If you’re looking for a hearty, filling, and potentially clogging breakfast, look no further than a traditional English breakfast!
But what is a traditional English breakfast?
A traditional English breakfast is a meal that typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast.
This is more than just a meal, it’s a way of life! It’s like a warm hug in food form, a way to connect with your roots and your fellow Brits.
Want to learn more? Hold on to your taste buds, folks, because we’re about to take a journey through the history of this dish and an inside scoop on where to find the tastiest English breakfasts in all of London.
What is the history of a traditional English breakfast?
–Media by foodloversfoo
The history of the English breakfast can be traced back to the 13th century when English labourers began their days with bread, cheese, and ale. This grew over time to incorporate more substantial products such as meat and eggs.
Fast forward to the 21st century, the English breakfast became popular not only in the United Kingdom but worldwide. This is why new ingredients like tinned tomatoes and baked beans were added for more flavour.
Where to find the best English breakfast in London?
–Media by hkeatsfood
You can find the best traditional English breakfast in London at places like The Breakfast Club, Regency Cafe, The Wolseley, Dishoom, The Delaunay, Polo Bar, Smiths of Smithfield, E Pellicci, Hawksmoor Guildhall, and Duck & Waffle.
These restaurants offer their own twists and turn when it comes to an English breakfast.
The Breakfast Club
| WEBSITE | https://thebreakfastclubcafes.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2-4 Rufus Street Hoxton, London N1 6PE England |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 20 7729 5252 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
Ah, The Breakfast Club. No, not the movie with the brain, the athlete, the basketcase, and the princess. We’re talking about the restaurant in London that’s famous for its mouth-watering English breakfast.
The Breakfast Club’s English breakfast is great because of its top-notch ingredients like juicy sausages, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs.
The restaurant’s retro decor and friendly service also add to its charm, making diners feel nostalgic and welcomed like they’re in their favourite childhood diner.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Their coffee blends Their coffee blends are specially crafted to complement the flavours of their English breakfast dishes. It’s like they’re the yin to the breakfast’s yang, the Robin to the breakfast’s Batman, the coffee to the breakfast’s… well, you get the point. |
Regency Cafe
| WEBSITE | https://regencycafe.has.restaurant/ |
| ADDRESS | 17-19 Regency Street, Pimlico, London SW1P 4BY England |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7821 6596 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 2:30 PMSaturday, 7:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
If you’re looking for a place that’s got a no-frills vibe and some seriously good breakfast, then the Regency Cafe is the best spot for you.
The secret to their delicious English breakfast? It’s all about the bacon.
Yes, you heard us right. The bacon is crispy yet somehow still tender, and it’s so good that you’ll want to write a love letter to it.
And the best part? The Regency Cafe is like a time capsule. Walking in feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era.
So, whether you’re a history buff or just love a good breakfast, the Regency Cafe is a must-visit spot in London.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Original hot tea Regency Cafe uses high-quality tea leaves that are carefully selected and brewed to perfection. They offer a variety of tea blends to suit different tastes, from classic English Breakfast to Earl Grey and herbal teas. |
The Wolseley
| WEBSITE | https://www.thewolseley.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 160 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EB, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7499 6996 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AMSunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
The Wolseley is a fancy-pants breakfast spot that’s as posh as it sounds. But don’t let the name fool you, this place is a breakfast lover’s paradise.
The restaurant’s English breakfast is the stuff of legends. The bacon is crispy, the sausages are succulent, and the eggs are cooked to perfection.
And let’s not forget about the black pudding, which is like a little slice of heaven on a plate.
But what sets The Wolseley apart is their attention to detail. From the quality of the ingredients to the presentation of the dishes, everything is executed with the utmost care and precision.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Freshly brewed coffee Well, when it comes to pairing a beverage with an English breakfast at The Wolseley, it’s no wonder that freshly brewed coffee is the go-to choice. Not only does it provide a much-needed caffeine kick to jumpstart your day, but it also complements the savoury flavours of the breakfast dish like two peas in a pod. |
Dishoom
| WEBSITE | https://www.dishoom.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Covent Garden 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9FB |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7420 9324 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 AMSaturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AMSunday, 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Dishoom is a little slice of Bombay right in the heart of London, serving up some seriously scrumptious breakfast dishes with a unique twist.
Their English breakfast is a crowd favourite, and. The sausages are spiced to perfection, the bacon is crispy yet tender, and the eggs are cooked just right.
But what really sets it apart is the addition of its signature black pudding and fiery tomato relish – it’s like a flavour explosion in your mouth!
| What to pair with your breakfast: Signature chai tea Dishoom’s chai is like the charismatic Bollywood hero who swoops in and steals the show, while the English breakfast is the reliable sidekick who always has your back. Together, they create a dynamic duo that is unbeatable in terms of taste and satisfaction. |
The Delaunay
| WEBSITE | https://www.thedelaunay.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7499 8558 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 10:30 PMFriday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 AMSaturday, 9:00 AM – 10:30 PMSunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The Delaunay is not just any old restaurant in London: it’s a destination for the refined and cultured palate. As for their English breakfast, well, let’s just say that it’s so good it’ll make you want to sing “God Save the Queen” while sipping your tea with your pinky finger extended.
Their English breakfast is a thing of beauty, with all the classic components executed to perfection – from the crisp bacon to the perfectly cooked eggs. It’s the kind of breakfast that’ll have you proclaiming “jolly good show” in between mouthfuls.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Cheeky mimosa Their cheeky mimosa is the kind of drink that’ll have you feeling like a fancy-pants aristocrat, sipping your bubbly with a perfectly-manicured pinky finger while tucking into your eggs and bacon like it’s nobody’s business. It’s the ultimate indulgence, and the perfect way to celebrate the most important meal of the day. |
Polo Bar
| WEBSITE | https://www.polobar.co.uk/ |
| ADDRESS | 76 Bishopsgate, London -, Greater London EC2M 4NQ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7283 4889 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday, Open 24 hours |
The Polo Bar in London is the kind of place that makes you want to set your alarm clock for the crack of dawn, just so you can indulge in their famous English breakfast.
This place knows how to do it right! From perfectly poached eggs to crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, and buttery toast, Polo Bar has it all.
And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, they even have a breakfast burrito that will knock your socks off! Plus, the atmosphere is so quintessentially London, you might just start speaking in a London accent by the end of your meal.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Milkshake Their milkshakes are not your average run-of-the-mill milkshakes. They’re thick, creamy, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic vanilla or a more adventurous flavour like Oreo or peanut butter, you won’t be disappointed. |
Smiths of Smithfield
| WEBSITE | https://www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk/ |
| ADDRESS | 67-77 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6HJ, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7251 7950 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM |
Smiths of Smithfield is not just any old spot for a morning meal. Oh no, it’s the holy grail of English breakfasts!
This restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, with each dish crafted to perfection. From the perfectly cooked bacon to the succulent sausages, every bite will have you doing a little happy dance in your seat.
And the best part? You get to enjoy your breakfast with a view!
That’s right, Smiths of Smithfield is located in the heart of London with stunning panoramic views of the city. So, not only will your taste buds be dancing, but your eyes will be treated to a feast as well.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Cup of Joe Smiths of Smithfield takes its coffee seriously, sourcing only the finest beans and roasting them to perfection. Whether you prefer a classic latte, a velvety cappuccino, or a strong and bold espresso, their expert baristas will make sure your coffee is just the way you like it. |
E Pellicci
| WEBSITE | https://epellicci.co.uk/ |
| ADDRESS | 332 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7739 4873 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
This family-run cafe has been serving up delicious breakfasts since 1900, and it’s safe to say they’ve got it down to an art. From their hearty English breakfasts to their fluffy pancakes and delicious pastries, every bite is a trip down memory lane.
When you step inside E Pellicci, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the golden age of cafes. The vintage decor, the friendly staff, the clink of coffee cups – it’s all part of the experience.
So if you’re looking for a breakfast that’s not just a meal, but an experience, head on down to E Pellicci and enjoy the delicious food, the friendly atmosphere, and the rich history of one of London’s oldest cafes.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Cup of Joe At E Pellicci, their Earl Grey tea is made with the finest loose-leaf tea, which is steeped to perfection and served with a dash of milk (if desired). The fragrant aroma of the tea will awaken your senses and get your taste buds ready for the hearty breakfast to come. |
Hawksmoor Guildhall
| WEBSITE | https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/guildhall/ |
| ADDRESS | 10 Basinghall St, London EC2V 5BQ, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 7397 8120 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday, 5:30 – 9:30 PMTuesday – Thursday, 12-3 PM, 5:30-9PMFriday, 12-3PM, 5-9:30PM Saturday, 5-9:30PM Sunday, 12-4PM |
If you’re in the mood for a breakfast fit for a king (or queen), then Hawksmoor Guildhall in London is the place to be!
This elegant restaurant has a reputation for serving up some of the best steaks in the city, from their succulent sausages and crispy bacon to their perfectly poached eggs and buttery toast, every bite is a masterpiece.
But what really sets Hawksmoor Guildhall apart is the quality of its ingredients. They source only the finest meats, eggs, and produce, ensuring that every dish is packed with flavour and nutrition.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Freshly squeezed orange juice Their orange juice is made from locally sourced oranges and squeezed to order. It’s a refreshing and nutritious way to start your day, packed with vitamin C and other essential nutrients. |
Duck & Waffle
| WEBSITE | https://duckandwaffle.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, United Kingdom |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+44) (0) 3640 7310 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday, Open 24 hours |
Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, this sky-high eatery offers stunning panoramic views of the city that will take your breath away. And that’s not all – their breakfast menu is out of this world!
From their famous duck and waffle dish (yes, you heard that right – crispy duck leg confit on top of a fluffy waffle) to their hearty full English breakfast, every dish is a culinary masterpiece.
But what really sets them apart is their use of unusual ingredients and unique flavour combinations, like their signature dish of foie gras crème brûlée with caramelized banana and pain perdu.
| What to pair with your breakfast: Green bloody Mary Their bloody green Mary has fresh ingredients like cucumber, green pepper, and jalapeño which offers a refreshing and spicy flavour that complements the rich and savoury flavours of a traditional English breakfast. |
