With the news that Hairy Bikers star Si King is to launch his first restaurant in a converted stables in Sunderland we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about the TV chef.

Mr King will be opening a new eatery in the riverside Sheepfolds venue which is currently being brought back to life by BDN.

Si will be offering a menu of comforting, hearty dishes and will also use his space to stage exciting food pop-ups from independent producers.

He said: “Sunderland is a transforming city, and one with great provenance when it comes to local produce.

It’s a city by the sea, with access to fresh fish and seafood, plenty of allotments for homegrown fruit and veg, and a spirit of innovation that really appeals to me as a creative person.”

But who is Si King? And why is he opening a restaurant in Sunderland?

Simon James King, known as Si King, is a British celebrity chef and television presenter best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers with Dave Myers.

Read more: Hairy Biker Si King to open venue at Sheepfolds, Sunderland

The much-loved pair have presented a number of TV cooking shows for BBC Television along with a new weight loss programme – ‘The Hairy Bikers Diet Club.

Mr King was born in Kibblesworth, County Durham and went to St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Washington.

At 16, Mr King worked laying paving stones for a construction form before working in film and television production.

Most predominantly, he was assistant location manager on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and location manager on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

He met Dave Myers in 1995 on the set of TV drama entitled ‘The Gambling Man’ in which he was the second assistant director.

The popular duo first appeared on the BBC’s ‘The Hairy Biker’s Cookbook, which was a mixture of a cook show and travelogue.

Si now lives near Newcastle and is a supporter of Newcastle United.

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