1 month ago
If you’re a fan of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, you might be surprised to learn that all that culinary magic happens right here in Clapham.
That’s right—one of the UK’s most popular food shows is filmed at Cactus TV Studios, tucked away just off St Luke’s Avenue.
Back in 2012, Amanda and Simon Ross, the founders of Cactus TV, took over a set of dilapidated buildings and transformed them into a state-of-the-art television studio complex. They’d previously been based in Kennington, where they produced iconic lifestyle and cookery shows like Richard & Judy and, of course, Saturday Kitchen.
After an ambitious renovation, the new space opened with two studios, editing suites, and even a cookery school. Studio 1, where Saturday Kitchen is filmed, has a unique backdrop—exposed brickwork and original stained-glass chapel windows—giving it that effortlessly cool aesthetic you see on screen.
The site has a fascinating past. Originally part of Clapham Grammar School, which opened in 1834, it later became home to John Pinches Medalists Ltd, where the 1948 London Olympic medals were made. Who knew Clapham had so many hidden gems?
Fronting the show is Matt Tebbutt, who took over in 2009. Before becoming a TV regular, he studied geography and anthropology (yes, really!) before swapping books for the kitchen. He trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine and went on to work in some of the UK’s best restaurants before landing his Saturday morning slot.
Despite being just moments from Clapham Common, most people don’t realise they’re walking past one of the UK’s busiest TV studios. Next time you’re watching Saturday Kitchen Live, just know that the action is unfolding right here in SW4—and you never know, you might even spot a familiar face grabbing a coffee nearby!
