How do you find a good full English breakfast in London? And what qualifies as a ‘full English’ anyway? Here’s our guide…
What Is A Full English Breakfast?
The Full English Breakfast, also known as a fry-up, is a traditional dish in the United Kingdom. It typically consists of bacon (traditionally back bacon), fried eggs, sausages, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms and toast, often with a side of baked beans, and tea.
It’s origin is unknown, but seems to have been around since at least the 18th century. The upper class and gentry had cooked breakfasts which became a sign of wealth.
As the middle class expanded in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, people emulated their higher class peers by also having a cooked breakfast. This was usually bacon and eggs based, which evolved into the standard English Breakfast.
This reached peak popularity in the mid-late twentieth century. It was popular with the working class as a good, and cheap, way of filling up before a day of manual labour.
In more recent health conscious times a daily fry-up has become less popular, especially as manual work has decreased, but it is still a popular weekend brunch or occasional treat.
Regency Cafe, Westminster
The Regency is an institution in London, having been serving up full English breakfasts since the 1940s.
Located in the heart of Westminster, it’s the perfect spot for a hearty meal before a day of sightseeing and is known for its generous portions and friendly staff.
In 2013, Regency Cafe was voted as the fifth best restaurant in London by users of the Yelp website.
The Wolseley, Mayfair
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Wolseley is a much higher class breakfast option than some of the greasy spoon cafes on this list.
Its iconic building on 160 Piccadilly was built as a prestigious car showroom in the 1920s by the Wolseley Motor Company which, after the company’s failure soon after, became a bank branch, and remained so for the rest of the twentieth century.
In 2003 restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King acquired the building and turned it into the now much loved Wolseley restaurant.
Indeed the restaurant critic, A.A. Gill wrote of breakfast at the Wolseley, “Wherever, whenever breakfast comes, it is a mouthful of stoic optimism”.
Billingsgate Cafe, Canary Wharf
This cafe is in famous the Billingsgate fish market – London’s historic seafood market – and so it’s not surprising that seafood is part of the breakfast menu.
Particularly popular is bacon and scallops (pictured), the perfect start to the day.
Parlour, Kensal Rise
Parlour is the result of the conversion of the Grey Horse pub in Kensal Rise, a suburb of North London.
It’s particularly popular for Sunday lunch, but also does a great English breakfast.
Heap’s Sausages, Greenwich
Heap’s Sausages is a small cafe in the heart of Greenwich. This cosy spot is known for its delicious and freshly made sausages. Their full English breakfasts are made with locally sourced ingredients and are sure to fill you up.
E. Pellicci, Hackney
Established in 1900, this iconic cafe has been serving up delicious full English breakfasts for over a century. Located in the heart of Hackney, it’s the perfect spot for a hearty meal. The cafe is known for its generous portions and friendly staff.
Dishoom King’s Cross, Islington
Dishoom King’s Cross is a modern Indian-inspired cafe in Islington. Their full English breakfast is a twist on the traditional dish, with Indian-inspired spices and herbs. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious and unique breakfast experience.
Kennington Lane Cafe, Vauxhall
The Kennington Lane Cafe is a local favourite in Vauxhall. This cosy spot is known for its generous portions and friendly staff. The cafe serves up delicious full English breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients.
The Ivy, Kensington & Chelsea
The Ivy is a classic British restaurant with a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. Located in the heart of Kensington & Chelsea, it’s the perfect spot for a special breakfast. Their full English breakfast is made with fresh ingredients and is sure to please.
Quo Vadis, Soho
Located in the heart of Soho, Quo Vadis is a classic British restaurant. Their full English breakfasts are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are sure to please.
Maria’s Market Cafe, Southwark
Maria’s Market Cafe is a small cafe in the heart of Southwark. The cafe is known for its generous portions and delicious full English breakfasts. The cafe uses locally sourced ingredients and is a great spot for a hearty meal.
Duck & Waffle, Tower Hamlets
Duck & Waffle is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of Tower Hamlets. Their full English breakfast is a twist on the classic dish, with gourmet ingredients and an elegant presentation. It’s the perfect spot for a special breakfast experience.
The Breakfast Club, Wandsworth
The Breakfast Club is a popular spot in Wandsworth. This cafe is known for its generous portions and delicious full English breakfasts. They use locally sourced ingredients and are sure to fill you up.
Coal Rooms
Coal Rooms is a modern British restaurant located in Peckham. Their full English breakfasts are made with fresh ingredients and are sure to fill you up. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and friendly staff.
Dishoom
Dishoom is a modern Indian-inspired restaurant located in Covent Garden. Their full English breakfasts are a twist on the classic dish, with Indian-inspired spices and herbs. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious and unique breakfast experience.
The Full Nelson
The Full Nelson is a small cafe in the heart of Notting Hill. This cosy spot is known for its generous portions and delicious full English breakfasts. The cafe uses locally sourced ingredients and is a great spot for a hearty meal.
Hawksmoor Guildhall
Hawksmoor Guildhall is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of the City of London. Their full English breakfasts are made with gourmet ingredients and an elegant presentation. It’s the perfect spot for a special breakfast experience.
Balthazar
Balthazar is an upscale French-inspired restaurant located in Covent Garden. Their full English breakfasts are made with fresh ingredients and are sure to please. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and friendly staff.
Cafe Boheme
Cafe Boheme is a small cafe in the heart of Soho. This cosy spot is known for its generous portions and delicious full English breakfasts. The cafe uses locally sourced ingredients and is a great spot for a hearty meal.
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