B&B by the Sea is a hidden gem in the TV schedules. First shown on BBC Northern Ireland in December 2022, the 15-part series of thirty-minute episodes makes its BBC Two debut on Easter Monday, April 10, 2023 at 6.30pm.
During the series, fifteen celebrities are whisked away from their hectic lives and given a warm welcome (whatever the weather!) by B&B host Sharon McIlveen, Michelin-star chef Alex Greene, and driver Rory O’Kane at a glorious Victorian villa overlooking Downhill Beach on the Causeway Coast.
With stunning scenery, activities such as horse riding, pottery and fishing to enjoy, places of interest to visit, and Alex to help in the kitchen, the relaxed guests open up as never before and leave feeling rejuvenated…
B&B by the Sea release date
B&B by the Sea is airing on BBC Two, Monday to Friday over three consecutive weeks. Each thirty-minute episode is available to watch from April 10, 2023 on BBC Two at 6.30 pm.
All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
Celebrity guests on B&B by the Sea season one
Celebrities checking into B&B by the Sea are (deep breath!) Deborah Meaden, Si King, Adam Woodyatt, Cerys Matthews, Ugo Monye, Shirley Ballas, Nina Wadia, Linford Christie, Larry Lamb, Debbie McGee, Neil Ruddock, Richard Blackwood, Gloria Hunniford, Fred Sirieix and Ellie Simmonds — in that order.
Who narrates B&B by the Sea?
The star on top of the sandcastle: Derry Girls’ Granda Joe, Ian McElhinney, narrates season one.
Exclusive interview with B&B by the Sea chef Alex Greene
Here, Michelin-star chef Alex tells What to Watch more about B&B by the Sea…
This isn’t your first time on TV, Alex…
“I did The Great British Menu [in 2020 Alex was a finalist on the BBC Two culinary contest]. In that the cameras are in your face and you’re under intense pressure. B&B By the Sea is a totally different and relaxed atmosphere!”
There’s an impressive array of guests. Did you feel starstruck?
“I didn’t think about it! I don’t watch TV and don’t have any celebrity idols so for me they’re no different from you and I and it was easy to talk to them. Once we started talking the conversation flowed.”
Who stands out for you?
“They were all a laugh — we had the craic. Shirley Ballas was a great guest, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock was hilarious, and Adam Woodyatt was very chilled out. He was happy just to see what was happening, but wasn’t too sure about Sharon getting him to exercise on the beach! He’s massively into food and Michelin-star restaurants so we connected over that.”
In the opening episode you prepare dinner for Deborah Meaden. Did you know she’s vegan?
“Not until she was coming! Deborah’s a very pro-animal person. She takes in a lot of animals and has a lot to do with animal welfare. She explains her reasons for being vegan really well. All the guests were very nice but Deborah is an absolute lady. Off set she was having cups of tea with the crew, Rory and Sharon and really getting involved.”
What did stars make of the location?
“They seemed impressed. Downhill beach is a bit of a hidden gem. When the cameras were off guests were talking about planning [return] trips around Northern Ireland. There were some May evenings when we finished filming and you could have been in Spain — okay, it’s a wee bit colder and you have to use your imagination!”
Did they enjoy helping you in the kitchen?
“Everyone was very on board with it. Although two guests — I won’t name names! — were happy for me to do most of the cooking and I was just happy to let them stir a bowl! [Behind-the-scenes] We had some laughs!”
Tell us about Sharon and Rory…
“Rory’s a tour guide and what he doesn’t know about the North Coast isn’t worth knowing. He’s a lovely, humble guy with no airs and graces and his knowledge is outstanding. Sharon is like your mummy — she looks after everyone and is a natural at running the B&B.”
Sadly we can’t book a stay at the B&B by the Sea in real life, can we?
“No, but since it went out on BBC Northern Ireland they’ve received hundreds of emails. People think Sharon owns it and I’ll be there to cook breakfast. I’ve been stopped in the street numerous times!”
Would you like to do a second series?
“100%! It’s something I’d love to be a part of again because it’s showcasing my own country. I’ve travelled and learned about world cuisine, and every country is beautiful in its own right, but if Ireland had hot summers it would be the busiest part of the world!”
Exclusive interview with B&B by the Sea guest Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden is worlds away from Dragons’ Den when she’s transported to a unique coastal hideaway in BBC Two’s tranquil new travelogue, B&B by the Sea.
For Deborah’s stay, host Sharon organises a visit to a local coffee producer, an early morning horse ride on the strand and — in a first for the Dragon — helping chef Alex prepare a dinner of barbecued hispi cabbage with Irish truffle and roasted potatoes, with a vegan tiramisu for dessert.
Here Deborah tells us more…
What made you say yes to this?
“I get asked to do a lot of stuff and for me it’s do I want to do it? I’d never been to Northern Ireland and thought, I’d love to see what it’s all about. I absolutely loved it. I actually felt like I’d been on holiday, it was so different and even the way it was filmed, the crew and everyone was lovely. I properly enjoyed myself. I came back and said to [my husband] Paul we need a holiday over there. It clearly did its job because we plan on going over this year!”
What were your first impressions?
“As Rory drove me to the B&B there was a moment where the scenery opened up and I was literally breath-taken. I was not expecting those beaches and views. Then when you actually pull up at the B&B you realise it is literally a B&B by the sea — and it’s stunning!”
Do you feel a connection to the sea?
“My great grandfather was a captain of a herring fishing boat out of Great Yarmouth, and my grandmother, who was a tiny bird-like woman, had these big strong hands because she used to mend the nets. So yes, I do feel a really strong connection to the sea — but that doesn't mean sunbathing; that means looking at, appreciating and hearing the sounds of the sea. I was definitely in the right place because I could hear it at night at the B&B in a lovely soothing way.”
You meet local coffee producers and enjoy an early morning horse ride. Were there other surprises?
“After we finished [filming] I went up to look at the gorgeous castle on the hill that you see when I’m galloping on the beach, and literally around the corner there is an amazing landscape with follies and ruins. I thought, no one mentioned that to me! I got this sense there were many more gems to find. That’s why I immediately said to Paul that we’ve got to spend more time over there.”
There was a first for you too — helping chef Alex prepare dinner?
[Laughing] “Kitchen’s are terrifying places for me because I've neer cooked a meal in my life! Alex was very patient. I’m plant based so he cooked several things he’d never tried before. I [recently] did Bake Off’s Stand up to Cancer - maybe B&B by the Sea helped edge me over my fear of cooking!”
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode guide
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 1:
Dragons' Den investor and queen of deals, Deborah Meaden faces a challenge in the B&B kitchen to see if she can cook her first ever meal. Can this dragon take the heat?
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 2:
Hairy Biker Si King checks in to the B&B and the team make use of the famous foodie's knowledge when cooking up a storm in the kitchen, tasting a local tipple and fishing for their brunch.
Whilst Si is keen to help in the kitchen, first he is sent on a mission to find the perfect pairing beer for the B&B dinner. Hoping to support the local community in everything they do, Sharon organises for Si to visit the Lacada Brewery – a community-led project that has mastered the art of the perfect brew.
With the local flavourful tipple, Si assists chef Alex in the kitchen creating a seafood feast to celebrate the bountiful catch from Northern Ireland’s coast.
Before Si checks out, the team take him to meet a group of local anglers hoping to bring in the catch of the day.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 3:
EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt swaps London for Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast where the B&B team test his moves with the local fitness enthusiasts and put him to work in the kitchen!
For dinner, Alex needs Adam’s help to prepare an Indian-inspired feast, but they’re missing a few key ingredients. Luckily Sharon knows a local farm that might be able to help.
Chef Alex makes use of Adam’s passion for cooking, preparing an Indian spiced goat curry with yogurt flatbreads, followed by a rhubarb fool with a chai tea-infused custard.
After a good night’s sleep, Sharon decides the best wake-up call for Adam is a workout on the beach. Accompanied by some local fitness enthusiasts, he’s put through his paces with a special exercise session with the rest of the B&B team.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 4:
Musician and radio host Cerys Matthews visits the B&B for a chance to taste some liquid gold and fulfil a lifelong dream visiting the legendary Giant’s Causeway.
This is Cerys first visit to Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and during her stay Alex takes her to visit a local farm with a passion for turning rapeseed flowers into delicious flavoured oils. Afterwards, Cerys and Alex can’t help but take some of the flavoured oils back to the B&B to match with the evening meal.
Knowing Cerys’s love of cooking and Japanese flavours, chef Alex asks her to assist in preparing the B&B dinner. They make a dish of miso-baked aubergines with a mixed bean salad, as well as a light and airy soufflé cheesecake, the perfect end to the day.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 5:
When former rugby star and TV presenter Ugo Monye checks in he brings in the catch of the day and trials an age-old sport, whilst mucking in with host Sharon and her team.
In this episode it is the turn of rugby star and presenter Ugo Monye to check into the B&B by the sea. Ugo played for both the England and Harlequins teams, but now he has retired from rugby, that hasn’t stopped his adventurous spirit. He comes to the B&B eager to get stuck into all the challenges the team throws at him. His first activity is fishing for scallops. And with the fresh catch, chef Alex is hoping to put Ugo to work in the kitchen preparing braised fennel, nduja and scallop stew, and for dessert, a chocolate brownie with a creamy Guinness ice-cream
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 6:
Queen of the dance floor and Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is kept on her toes by the B&B team. From pig farming to pottery, Shirley takes it all in her stride as she enjoyed morning yoga, a dip in the sea and helping Alex in the kitchen.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 7:
Actress and comedian Nina Wadia turns her hand to fishing and chocolate making when she visits the B&B. Sailing, fishing and seaside memories are all on the menu in addition to Alex's decadent lobster linguine.
Nina was brought up near the coast in Hong Kong and has fond recollections of her time by the water, so her stay at the B&B is a chance to reminisce on her favourite memories of the seaside. Luckily, the B&B team believe there’s no better way to get to know the local area than setting sail to witness the beautiful coastline...
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 8:
Britain’s fastest ever sprinter Linford Christie is hoping to enjoy the slower pace of life at the B&B as he is introduced to beekeeping and enjoys the waters off Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.
Linford is taking a break from his coaching to reflect on his career, as well as embracing the itinerary the B&B team have set for him. On his visit Linford discovers a true taste of Northern Ireland’s coast — a local honey flavoured with the wildflowers that decorate this spectacular area. With the help of the resident chef, Alex, they create an epic feast of spiced spatchcocked chicken and strawberry trifle, all sweetened up with this local delicacy.
Linford has only recently learned to swim, and the B&B team know there’s no fresher dip that jumping into the waters off Northern Ireland. Sharon takes Linford open-water swimming, a truly memorable experience for any newbie swimmer. And before Linford checks out, he takes another crack in the kitchen, whipping up some fluffy pancakes for the B&B brunch.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 9:
Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb is a long way from Essex when he visits the B&B. During his adventures along the Causeway Coast the actor meets a special Japanese herd. He also visits the local seaside town of Ballycastle with Sharon and Rory. And before checking out, chef Alex takes Larry under his wing, baking a unique take on a Northern Irish soda bread with bacon and eggs.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 10:
Television, stage and radio star Debbie McGee adds some magic to the B&B, visits a local smokehouse, and discovers the art of glassblowing with an unusual ingredient.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 11:
It’s the turn of football legend Neil 'Razor' Ruddock to check into the B&B. Sharon and Alex want to give Razor the opportunity to learn more about the local produce, so Alex takes him to Glenarm Castle’s estate to meet their herd of Shorthorn cattle.
Knowing Razor might need to brush up on his Northern Irish history, Sharon brings him to Derry for a little lesson. Famous for its intact 17th-century walls, the city is one of the few in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached.
Before Razor checks out, he has one last task - cooking a hearty veggie brunch with the resident chef.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 12:
Hollyoaks star and comedian Richard Blackwood is taking a break from stardom to muck in with the B&B team.
The team task Richard with looking after the star ingredient for the B&B shopping list — making some chorizo for a French-inspired supper. The B&B’s resident chef Alex takes him to meet a local pig farmer with a speciality for charcuterie to help Richard in his mission. Alex then takes Richard under his wing to prepare a cassoulet celebrating the locally made chorizo followed by a sea buckthorn tart inspired by Northern Ireland’s coastline.
On day two, Sharon takes Richard to work with a local artisan producer. Can he handle the heat of the blacksmith's forge?
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 13:
TV broadcasting legend Gloria Hunniford checks into the B&B to reconnect with her roots and reminisce on all that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Gloria visits a local farm to collect some ingredients for dinner. Whilst there, she meets an award-winning flock and discovers a project that benefits the local community.
Inspired by their trip, Gloria and chef Alex cook a feast of local lamb with cheesy gnocchi and a niçoise sauce, followed by a sticky date pudding for dessert.
No visit to the seaside is complete without a picnic on the beach, and Gloria, host Sharon and driver Rory take the opportunity for an afternoon tea on the sandy shores beside the B&B. And before Gloria checks out, she helps out in the kitchen, baking a wheaten bread just like her mother used to make.
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 14:
First Dates and Last Resort host with the most Fred Sirieix checks into the B&B having recently discovering his Irish ancestry, and he’s lending his hospitality skills to the B&B team.
The team set Fred an important challenge to find the best local tipple to compliment a special custard. They visit the oldest licensed whisky distillery in the world before mucking in at the local butchers to test Fred's sausage-making skills. Fred originally trained as a pastry chef, so he adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the B&B kitchen, where he takes on a seafood feast, a twist on the classic crumble and black and white pudding sausages. But Fred knows that no trip to the seaside is complete without a wee dip!
B&B by the Sea season 1 — episode 15:
It’s the turn of Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds to check in to the B&B. Ellie won our hearts competing for Team GB during four Paralympic games and although she might have recently retired from swimming, this athlete still has a special connection to the water. The B&B by the sea is the perfect place for Ellie to reconnect with the water in a different way.
Sharon and the team take Ellie on a whistle stop tour of Northern Ireland’s beautiful Causeway coast. During her stay she sets sail on the Atlantic ocean, discovering all the magnificent coastline has to offer, including the site of former Kinbane Castle. She visits a potato farm with a spectacular view and gets down and dirty digging for some spuds.
No time at the B&B is complete without a visit to the B&B kitchen, where chef Alex sets Ellie to work preparing a veggie bao bun feast and for brunch they tackle potato bread – a breakfast staple in these parts.
