A new global TV series spotlighting Manchester as a food, drink, and travel destination has launched, fronted by The Lord of the Rings stars Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan.
The production of the Manchester episode was significantly supported by the Manchester Accommodation BID, which partnered with Marketing Manchester to help coordinate the filming.
Billy and Dom Eat the World follows the actors, known for their roles as Merry and Pippin in the film franchise, on a ‘hobbit-style’ approach to travel, with the duo eating their way across the globe. For one dedicated episode, the pair explore Manchester’s vibrant food scene, uncovering hidden gems and iconic attractions.
Filming took place over five days in October 2024, visiting locations including Afflecks, where they sampled ice cream from Ginger’s Comfort Emporium; poured drinks at UK top 50 cocktail bar, Stray; and tried their hand at cooking the iconic ‘rice and three’ curry at Northern Quarter hidden gem, Kabana.
The pair also visited Antonelli, the UK’s first ice cream cone factory that has been making waffle cones in Manchester since 1960; took a trip to viral sensation Gooey, known for its indulgent desserts; and got hands-on making a classic Manchester Tart with the chefs at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
The trip was also an opportunity for Dom, who grew up in nearby Stockport, to see the city in a new light and reconnect with family and friends. In a departure from the food theme, the pair also take a trip to Manchester United’s stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour and visit Salford menswear factory, Private White VC, to costume up for an Oasis-themed photoshoot with local photographer Mark Gregson during the episode.
The production was secured by Marketing Manchester, the promotional agency for Greater Manchester, and produced by Dash Pictures, an Emmy award-nominated TV production agency with a global distribution network. The Manchester Accommodation BID played a crucial role in supporting Marketing Manchester with the coordination and logistics necessary for the successful production of this episode, further cementing Manchester’s appeal as a premier visitor destination.
The 50-minute episode is one of an eight-part series featuring destinations such as California, Costa Rica, Japan, and Texas. The show has already aired on platforms including Flavour Network Canada, Now TV Hong Kong, and SBS Australia, and will premiere in the UK on Virgin UHD TV on 16 June at 20:10.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “The Manchester Accommodation BID is thrilled to have supported Marketing Manchester in bringing this fantastic TV series to our city. Showcasing Manchester’s diverse and vibrant offerings on a global stage is exactly what the Accommodation BID was established to do. We are confident that viewers will be captivated by the episode and inspired to experience Manchester’s unique hospitality offering for themselves.”