Adrian “Adi” Higham is a prominent British antiques dealer, television personality, and owner of the antiques business Hoof Brocante, located in East Sussex. Best known to national audiences as a charismatic regular on the hit BBC One daytime series The Bidding Room, Higham has spent over 30 years in the trade. His expertise spans a vast array of vintage items, with a particular specialization in French “Brocante” (second-hand/vintage goods), mechanical toys, old signs, and unique industrial pieces. While he became a household name through television, he remains a dedicated full-time trader, frequently sourcing stock from across the English Channel to supply his following of interior designers and private collectors.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Adrian Higham’s entry into the world of antiques was not the result of formal academic study but rather a sharp eye for a bargain and a natural talent for “the hustle.” At the age of 21, while working in a signage business, he purchased a mountain bike at a local auction for a small sum and sold it via a newspaper advertisement for a profit ten times higher than his initial investment.
This single transaction acted as a catalyst, proving that a career could be built on the principle of buying low and selling high. He soon transitioned into dealing full-time, initially focusing on signage and furniture before expanding into the eclectic mix of mechanical and decorative items that define his style today.
The Success of Hoof Brocante
Based in the Romney Marshes of East Sussex, Adrian operates Hoof Brocante, a business that has become a destination for those seeking “shabby chic,” repurposed, and authentic French vintage items. The name “Brocante” reflects his passion for the French second-hand market, where he spent years traveling with his family to source unique inventory.
Adi is known for his “groaning lorries,” frequently crossing the channel to bring back galvanized metal items, garden furniture, and industrial artifacts. His honesty about the trade—admitting that some fairs resulted in selling everything while others yielded nothing—has earned him significant respect among fellow dealers and the public alike.
Television Career and The Bidding Room
In 2020, Adrian reached a new level of fame when he was cast as one of the eight expert dealers on the BBC show The Bidding Room, presented by Nigel Havers. His “say what he feels” attitude and boisterous, friendly personality quickly made him a fan favorite among the three million viewers who tuned in to see him battle other dealers for unique items.
On the show, Higham became particularly famous for his love of teddy bears and mechanical toys. His willingness to bid high for items that “spoke to him” emotionally, rather than just financially, highlighted his philosophy that antiques should bring joy and character to a room.
Mechanical Interests and Specialties
While many dealers specialize in high-end fine art or Georgian furniture, Adrian Higham’s heart lies in the mechanical and the “bonkers.” He has a well-documented obsession with anything that puffs steam or smoke, including vintage steam engines, old cars, and intricate clockwork toys.
This niche has allowed him to carve out a specific space in the market. He often looks for items that can be repurposed or that have a strong industrial aesthetic, such as 1960s metal drawers or vintage shop signage. His ability to see the “soul” in a rusted object is what differentiates him from more traditional, academic dealers.
Practical Information for Collectors
If you are looking to engage with the world of antiques as Adrian does, or if you wish to find items similar to those seen on The Bidding Room, consider the following details:
- Location: Hoof Brocante is primarily based in East Sussex, near the Kent border.
- Sourcing Areas: Adrian frequently visits Normandy and the surrounding French borders for stock.
- Specialist Items: Look for galvanized metal, French furniture, vintage toys, and large-scale industrial signs.
- Trading Style: He prioritizes “the look” and the history of an item over pristine condition, favoring a lived-in, authentic patina.
- Events: Adrian has historically been a regular at large-scale antique fairs like Swinderby and Newark.
Legal Challenges and Recent Developments
In recent years, Higham’s life was complicated by a high-profile legal dispute with a former neighbor in Rotherfield. The conflict escalated to the point where an interim Stalking Protection Order (SPO) was issued at Brighton Magistrates’ Court in July 2025, following allegations of harassment and aggressive behavior. Higham vehemently denied these claims, describing the ordeal as “two and a half years of utter hell” that led to a nervous breakdown.
By late 2025, the legal cloud began to lift as the SPO was withdrawn and the police confirmed that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges. Although the dispute resulted in him being temporarily dropped from The Bidding Room, Higham has been vocal about his desire to clear his name and return to his professional passions.
Impact on the Antiques Industry
Adrian Higham has played a pivotal role in modernizing the perception of the “antiques dealer” for a 21st-century audience. By focusing on “Brocante”—the art of the find rather than the pedigree of the piece—he has made vintage collecting accessible to a younger, more design-conscious demographic. His influence is particularly felt in the “shabby chic” and industrial movements, where his eye for galvanized metal and repurposed items has set trends.
Furthermore, his presence on The Bidding Room brought a human element to the trade, emphasizing the emotional connection between objects and their owners. He has consistently championed the idea that antiques are not just investments, but pieces of history that should be enjoyed and used in everyday life.
Practical Information for Buyers
For those looking to source items with the “Adi Higham” aesthetic, the following practical tips are essential:
Visit Regional Fairs: Look for him at major UK events such as the Newark Antiques Fair or Ardingly, where he frequently exhibits.
French Markets: To find the raw materials he loves, explore “vide-greniers” (attic sales) and “brocantes” in the Normandy and Picardy regions of France.
Instagram Presence: Adrian and Tara use social media as a primary gallery; following Hoof Brocante on Instagram is the best way to see new stock in real-time.
Restoration Tips: Adi often looks for items with original patina. Avoid over-restoring old signs or industrial metal, as much of the value lies in the authentic wear and tear.
FAQs
What happened to Adrian Higham on The Bidding Room?
He was temporarily dropped from the show due to an ongoing neighbor dispute and legal proceedings, though the case was eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Is Adrian Higham still active in 2026?
He continues to operate Hoof Brocante and is active in the antiques trade, frequently sourcing stock from France.
Who is Tara Franklin?
Tara Franklin is an antique textile expert and Adrian’s partner; together, they run Hoof Brocante and often appear at trade events as a duo.
What is Adrian Higham’s net worth?
While private, estimates in 2025-2026 suggest his net worth is approximately £1 million, largely built through his successful trading business and television work.
Did Adrian Higham have a heart attack?
No, he suffered a serious health collapse in 2015 related to weight and a back injury, but he has since made a significant recovery through fitness challenges.
Can I hire Adrian Higham for events?
Yes, he is available for guest speaking and event appearances, often discussing topics like mental health, antiques, and his “Brocante” lifestyle.
What are “Galvanised Metal” items?
These are steel or iron items coated in zinc to prevent rusting; Adrian specializes in vintage French versions like old bathtubs, planters, and buckets.
Why does he go to France so often?
French markets offer a higher volume of the specific “Brocante” and industrial items that Adrian specializes in compared to the UK market.
Is Hoof Brocante a physical shop?
It operates primarily as a warehouse-based business and through fairs, rather than a traditional high-street retail shop with fixed daily hours.
Has Adrian Higham written a book?
While he has not released a traditional memoir as of early 2026, he has been involved in various exhibition projects and media features detailing his life and trade secrets.
Who is Adrian Higham?
Adrian Higham is an expert antiques dealer and television personality known for his role on the BBC’s The Bidding Room and as the owner of Hoof Brocante.
Where is Adrian Higham’s shop located?
His business, Hoof Brocante, is located in the East Sussex area, specifically centered around the Romney Marshes.
How did Adrian Higham get into antiques?
He started at age 21 after selling a bike for ten times what he paid for it, realizing he had a natural talent for identifying value in second-hand goods.
Is Adrian Higham still in The Bidding Room?
As of 2025 and early 2026, there have been shifts in his television appearances, but he remains a legacy member of the original dealer cast.
What does “Brocante” mean?
Brocante is a French term for second-hand goods or a flea market, typically referring to items that are vintage and repurposed rather than high-end fine antiques.
Who is Adrian Higham’s wife?
He is married to Tara Franklin, who is a textile expert and often works alongside him in their business ventures.
Does Adrian Higham have a specialty?
Yes, he specializes in French vintage items, mechanical toys, steam-related objects, and large vintage signage.
What was Adrian Higham’s first business?
Before becoming a full-time antiques dealer, he ran a signage business, which likely influenced his love for vintage advertising.
Can I visit Hoof Brocante?
The business operates both through physical sales at fairs and through social media/digital platforms; it is best to check their current status via official social media channels.
Is Adrian Higham on social media?
Yes, he is active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where he shares his latest finds and updates from the workshop.
For More Business Related insights click on :
Central Cee Net Worth: Detailed Analysis of the UK Rap Icon
Is McDonald’s Open on Christmas? 2026 Holiday Hours and Guide
To read more ,New Castle Reporter