Deirdre O Meara 
A famous house from a popular TV show in the 90s, The Big Breakfast, has finally been sold for a cut price. The quirky property, known as Lock Cottage, is located in Bow, east London, and was the setting for the morning show that aired from 1992 to 2002. The house was visited by hundreds of celebrities during the show’s run, including Chris Evans, Johnny Vaughan, Denise van Outen, and Kelly Brook. Its cultural significance, however, failed to attract top bids, and it finally sold for £4.3 million, which is £1.4 million less than its original asking price of £5.75 million.
The Big Breakfast was a favourite TV show in the 90s, with kids getting up early to watch it and talking about its famous guests at school. The show launched the careers of many household names, including Chris Evans, Johnny Vaughan, Denise van Outen, and Kelly Brook. It is probably best known for the interview between Paula Yates and INXS star Michael Hutchence. The show ran for 10 years, airing every weekday for two hours.
The six-bedroom mansion, set in just under half an acre of land, has three storeys, an outdoor 19-metre swimming pool, and a roof terrace. The house has been completely refurbished since it was on TV, and fans of the show probably won’t recognise it. The property features exposed brickwork in the living areas, slate finishes, and bulletproof glass. It also has three bathrooms and steel staircases. The house is located on a canal in Bow, east London, near the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.
The original Rightmove listing for the house read, “The original Big Breakfast house from the Channel 4 morning show sits on just under half an acre of land and boasts its own unique postcode. Positioned on the lock by The Olympic Park amidst a maze of canals, towpaths, and waterways. The property is discreet, despite its imposing size and internal space amassing over 5,200 sq ft, the entrance is understated and onlooker’s views are obscured by the various mature trees shielding the property.”
The house’s south-facing front garden is accessed from the canal and measures 101 x 118 ft. There is also a rear garden with a 19m teardrop swimming pool. The property has been sustainably renovated throughout, including beechwood and antique parquet, cast iron radiators, steel spiral staircases, impressive Crittall doors and windows with a slate finish, and bulletproof glass walkways. The double-height reception space showcases exposed brickwork, a log burner, and delightful views out to the garden. The industrial kitchen was reclaimed and is open plan with the reception space. The majority of rooms have a beautiful vista of either the canal or garden. There is a separate cottage that is currently tenanted and extensive workshop space. The property is regularly rented for shoots to production companies.
Lock Cottage was first listed on Rightmove in October 2020 with an asking price of £5.75 million. However, it failed to sell and was eventually reduced to £4.6 million. Records lodged with the Land Registry now show that it sold in April 2022 for just £4.3 million, which is £1.45 million less than its first price tag.
The former Big Breakfast house has a one-of-a-kind postcode and is located in a “maze of canals, towpaths, and waterways” near the Olympic Park. Despite its cultural significance, the house failed to attract top bids and sold for a cut price. Nevertheless, it remains a one-of-a-kind home that is regularly rented for shoots to production companies.
