Hairy Bikers: Restoration Road Trip

If you’re hoping to see the ever-amiable Si King and Dave Myers rustle up a Restoration roast, you’ll be disappointed. Midway through tonight’s heritage restoration opener, the pair sample a hunk of bread and dripping, but that’s pretty much the extent of the culinary content. For the rest of the time, they’re exploring Britain’s – and their families’ – industrial past with the gusto of Meccano-mad kids.

Si follows in his granddad’s steps with a dark, grim trip down the mines at the Pleasley Colliery, where a group of former miners are hoping to restore the pit that was closed 30 years ago. Dave’s family, by contrast, were Yeomen farmers who embraced the industrial revolution but soon found that life as a factory worker was far from a walk in the park. He’s having a ball though exploring the technology that enticed them indoors, driving an original London Underground steam engine, the Met 1, and riding one of the world’s first amusement park thrill rides.

The sheer enthusiasm and joy the duo bring to the engaging tales, meetings and travels here is exactly as you’d expect; and yes, they do eventually dish out some pies.