Team hash brown or team bubble and squeak? There’s no wrong answer (I hope purists will forgive me for that), but this debate gets to the heart of what makes the full English breakfast so enduring and so customizable. It might not be the healthiest way to kick off the day, but sometimes it’s just what you need, as a rite of passage or the perfect remedy after late-night revelries. I’m here to highlight some of the best spots in London for the ultimate brekkie experience, from old-school greasy spoons to a few fancier venues.
Let’s kick things off with the OG of London’s greasy spoons. Regency Café has likely made it onto every best breakfast list, and the ever-present queue outside the black-tiled façade is wordless proof of its success. This spot has been serving up the ultimate fry-up since 1946 — and while I wasn’t there, I guess not much has changed in the dining room.
It’s got that old-school charm — simple retro decor, checkered curtains, sports memorabilia on the walls, and those famously uninviting plastic chairs that subtly suggest you shouldn’t linger too long. I went for the fabulously priced classic set with an extra black pudding, but you can mix and match to create your own combo. Served simply on plain white plates, this meal makes for a cinematic experience in itself, no VHS filter required.
Breakfast set — £8.95
Another legendary fry-up spot in East London, E Pellicci, has been dishing out comfort food for more than a century. This soulful and welcoming establishment has Italian roots and is run by a lovely family who, no doubt, are the reason for its enduring appeal. The decor is delightfully old-school, but it’s the genuine, nostalgic kindness from the staff that wraps around you like a favorite, well-worn sweater, whisking you back to the good old days.
I’ve never seen the space even half-empty, but that wouldn’t stop me from indulging in their gorgeous lasagna — not the fancy kind, you know, but the sort I imagine my Italian nonna (if I had one) would make for a summer vacation dinner. However, the café is wildly famous for its delicious and seriously massive and meaty full English breakfast, with perfectly sautéed mushrooms and amazingly crispy hash browns. A shoutout to them for offering a veggie version with plant-based sausage, proving that the institution isn’t stuck in time, though.
Have the Lot breakfast – £13.40
Now, let’s dive into a completely contrasting reality — pretentious Mayfair, where each venue tries to outshine the next with dazzling design and a touch of excess. Mount St. Restaurant, nestled inside The Audley building, fits right in the location and absolutely nails the chic vibe with artwork everywhere you look. I’m totally won over by the gallery-like atmosphere — your eyes can’t decide between fragmented marble floors, whimsical lamps, and stunning canvases.
Come for a leisurely weekend breakfast, and you’ll be spoiled for choice: old-school devilled kidneys, indulgent Oscietra caviar omelette, eggs Benedict, a refined continental set, or a traditional full English. And if you’re up for something different, try the famous lobster pie to share — a true local legend. Anyway, I wouldn’t shy away from a good martini to set a high tone for the day.
Full English – £24
I’m a huge fan of Fallow’s circular croissant sandwiches for brunch — they start off looking stunning, with those crispy layers encasing smoked salmon, a fried egg, spinach, and a drizzle of hollandaise, and end up tasting just as terrific. But yes, Fallow serves up some fantastic breakfasts too, including the classic full English and its veggie version. A fair warning, though: these are only served on weekdays until 10:30, which, I suppose, is great for the many early business meetings you’ll spot here. Those serious marble tables in the dark interior are perfect for it, but you can also choose the sturdy leather bar stools by the open kitchen if, like me, you prefer the chefs’ lively company.
By the way, I really admire Fallow’s sustainability mission, growing their own mushrooms onsite, transforming typically discarded ingredients like cod's head into delicious dishes, and crafting sourdough from potato peels in-house.
Fallow Full – £24
If you crave a great specialty coffee and a chilled ambience for breakfast, make your way to one of The Black Penny Café branches. I tried the one in Covent Garden, which boasts a cozy, laid-back indie vibe where you’re welcomed just as you are. All the food is packed with character and presented in a stylish, visually appealing way, without venturing into overly pretentious territory.
Their breakfast menu is stacked, from lemon ricotta on airy French brioche to free-range eggs made however you prefer them. The Hunter is the way to go for a substantial full English. No hashbrowns or black pudding, though — it's all about the downright well-prepared essentials. Plus, they’ve got both vegan and vegetarian options that don’t skimp on flavor. I ordered bubble 'n' squeak separately, served with grilled sausage and topped with a fried egg, rounded it all off with a flat white, and, well, couldn’t resist a slice of coconut & raspberry brownie on display — everything was spot on.
The Hunter — £17.90