Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out the 10 best Full English breakfasts in London. A traditional English breakfast, affectionately known as a fry-up, holds a special place in the hearts of Brits. It’s the quintessential morning ritual, the ultimate cure for a wild night out and as iconic as fish and chips by the seaside.
But if you’re in London, you might be wondering where to savor the very best of this culinary masterpiece. And if it’s your first time in England, you might be curious about what, exactly, constitutes an English Breakfast.
- The Breakfast Club
- The Ivy
- E. Pellici
- The Wolseley
- The Orchard
- Polo Bar
- The Regency Cafe
- Ffiona’s
- Terry’s Cafe
- Duck and Waffle
Best Full English Breakfasts in London
Ok, so for those of you on the prowl for the best full English breakfast in London, let’s check out 10 great options below:
1. The Breakfast Club
At The Breakfast Club, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an art form, and they’ve mastered the craft of serving one of the finest English breakfasts in all of London. With multiple locations scattered across the city, they’ve made sure you’re never too far from a sizzling fry-up, whether it’s morning, noon or night. But it’s the Battersea Rise location that stands out as the birthplace of their ingenious concept – the world’s first “Breakfast Pub.”
Their pièce de résistance, known as “The Full Monty,” is a glorious plate piled high with crispy bacon, succulent sausages, rich black pudding, golden potatoes, earthy mushrooms, juicy tomato, hearty beans, perfectly cooked eggs and a side of toast to mop it all up. It’s an ode to the English breakfast tradition, done with such finesse that it will leave your taste buds dancing.
Feeling adventurous? Why not turn it into a boozy brunch affair by pairing your Full Monty with a zesty Bloody Mary cocktail or a refreshing pint of Camden Pale Ale? The Breakfast Club doesn’t just feed your hunger; it also elevates your brunch game to new heights.
Check out these: 10 Ways to Spend One Day In London
2. The Ivy
In the heart of Kensington, nestled within a chic, flower-filled brasserie, The Ivy offers a breakfast experience with an inviting al fresco terrace making it the perfect spot to bask in the warm sun while indulging in a stellar fry-up that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Their main offering includes smokey bacon , cumberland sausages , fried eggs cooked to your liking, slices of rich black pudding, roasted plum tomatoes, plump mushrooms and a generous serving of baked beans, all accompanied by perfectly toasted bread.
But wait, there’s more. For those who prefer to skip the meat, The Ivy offers a delectable veggie option as well. Here, you’ll find a plate adorned with halloumi, creamy avocado and a satisfying potato hash, ensuring that every palate is catered to.
Whether you’re seeking a classy Saturday brunch with friends, or envisioning solo mornings with a good book and a cup of your favorite brew, The Ivy provides the perfect setting for any occasion.
3. E. Pellici
E. Pellicci, London’s oldest family-run café, is a true East London institution that first opened its doors back in 1900. While the menu showcases Italian influences, it’s the breakfast, served all day, that takes center stage with a distinct English flair.
At Pellici’s, the full English breakfast is a gastronomic delight with succulent Cumberland sausages stealing the spotlight, complemented by all the classic trimmings that make this dish an iconic culinary experience. And fear not, vegetarians are in for a treat as well, with a meat-free version that offers a delightful twist on one of London’s best English breakfasts.
E. Pellicci has also played host to an impressive lineup of A-list celebrities over the years, including the likes of “Friends” star David Schwimmer, the charismatic Irish actor Colin Farrell and the ever-charming English actor Tom Hardy.
4. The Wolseley
At The Wolseley, they understand that attempting to elevate the rough and rustic edges of a full English breakfast with unnecessary flourishes is not only unnecessary but perhaps sacrilegious. Instead, they honor tradition by delivering a classic full English that stays true to its roots while delivering pure deliciousness.
This distinguished restaurant, originally established in 1921, boasts a grandeur that’s as timeless as its menu. Here, their traditional breakfast, aptly named ‘The English,’ takes center stage. It offers a choice of eggs prepared to your liking, accompanied by all of the quintessential English breakfast elements – baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, succulent sausages and indulgent black pudding.
To complete the breakfast experience, The Wolseley offers a range of delightful morning beverages so whether you prefer freshly made juices bursting with flavor, a soothing cup of tea or a robust coffee to kickstart your day, they have a drink to suit every palate.
5. The Orchard
Situated in the charming neighborhood of Brockley, The Orchard has been a gastro gem since it first opened its doors in 2009, offering a haven of relaxation in the form of a cozy lounge and inviting dining area. This neighborhood gem takes pride in its commitment to using locally sourced and independent ingredients, from the meat they serve to even the ice cream. It’s a testament to their dedication to supporting the community while delivering exceptional flavors.
At The Orchard, breakfast takes on a special significance, with a diverse array of morning delights to choose from and amongst their breakfast offerings, the Full English Breakfast stands out as a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Their Full English Breakfast is a hearty tribute to this classic British morning ritual and features all the traditional elements that make a Full English so beloved, with a careful selection of high-quality ingredients. Vegetarians need not feel left out either, as The Orchard also offers a vegetarian version of the Full English Breakfast that caters to those who prefer a meat-free option without compromising on taste.
Book your trip to London here!
6. Polo Bar
Offering a range of breakfast options, the Polo Bar is blessed with an iconic spot that ensures you start your day right. Moreover, they cater to various dietary needs, including a vegetarian and gluten-free option. As an added convenience, you have the option to pre-order as well, allowing you to disembark from your train and pick up your order without enduring a lengthy wait.
Two traditional breakfast choices stand out here: the English Breakfast and The Mighty English Breakfast. Each comes with eggs cooked to perfection, bacon that’s irresistibly crispy and a sausage wrapped in bacon that adds an extra layer of indulgence. But that’s not all; this culinary masterpiece is crowned with a generous serving of chips and a pool of savory beans.
But what sets Polo Bar apart is its commitment to satisfying your cravings no matter the hour. If full English isn’t your cup of tea in the morning but your appetite calls for something substantial, Polo Bar is there to serve you 24 hours a day. Whether it’s a simple fried egg, crispy bacon or a couple of sausages, you’ll find something to nibble on no matter the time.
7. The Regency Cafe
Since its inception in 1946, The Regency Cafe has stood as a true bastion of Britishness where stepping inside is like stepping back in time, with photographs of Tottenham Hotspur football players adorning the walls and original tiles that have witnessed decades of stories.
This quaint establishment is more than just a cafe; it’s a living testament to the essence of British culture as it has also served as a beloved filming location for various British TV showsas well.
The star of the show at The Regency Cafe is, of course, the full English breakfast. It offers all the traditional trimmings, including the coveted black pudding and a generous helping of baked beans. Often hailed as one of the finest breakfast spots in London, The Regency Cafe has perfected the art of the full English breakfast.
But what sets The Regency Cafe apart is the option to enhance your meal with additional delights such as black pudding, hash browns or the classic British favorite, bubble and squeak. To complete your breakfast, you can choose between a steaming cup of tea or a robust coffee, as well as your preference for bread or toast. It’s a fully customizable breakfast experience that caters to every palate.
8. Ffiona’s
For those who crave the classic English breakfast experience, Ffiona’s offers Full English – a hearty breakfast platter that pays homage to tradition. It includes perfectly cooked eggs, savory bacon, succulent sausages and all the quintessential trimmings that make the Full English a beloved morning ritual. But what made Ffiona’s breakfast offering very popular is its attention to detail and dedication to excellence.
Vegetarians are also welcome, as Ffiona’s also serves up the Full Veggie breakfast. This delightful option provides a meat-free twist on the English breakfast and if you’re seeking something unique and bold, Ffiona’s has you covered with the Queen Scramble. This tantalizing dish features eggs scrambled to perfection, infused with the bold flavors of pickled jalapeños, cheese, onion and mushrooms, all served alongside two slices of toast.
To make the breakfast experience even more delightful, both the traditional Full English and the Full Veggie options come with a generous side of chips, adding a touch of comfort to your morning meal as well.
9. Terry’s Cafe
Terry’s Cafe, now under the capable stewardship of Terry’s son, stands as a quintessential British gem. Stepping inside this cozy establishment is like taking a journey back in time, where plastic-covered tables and vintage photographs adorning the walls create an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia. But it’s not just the ambiance that draws patrons in; it’s the promise of a true-blue ‘Full English’ breakfast experience that sets hearts racing.
For those who believe there’s nothing quite like a proper English breakfast, Terry’s Cafe near Borough Market is a culinary haven. Here, they serve up the epitome of a classic British plate, featuring all the essentials you’d expect from a hearty fry-up.
Terry’s Cafe takes its commitment to quality seriously. The meats they use are sourced from the iconic Smithfield Market – a place Terry himself was familiar with before opening the cafe. Their fresh produce, on the other hand, comes from Borough Market, ensuring that every ingredient that goes into their breakfast is top-notch and locally-sourced.
10. Duck and Waffle
When it comes to breakfast with a view, there’s no place quite like Duck and Waffle. Perched high in the iconic Heron Tower, this culinary gem offers an extraordinary signature dish that’s an absolute must-try.
Whilst thier main offering may not be a tradtional English breakfast, their crispy confit of duck leg and a perfectly fried duck egg, both delicately perched on a waffle that strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and fluffiness – it well worth a mention here.
But that’s not all; what elevates this dish to the next level is the drizzle of tangy, mustardy maple syrup that blankets the entire creation. It’s the ultimate marriage of sweet and savory, creating a harmonious explosion of taste in every mouthful.
Now, it’s worth noting that Duck and Waffle’s breakfast may not be the most budget-friendly option in London, but what you get in return is truly priceless – an unbeatable view of the capital city. Dining 40 floors up in the Heron Tower offers an unparalleled perspective of London’s breathtaking skyline.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, Duck and Waffle has you covered with its 24/7 dining option, ensuring that you can satisfy your cravings for this extraordinary breakfast experience at any hour.
Book your trip to London here!
What is a Traditional English Breakfast?
In England, a traditional English breakfast is a hearty affair boasting fried eggs, succulent sausages, crispy back bacon, juicy tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and often a slice of either white or black pudding – and in true ‘Englishness’, some even comes with chips too.
While this glorious “fry-up” has been fueling people since the early 1300s, it’s not limited to just breakfast as many places offer it as a brunch menus as well. Oh, and in case you haven’t got the full picture here, it is delicioustoo! Just don’t forget the coffee – or my favorite – Tomato Juice!
Conclusion
And there they are, my recommended 10 best full English breakfast options that London has to offer. Let me know of your experiences here, especially if you know of somewhere else that needs to be on this list as well.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
