Adrian Higham, commonly known as “Adi,” is a highly respected British antique dealer, restorer, and television personality best known for his long-running role on BBC’s “The Bidding Room.” As of 2026, Adrian is in good health and continues to operate his successful antiques business, Hoof Brocante, in Romney Marsh, Kent, alongside his wife Tara Franklin. While fans often search for details regarding his past illness, his story is primarily one of resilience, having overcome a major health scare in 2015 to achieve a significant life and weight transformation. Today, he remains a key figure in the UK vintage trade, specializing in French industrial pieces, unique mechanical collectibles, and decorative “statement” antiques. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into Adrian Higham’s early life, the evolution of his career from motorbikes to French brocante, and the truth behind his television absence. You will find detailed information on his business operations, his expert sourcing techniques, and a practical section for those looking to visit his shop or hire his appraisal services. Adrian Higham’s Early Career and Motorbikes Adrian Higham began his professional journey in the world of mechanical trades, famously starting his first business at age 21 by selling his own motorbike for a significant profit. This early success sparked a lifelong passion for “the flip”—the art of identifying undervalued items and restoring them for resale. His initial focus was heavily centered on motor vehicles and mechanical salvage, which provided him with a technical foundation that many contemporary antique dealers lack. Before becoming a household name on television, Adrian spent decades honing his craft at local fairs and specialized auctions across the United Kingdom. His transition from general salvage to high-end antiques was driven by a keen eye for European design, specifically items that combined industrial utility with aesthetic appeal. This unique niche eventually led him to focus on French markets, where he found the rustic, oversized items that would become his professional signature. The Success of Hoof Brocante Hoof Brocante is Adrian Higham’s flagship antiques business, situated in a historic pair of buildings on an old RAF base in Romney Marsh, Kent. The shop has earned an international reputation for its curated collection of French vintage items, ranging from galvanized zinc pots to enormous hand-painted shop signs. Adrian operates the business in partnership with his wife, Tara Franklin, who brings her own expertise in textiles and organizational management to the enterprise. What sets Hoof Brocante apart from standard antique shops is Adrian’s commitment to “authentic character” over modern reproduction. He frequently travels to the Normandy borders and the Pays de la Loire in France to source stock directly from local brocantes and private estates. This direct-sourcing model ensures that the shop maintains a rotating inventory of one-of-a-kind items that attract interior designers, collectors, and fellow dealers from across Europe. Adrian Higham’s Health and Transformation The rumors surrounding an “Adrian Higham illness” largely refer to a life-threatening health crisis he experienced in 2015 when he collapsed on a ferry due to complications related to severe obesity. At his heaviest, Adrian weighed approximately 36 stone (504 lbs), a condition that led to mobility issues and serious long-term health risks. This incident served as a profound “wake-up call,” prompting him to overhaul his lifestyle through diet, regular movement, and mental health support. Since his recovery, Adrian has become an advocate for health awareness within the high-stress world of independent business. He famously completed the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100-mile cycling challenge, a feat that symbolized his return to physical fitness. While he has faced subsequent challenges, including a nervous breakdown sparked by a stressful legal dispute with neighbors in 2023, he has remained transparent with fans about his ongoing commitment to physical and mental well-being. Television Fame on “The Bidding Room” Adrian Higham became a breakout star on the BBC series “The Bidding Room,” where his technical knowledge and charismatic bidding style made him a fan favorite. Debuting in 2020, he served as one of the core dealers tasked with evaluating and bidding on items brought in by the public. His ability to spot the “story” behind an object and his humorous interactions with host Nigel Havers helped the show reach a broad national audience. Despite his success on screen, Adrian has occasionally stepped away from filming to prioritize his health and his primary business in Kent. In 2025 and 2026, he moved toward a more selective media schedule, focusing on digital content and special appearances rather than full-season commitments. This shift allows him to maintain the “life first, career second” philosophy he adopted after his 2015 health scare. Specialized Sourcing in France Adrian Higham is widely considered one of the UK’s leading experts in “French Brocante” style, a niche that focuses on rustic and industrial items from regional France. He spends several weeks each year navigating the French countryside, often visiting markets that are off the beaten path for most tourists. His expertise includes identifying rare 19th-century oil jars, antique leather club chairs, and large-scale architectural salvage. For Adrian, sourcing in France is about more than just buying stock; it is about preserving history. He often looks for items with “original patina”—the natural wear and tear that proves an object’s age and authenticity. This deep knowledge of French hallmarks and manufacturing techniques has made him a go-to consultant for collectors looking to source specific European period pieces. Practical Information and Planning If you are a fan of Adrian Higham or a serious collector looking to acquire items from his collection, use the following details to plan your interaction or visit. Business Name: Hoof Brocante (Co-owned by Adrian Higham and Tara Franklin). Location: Romney Marsh, Kent/East Sussex Border, UK (Located in historic RAF buildings). Operating Hours: Usually open to the public on weekends, but private viewings and weekday visits are by appointment only. Pricing: Items range from small vintage trinkets (under £50) to large-scale architectural pieces and rare motorcycles (£5,000+). What to Expect: A vast, atmospheric space filled with industrial metalwork, French wood furniture, and mechanical oddities. Tips for Visitors: Check the official Instagram (@hoof.antiques.brocante) before traveling, as Adrian and Tara are often away on sourcing trips in France. Frequently Asked Questions What illness did Adrian Higham have? Adrian Higham suffered from severe obesity and a related collapse on a ferry in 2015. He has since recovered significantly through weight loss and lifestyle changes, though he has also spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and a nervous breakdown in 2023. Is Adrian Higham still in The Bidding Room? Yes, Adrian continues to be associated with The Bidding Room, though he occasionally misses series or episodes to manage his health and his business in Kent. Who is Adrian Higham’s wife? Adrian is married to Tara Franklin, an antiques expert and textile specialist. Together, they run Hoof Brocante and frequently travel to France for sourcing. Where is Hoof Brocante located? The shop is located in New Romney, Kent, situated in two large historic buildings that were formerly part of an RAF base. Did Adrian Higham lose weight? Yes, Adrian lost a significant amount of weight after reaching 36 stone in 2015. His transformation included a strict diet and taking up long-distance cycling. Is Adrian Higham still alive in 2026? Yes, Adrian Higham is alive, healthy, and actively working in the antiques industry as of February 2026. What happened to Adrian Higham’s first wife? Adrian’s first wife tragically passed away in 2003. He has credited his second wife, Tara, with helping him rebuild his life and career after that period of grief. What does Adrian Higham specialize in? He specializes in French vintage items, mechanical antiques, industrial salvage, and high-quality leather furniture. Can I sell my antiques to Adrian Higham? Adrian does buy items from the public, but he typically looks for unique, high-character pieces that fit the “Brocante” aesthetic. It is best to contact him via his business social media with photos first. Does Adrian Higham have a Wikipedia page? No, as of early 2026, Adrian Higham does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, though his career is well-documented through BBC profiles and industry interviews. Final Thoughts Adrian Higham’s journey from a young motorbike trader to a national television icon is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity. Despite facing profound personal tragedies, life-threatening health challenges, and high-profile legal stresses, he has consistently found his way back to his passion for antiques. By choosing to step back from the limelight in 2026, Adrian is demonstrating the ultimate “expert” move: knowing exactly when to protect one’s peace to ensure a long and sustainable career. Whether he returns to the screen or remains focused on the quiet aisles of Hoof Brocante, his impact on the British antiques industry remains significant. He has successfully demystified the world of professional dealing for millions of viewers while proving that it is never too late to reclaim one’s health and happiness. For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features: Sam Lovegrove Illness: The Real Story Behind His Health and Career Derek Mathewson: Complete Biography, Career, and Auction Legacy Read More on kentdaily.co.uk Post navigation South East Water UK: Supplier Kent Sussex Surrey 2026 Updates Alexander Kutner: Tech Leader and Innovator