Imagine this: behemoth plates piled high with juicy sausages, sizzling bacon, hash browns, fried eggs, baked beans, plus a healthy helping of black pudding... If that’s got your stomach growling, you’re in the right place. Because we want you to enjoy them as much as we do, we’ve put together this list of the capital’s finest fry-ups. From traditional greasy spoons where simple, no-frills breakfasts are the centre of the action to trendy cafés rustling up pretty platters of the good stuff, here are the very best English breakfasts in London.
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Terry's Café
Having opened its doors back in the 1980s, Terry’s Café is a bit of an institution. The Southwark hotspot is cute and cosy, fronting tables topped with Formica cloths, walls covered in black and white photographs, plus retro knick-knacks dotted all over the shop. Pop by to tuck into hearty British grub, including The Works, a take on the humble fry-up. The best greasy spoon in town? Quite possibly.
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon have been known to frequent this hangout.
Halfcup
You can’t go wrong with King’s Cross cutie Halfcup, an indie café that offers a bright and airy space with pendant lights and pretty murals. Fronting a scrumptious full English breakfast in London, this joint is a popular spot from morning through to late-afternoon. Although there are many delish dishes on the menu that may sway you, our money's on the full English, which comes as a heavenly spread of meaty or veggie delights.
If you're after an Instagrammable breakfast, Halfcup is your best bet.
The Breakfast Club
Making fry-ups cool again since 2005, The Breakfast Club is a contemporary caff where sausages, fried eggs and baked beans make up its bones, and builder's tea flows through its veins. As the brand boasts multiple outposts across the capital, including Hackney Wick, London Bridge and Croydon, you’re never far from a banging brekkie that’s sure to touch the sides.
For those of you seeking out the best English breakfast near me, you've found it here.
Arthur’s Café
Another stalwart on the breakfast scene, Arthur's Cafe in Kensal Rise is the place to be if you're on the hunt for the biggest full English breakfast in London. Inside? Not much has changed since it began business back in the 1950s which, to be honest, is just how we like it. And apparently so do the locals, as this popular find has been known to have quite the queue. Mosey on down for tasty homemade food done juuust right.
Don't worry, there are smaller options on the menu too...
The Ritz Cafe
Located in Hammersmith, The Ritz Cafe is a British-Turkish fusion boasting friendly owners and an affordable menu full of fry-ups. They're open from 6.30am, great for early risers, and all their breakfasts come with tea.
They use only the freshest ingredients, and the best quality sauces (including Heinz ketchup). The interiors are properly old-school, with simple wooden tables and traditional greasy spoon vibe, and there's even a small outdoor seating area.
Savour a freshly made fry-up at this Hammersmith favourite.
Regency Café
Westminster's Regency Café has appeared in flicks such as Pride and Brighton Rock, and you can see why it was chosen. It offers a time capsule to way back when, fronting the same original tiles that were installed back in 1946, which proudly tote monochrome photos of old boxers and football players. Grab a seat and await the unassuming white, circular plates, which are your gateway to a delicious and cheap breakfast in London.
Make sure to get a snap of the cool Art Deco exterior at Regency Café.
Billingsgate Cafe
Putting a unique twist on the full English, Billingsgate Cafe in East London serves hearty platters, alongside their popular scallop and bacon roll. Unusually, it's open from 2am to 9am, so it's definitely one for the early birds (or perhaps after a night out).
Their full English comes with sausages, bacon, beans, eggs, mushrooms and hash browns, as well as their own addition of scallops in garlic butter - courtesy of the nearby fish market.
Expect seafood additions to the breakfast menu here.
Crossroads Cafe
The Peckham-based Crossroads Cafe is a traditional spot for breakfast, either to eat in or take away. Expect generous portions for a reasonable price, with both classic and vegetarian versions of their full English available. The fuss-free eatery promises a friendly welcome, and a morning meal to remember.
Keep things classic at Crossroads Cafe.
The Electric Cafe
Dating back to 1905, The Electric Cafe is a family-run destination in West Norwood. The same family has owned it for the last 40 years, and they've lovingly maintained the 1940s-inspired interior - complete with lace curtains, chequered tiles and wooden walls.
Soak up the vintage vibes as you tuck into your full English, and nab a free tea or coffee if you visit during the week.
This family-run venue is straight out of the 40s.
On the hunt for somewhere that
caters for a plant-based diet? Check out the best places to grab a
vegan breakfast in
London.
