TV Chef Matt Tebbutt Reflects on Financial Journey, Cherishes Vintage Coffee Machine

TV chef and presenter Matt Tebbutt, best known for hosting the BBC's "Saturday Kitchen," has shared insights into his financial journey, from early career struggles to his current success. Tebbutt, who has also presented shows like "Masterchef: The Professionals," emphasized the lessons his parents taught him about the value of hard work.

He recalled his father instilling the principle that one must work diligently, stating, "it doesn't matter what you do in life but be the best at what you can be." This work ethic was modeled by his father, a fitter who eventually started his own business and often worked seven days a week.

Tebbutt himself experienced financial challenges early in his career, working 90-hour weeks for modest pay and frequently being in his university overdraft. He recounted the difficulty of making ends meet when he and his wife, Lisa, opened a pub in Wales 24 years ago, describing times when a mere £5,000 could mean the difference between survival and closure for the family-run establishment.

The decision to close their restaurant after 15 years was influenced by Tebbutt's increasing television commitments. "I was out of the equation at the restaurant too often," he explained, noting that his absence led to his job being filled by someone less capable, and any income from television was reinvested into the business. The constant treadmill of working in the restaurant and disappearing for filming eventually led to the closure when he was offered a full-time television role around age 40.

Tebbutt also touched upon earning "silly money" for certain jobs, contrasting it with the grueling hours he once put in at the restaurant. He stated that accepting a few thousand pounds for tasks like presenting an award is appealing because he understands the difficulty of earning that amount through traditional means.

Financially, the best period for Tebbutt was approximately ten years ago, when his work on Channel 4's "Food Unwrapped" and "Saturday Kitchen" allowed for a lucrative schedule that also included regular food festival appearances.

A notable item in Tebbutt's life is a Faema Legend coffee machine, purchased for his restaurant 24 years ago for around £6,000. He described it as "gorgeous" and now a fixture in his home kitchen. The machine, which resembles a 1940s design but features modern technology, is estimated to be worth triple its original cost. Tebbutt finds joy in using it daily.

Reflecting on his biggest financial mistake, Tebbutt pointed to the purchase of the pub 24 years ago for £180,000. He lamented that the same amount could have secured a property in Saint Paul de Vance, France, which would now be worth millions.

Conversely, his best financial decision was buying property. The family resides in a 500-year-old mill house in Monmouthshire, and they own two other properties in the area.

Tebbutt intends to pass down as much of his wealth as possible to his children, Jessie and Henry, neither of whom are pursuing careers in cheffing. His daughter is a drummer, and his son aims to join the Foreign Office.

Regarding retirement, Tebbutt mentioned having a "very tiny pension" from a past television project, describing his other retirement savings as negligible.

If he were Chancellor, Tebbutt stated his priority would be supporting the hospitality industry, which he feels is "getting a battering," and advocating for VAT alignment with European standards.

His primary financial goal is to manage monthly expenses, including mortgage and car payments, while ensuring there is still room for enjoying dining out.

Tebbutt has collaborated with Zurich Insurance on a cookbook titled "Legacy Kitchen," which aims to encourage discussions about life, loss, and inheritance.