What Is a Full English Breakfast and Should You Try It? (The Ultimate London Food Guide)
If you’re in London and someone tells you:
👉 “You have to try a Full English breakfast”
You might imagine something simple.
Toast.
Coffee.
Maybe eggs.
But what actually arrives on the plate?
👉 A full meal.
👉 At breakfast.
And suddenly you’re wondering:
👉 “Is this breakfast… or lunch?”
Welcome to one of the most iconic British meals:
👉 The Full English Breakfast
First What Is a Full English Breakfast?
A Full English breakfast is a traditional cooked meal that usually includes:
Eggs (fried or scrambled)
Sausages
Bacon
Baked beans
Grilled tomato
Mushrooms
Toast or fried bread
Sometimes you’ll also see:
Black pudding (a type of blood sausage)
Hash browns (modern addition)
👉 It’s filling, heavy, and very different from a typical light breakfast.
Why Is It Called “Full”?
Because it’s not just one item.
👉 It’s a combination of everything
Historically, it was meant to:
Provide energy for the day
Keep people full for long working hours
👉 Especially during industrial times in Britain
Is It Actually British Culture or Just a Tourist Thing?
This is important.
👉 It’s 100% real British food
But…
👉 Not something people eat every day anymore
Today, it’s more:
A weekend treat
A café experience
Something you have when you have time
What Does It Actually Taste Like?
Let’s be honest.
It’s not about one flavour.
It’s about the mix:
Salty (bacon, sausages)
Savoury (beans, mushrooms)
Slight sweetness (beans + tomato)
👉 Together, it becomes:
A very satisfying, comforting meal
Where to Try It in London
You’ll find Full English breakfasts across the city.
Classic Cafés (Best Experience)
Local cafés give you:
Traditional feel
Good portion sizes
Affordable options
Hotels
Hotels also serve it but:
👉 Often more expensive
👉 Sometimes less authentic
Brunch Spots
Modern places may offer:
“Upgraded” versions
Health-focused twists
👉 Still good just less traditional
How Much Does It Cost?
Typical price in London:
👉 £8 – £15
Cheaper in local cafés
More expensive in central/tourist areas
👉 Still considered good value for the amount of food
Is It Too Heavy?
Let’s be honest.
👉 Yes for some people
It’s:
High in calories
Very filling
You probably won’t:
👉 Need lunch after
Should You Try It as a Tourist?
Here’s the real answer.
YES if you:
Want a classic British experience
Enjoy savoury breakfasts
Want to try something iconic
MAYBE NOT if you:
Prefer light breakfasts
Don’t eat meat (unless vegan/veg version)
Don’t like heavy meals early
What About Vegetarian or Vegan Versions?
Good news:
London offers plenty of options.
You’ll find:
Veg sausages
Plant-based bacon
Vegan beans, mushrooms, toast
👉 Many cafés now offer:
“Full English (vegan)”
What Do You Drink With It?
Traditionally:
👉 Tea
But many people now choose:
Coffee
Juice
When Should You Eat It?
Best time:
👉 Morning → late morning
Some places serve it all day…
But:
👉 It’s best experienced as breakfast or brunch
Is It Overhyped?
Let’s be honest.
It depends.
It’s not:
Fancy
Fine dining
But it is:
Comfort food
Cultural
Filling
👉 It’s more about the experience than the “wow factor”
Simple Plan (If You Want to Try It Right)
Do this:
Go to a local café
Order a Full English + tea
Sit and take your time
👉 That’s the real experience
Final Thought
The Full English breakfast isn’t about being modern.
It’s about tradition.
A plate that hasn’t changed much over time.
And in a fast city like London…
👉 That’s what makes it special.