Hairy Bikers' Best of British

Si King and Dave Myers examine how Britain’s colonial history has shaped its cuisine, tracing the development of iconic drinks and condiments. Their investigation delves into the origins of gin and tonic and the story behind a particular Worcester sauce brand.

Food and the Empire is a television programme presented as a single episode. The series centres on the relationship between Britain’s historic overseas ventures and the culinary habits that have become part of everyday life. Its focus is on how the nation’s colonial past still flavours the food on our tables today. In this installment, presenters Si King and Dave Myers set out to examine that legacy. They look closely at how Britain’s imperial connections have shaped two iconic British staples: the classic gin and tonic, and a well‑known brand of Worcester sauce. Their investigation follows the routes by which these items entered British kitchens, tracing the historical links that tie them to the empire. The pair dig into the origins of the gin and tonic, uncovering the circumstances that led to its creation and popularity. At the same time, they turn their attention to the Worcester sauce brand, exploring the background that gave rise to its distinctive flavour and its place in British cuisine. Throughout, they keep the narrative anchored in the way colonial trade and cultural exchange have left a lasting imprint on these foods. By the end of the episode, King and Myers have laid out a clear picture of how two seemingly ordinary condiments are, in fact, products of a far‑reaching imperial past. Their journey offers a concise look at the ways history continues to shape what we eat, reminding viewers that even a simple drink or sauce can carry a story of empire behind it.