English Brunch: Everything You Need To Know About British Brunches

A leisurely brunch is always a treat, especially when an English-style brunch adorns your plate. Find out how best to enjoy this late-morning luxury.

Americans may have popularised the idea of brunch, but it was the English who invented the term. And who better to do so than the nation where the traditional morning table overflows with so many mouth-watering dishes? English brunch can be approached traditionally (the great English breakfast... just eaten a little later), or savoured with healthy or creative twists. Discover everything you need to know about this indulgent delight.

So, what is an English brunch?

Full disclosure: If you’re in England and ask for an "English brunch", some people may raise their eyebrows. The truth is that the concept of brunch, even in the birthplace of the word, is American – think pancakes with maple syrup, sweetened French toast and giant cinnamon rolls. When it comes to gastronomic creations, what the British are best known for is their breakfast. The "full English" – or "full Irish", "full Scottish", etc. – depending on your locale – is a sizeable mid-morning meal that arose in the 14th century. Farmers and labourers broke their fast at the break of dawn, but the gentry was slower to rise. And when they did, they wanted a substantial meal – much of it freshly provided by the farmers who had risen so much earlier.


Today, Britain has taken on board the American concept of brunch, while also adopting the continental idea of basing social gatherings around long meals. Now, English breakfast sometimes becomes English brunch without too much of a menu change, while other times brunch gets a lot more inventive.

What are the essential components of a traditional English brunch?

For a traditional English breakfast or brunch, eggs are a must. They’re usually scrambled or fried – preferably sunny-side up for that yummy, runny yolk. Meat is another mainstay. Especially popular are rashers (back bacon) and plump sausages. Black pudding, or blood sausage, might also make an appearance - though some people would rather it didn't!


Side dishes are equally important: baked beans, fried mushrooms and buttery toast, as well as a tomato cut in half and lightly coloured on the flat edge. Despite being known as "side dishes", they all appear on one decadent plate. The typical spreads for the toast are marmalade or Marmite, a sticky brown paste made of yeast extract. Chips or hash browns are a nice extra touch. It’s little wonder that this meal is sometimes called a fry-up.

Good to know: It's easy to make a full English breakfast healthier without sacrificing flavour, whether you're eating early or waiting until brunch time. 

Top tips for a healthier English brunch include:

  • Season with herbs or spices instead of salt, such as chives or smoked paprika to go with eggs 
  • Make your eggs Benedict a healthier eggs Florentine by adding sautéed spinach
  • Go for poached or boiled eggs over fried
  • Choose thin ham instead of bacon
  • Opt for vegetarian or vegan sausages containing mushrooms, beans, quinoa or chickpeas
  • Select grilled tomatoes over fried
  • Sauté mushrooms in olive oil instead of butter

Where can you find great examples around Europe?

Hungry for a full English in France? In bigger cities and tourist destinations, you'll find English-style breakfasts in various cafés and hotels. For breakfast or brunch in Nice that's inspired by gastronomy from across the Channel, the Full Irish at Ma Nolans (2 Rue St François de Paule, 06300 Nice) is sure to have everything you're hoping for, and maybe more.


Rivages inside Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra (1 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris) offers possibly the best brunch in Paris, with international items on the menu, plus afternoon tea for that English feel.


If you're in Rome, sample the all-day English breakfast at Babingtons (Piazza di Spagna, 23, 00187 Roma RM) along with Scottish smoked salmon and Irish bacon.


For a colourful pan-European experience, sample arguably the best English breakfast in London – at an Italian cafe! E Pellicci (332 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0AG) has been serving a mix of Italian and classic English fare for over a century in an informal, convivial setting that's long been popular with locals.


Prefer to wander down from your room and savour something a little more upmarket? If you're staying in Manchester, try the full English at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly, where breakfast is served until 11 am on weekends.

What are some creative and indulgent ideas for a leisurely weekend morning?

For some people, mimosas are an indulgent addition to a weekend brunch, whether enjoying this Champagne and orange juice cocktail at home or when travelling. You won't have to worry about a designated driver if you sample this decadent tipple at your hotel. The Lobby Lounge inside Fairmont Monte-Carlo (12, avenue des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco) serves a daily English breakfast with views of the shimmering Mediterranean, plus mimosas with Taittinger Champagne.


For something a little different, why not incorporate some global cuisines into an English-style brunch? If American waffles or avocado toast (claimed by Australia!) are not intrepid enough, how about pancake tacos with ground beef and hot sauce, or Japanese-style rolled omelette seasoned with mirin and soy sauce? 


Spicy Moroccan eggs are a good way to start the day with a kick, and healthy too with the addition of courgettes, tomatoes, onions, chickpeas and spinach. Along with the core components of the vegetables and eggs, the secret ingredient is rose harissa. This spicy paste usually contains dried rose petals and rosewater, together with chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander and caraway seeds. Such an intriguing recipe is sure to stir up conversation around the brunch table. 

How can you recreate the experience of an English tea ritual during brunch?

The "proper" English beverage for a "proper" English breakfast is tea. In fact, there’s a blend made expressly for it. Robust and assertive, English breakfast tea is a mixture of aromatic black teas that’s strong enough to rouse the drinker and accompany this hearty meal. Although purists may protest, coffee and orange juice have entered the English breakfast menu. And why not? The more the merrier!


If you're looking for a truly English ritual, allow your brunch to linger into the afternoon and partake in afternoon tea. A selection of food is usually served on an elegant three-tiered serving stand, known as a curate, which will be beautifully decorated with dainty sandwiches, scones and intricate desserts. All accompanied by the famous British beverage, of course. There is nowhere more iconic for afternoon tea in central London than at The Savoy (Strand, London WC2R 0EY), which is justifiably described as "legendary". 

Whether you're cooking at home, looking for the best English brunch in the UK, or seeking out some British-style comfort food during your travels around Europe, an English brunch makes for a great late start to the day.