In the latest episode of the BBC One Bargain Hunt, Portadown’s Chris Wilson and Ben Usher forming “the blue team” engaged in a thrilling challenge against the red team at the Ramble Inn, Antrim, aiming to snag the best bargains at an antiques fair.
With £300 in hand, the duo, usually immersed in automotive memorabilia as car dealers, teamed up with expert Thomas Forrester to tackle the task of finding an item with moving parts, set by presenter Roo Irvine.
Their selection included a Victorian lockable moneybox to meet the challenge, a wooden fishing tackle box, and a prized Ross’s Belfast ceramic jug, the most expensive purchase at £75 – and now it can be found at a popular Portadown watering hole.
The duo’s love for the ceramic jug they came across was so profound that they each decided to purchase one as a treasured keepsake, alongside securing an additional piece for the popular McConville’s Bar in Portadown, a popular haunt for the duo. This special ceramic jug now proudly hangs on display at the Mandeville Street bar, adding a touch of charm to the establishment.
In a recent interview, Ben shared insights into the application process for the show, mentioning the video submission and Zoom interview required after making the shortlist. The filming spanned two days in April 2024, featuring the antiques fair segment at the beginning of the month and the auction at Ross’s Belfast a few weeks later.
Both gentlemen found joy in turning a profit on all three items they brought to the auction, earning themselves the coveted ‘Golden Gavel’ award on the show.
Ben and Chris, accompanied by their close circle of family and friends, gathered at the bar to witness the episode’s broadcast on a leisurely Monday afternoon, relishing the moment together. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as they shared this memorable occasion with their loved ones. The ceramic jug, now a symbol of their successful auction venture, hangs as a testament to their shared achievement and camaraderie.
As the episode unfolded on the screen, the ceramic jug served as a focal point, sparking conversations and reminiscences among the patrons. Its presence not only added aesthetic value to the bar but also carried with it a story of triumph and friendship. The community at McConville’s bar embraced this new addition with enthusiasm, recognising the significance of the jug and the memories it held for Ben and Chris.
Reflecting on their experience, Chris highlighted the relaxed atmosphere during filming and praised Thomas Forrester’s down-to-earth demeanor. The duo expressed satisfaction in making profits on all three items at the auction, a feat that earned them recognition on the show.