The Hairy Bikers: Si King and Dave Myers – A Culinary Legacy
The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers, became household names in British cooking with their unique blend of hearty recipes, infectious humor, and passion for motorcycles. Their friendship began in the 1990s on a TV set, bonding over their shared love of food and bikes.
Early Years
Dave Myers
Born on September 8, 1957, in Barrow-in-Furness, Dave Myers had a challenging childhood. At just 12 years old, he became a young carer when his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This early responsibility sparked his interest in cooking, as he learned to prepare meals for his family.Dave attended Barrow-in-Furness Grammar School for Boys, where an inspiring art teacher, Mr. Eaton, encouraged his creative pursuits. This influence led Dave to pursue a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, followed by an M.A. in art history.To finance his studies, Dave worked in a steelworks, tending furnaces. After university, he joined the BBC’s makeup department, specializing in prosthetics. This career path allowed him to work on various films and TV shows, including the popular series “Spooks”
Si King
Simon James King was born on October 20, 1966, in Kibblesworth, County Durham. He attended St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Washington, where he briefly considered becoming a priest at age 13 before discovering his passion for music and girls. Si’s father, who had served in the Royal Navy during World War II and later became a motorcycle dispatch rider, inspired his son’s love for motorcycles. At 16, Si began working in construction, laying paving stones. He later transitioned to the film and television industry, working as an assistant location manager on major productions like “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and as location manager for “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”.
The Fateful Meeting
In 1995, Dave and Si’s paths crossed on the set of a TV drama called “The Gambling Man”. Dave was working as a makeup artist, while Si was the second assistant director. Their first interaction occurred over a curry, where they discovered their shared interests in food and motorcycles. Their friendship deepened when Si sold Dave a motorcycle, which Dave later described as “the worst motorcycle you have ever seen”. This transaction led to a memorable trip to Scotland, where Si drove a minibus to meet Dave in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, to return the bike. Instead of causing a rift, this incident cemented their friendship, with Si and his family spending New Year in Scotland.
Culinary Beginnings
During that Scottish trip, Dave and Si cooked together for the first time, preparing a family meal that included roast pork shoulder, saffron rice, Thai green curry, and flambéed bananas for dessert. This experience marked the beginning of their culinary collaboration. Their shared love for cooking, traveling, and motorcycles naturally evolved into the idea for a TV show. Initially, they envisioned a program about “riding motorcycles and chatting to people” while exploring regional culture through food. However, their own cooking skills eventually became the focus of what would become “The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook,” first aired by the BBC in 2004.
Rise to Fame
The Hairy Bikers’ unique blend of travel, cooking, and humor quickly gained popularity. Their first TV show attracted a regular audience of six million viewers. Over the years, they produced numerous popular series, including:
- The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain
- Mums Know Best
- The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure
- The Hairy Dieters
Bestselling Authors
The duo penned over 25 cookbooks, many becoming bestsellers:
- The Hairy Bikers’ Perfect Pies
- The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight
- The Hairy Bikers’ One Pot Wonders
- The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics
Expanding Their Brand
Beyond cooking, Si and Dave developed:
- Live Shows: Their “Big Night Out” tour combined cooking, comedy, and music.
- Kitchenware: A range of Hairy Bikers-branded cooking utensils and appliances.
- Health and Lifestyle: The Hairy Bikers’ Diet Club offering personalized weight loss plans.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Sadly, on February 28, 2024, Dave Myers passed away at the age of 66 after battling cancer. Si King announced the news, saying Dave died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife Lili, family, and close friends. Dave’s warmth, humour, and culinary passion touched millions of fans worldwide.
Dave’s Legacy
Dave left behind an impressive culinary empire. His production company, Sharpletter, co-owned with his wife, was valued at £1.4m as of January 2024. The Hairy Bikers Television company, co-owned with Si, had assets worth £114,715.
Continuing the Journey
While Dave’s passing marks the end of an era, his influence on British cooking and his friendship with Si King will be remembered fondly. Fans can still enjoy:
- The duo’s extensive cookbook collection
- Reruns of their beloved TV shows
- The recipes and lifestyle tips on the Hairy Bikers’ website
Honoring Dave’s Memory
In June 2024, thousands of bikers traveled from London to Dave’s hometown of Barrow-in-Furness for “Dave Day,” raising money for charity and celebrating his life. Dave was also posthumously awarded the freedom of Barrow-in-Furness, recognizing his contributions to the community.The Hairy Bikers’ legacy continues to inspire food lovers around the world. Through their books, shows, and the memories they’ve created, Si and Dave’s infectious enthusiasm for cooking and life will live on.