Chef Matt Moran on food, fitness and his favourite spots in NSW

The celebrity chef and The Great Australian Bake Off judge says the best way to start the day is with exercise — and coffee. And for a date night he says you can’t beat one Eastern Suburbs eatery.

Like so many in his industry, celebrity chef Matt Moran had to dig deep through the pandemic to keep his dream alive, pivoting to at-home offerings to keep his many businesses going during lockdowns, then riding the rollercoaster which hospitality has been on since emerging from 2021’s forced hiatus.

But there is more than juggling restaurants on his plate in 2022.

Moran and Maggie Beer are back in the judges’ hotseats for The Great Australian Bake Off which has just returned to Foxtel for a fifth season.

The pair join host Claire Hooper and Sydney Weekend’s own Mel Buttle for the new season of the homegrown hit which puts 12 home bakers through their paces in a bid to take out the title of Australia’s best amateur baker.

The Great Australian Bake Off judge Matt Moran. Picture: David Swift

With so much to do, Moran says starting the day by exercising is the best way to energise for what’s ahead.

And if he’s lucky enough to get a break from Sydney, you’ll find this fourth-generation farmer in Byron Bay or enjoying the country life at his family farm in the Central Tablelands.

What time do you wake up on a Saturday and what’s the first thing you do?

I get up early to train then go for a swim and a coffee — best way to start the day.

Best spot for date night?

I love Seans in Bondi. It is honest delicious comfort food and in one of the best places in the world.

Best place to go with the kids?

There is no place like being home at the Moran family farm. The kids and I love being on the land, riding bikes and sitting around the fire at night.

Favourite park?

I am lucky to live close to the eastern suburbs’ beaches. There are so many beautiful coastal walks and parks.

Local coffee haunt?

Huxton’s at Bronte is always my go-to.

Favourite takeaway?

During the recent lockdown I enjoyed the At Home Packages from Chiswick and the Fish Butchery.

One of the Chiswick At Home meals. Picture: Steven Woodburn

Where and when do you exercise?

I exercised every day in the gym pre-Covid, or the home gym. I go for walks to move my body and love going for swims. Exercise for me is a non-negotiable, sets me up for the day mentally and physically.

Best hidden treasure in NSW?

Rockley (in the Central Tablelands region) – I can’t wait to share this treasure with you all in the New Year!

Favourite place to holiday in NSW?

I love heading up the coast to Byron Bay and get out of Sydney.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

The perfect Saturday for me is cooking a long lunch for friends and family. Nothing makes me happier than being in the kitchen.

The Great Australian Bake Off is now showing Thursdays, 8.30pm, on Foxtel.