing food available in our British waterways
5. Recession
Aired 18 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers discover how necessity often forced British cooks to pull out all the stops.
6. War
Aired 21 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how the British have managed to create fantastic dishes even at times of war, when food is often scarce, and try their hand at rabbit stew and carrot cake.
7. Picnics
Aired 22 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers take a look at Britain's national love of picnics, celebrating classics such as the cornish pasty and the scotch egg, and baking a luxurious dundee cake.
8. Times a Plenty
Aired 23 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers continue their journey through time, celebrating British food. Here, they go gourmet with lobster, truffles, chocolate and the best cuts of meat on offer.
9. A Taste of the Med
Aired 24 November 2011 • 59 min
Si and Dave continue their journey through time, celebrating British food. Here they look at how the flavours of the Mediterranean have influenced British cuisine.
10. Cookbooks
Aired 25 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers cook dishes from their favourite cookbooks and meet food historian Ivan Day.
11. Foraging
Aired 28 November 2011 • 59 min
The bikers take to the undergrowth in search of delicious free food.
12. Island Life
Aired 30 November 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers look at fish, shellfish and the history of Billingsgate Market.
13. Pub Grub
Aired 1 December 2011 • 59 min
Si and Dave explore the history behind the boom in pub food and snacks.
14. Preserving
Aired 2 December 2011 • 59 min
The bikers explore how some of our tastiest treats have evolved from a need to preserve.
15. Puddings
Aired 3 December 2011 • 59 min
The bikers create some classic puddings and explore the history behind our favourites.
16. Slow Food
Aired 5 December 2011 • 59 min
It's worth cooking ingredients to perfection - however long it may take.
17. Beer and Cider
Aired 6 December 2011 • 59 min
The duo explore how our love affair with Beer and Cider has evolved over centuries.
18. Pies
Aired 7 December 2011 • 59 min
The hairy duo discover the history behind some of the nation's most iconic pies.
19. Takeaways
Aired 10 December 2011 • 59 min
Si and Dave explore how Britain's love affair with takeaway food has evolved.
20. Sweet Tooth
Aired 11 December 2011 • 59 min
Sii and Dave explore how the British love affair with sugar has evolved over centuries.
21. Food Festivals
Aired 12 December 2011 • 59 min
The Hairy Bikers look at all the food festivals in the calendar that allow the British to indulge.
22. Game
Aired 13 December 2011 • 59 min
The bikers create mouth-watering dishes with rabbit, grouse and venison.
23. Spices
Aired 14 December 2011 • 59 min
The duo explore the origins of Britain's favourite spices and visit a chilli festival.
24. High Tea
Aired 15 December 2011 • 59 min
High tea is a truly British invention, and the bikers can't resist a mid-afternoon snack.
25. Breakfast
Aired 16 December 2011 • 59 min
Si and Dave look at how our morning meal continues to change and evolve through time.
26. Nation of Gardeners
Aired 19 December 2011 • 59 min
Britain's skill at growing veg has inspired some amazing dishes. Si and Dave take a look at them.
27. Weddings
Aired 20 December 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how the foodie customs associated with wedding ceremonies have evolved.
28. Food Pairings
Aired 21 December 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how certain British ingredients combine to make classic pairings.
29. Cheese
Aired 22 December 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how our love affair with cheese has evolved over centuries.
30. Feel Good Food
Aired 23 December 2011 • 59 min
The Bikers explore how certain ingredients and recipes can make you feel good.