Best English Breakfast Spots in London

The full English is a must-eat when visiting London—crispy bacon, juicy sausages, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast (or fried bread). You’ll find it everywhere from retro cafés like Terry’s to trendy brunch spots like The Black Penny, all-day diners like The Breakfast Club, and cozy local favorites like Kozzy Cafe. Whether you want it traditional, modern, or plant-based, London has endless spots serving a proper fry-up.

Why the Full English Breakfast Still Rules Mornings in London

Nobody goes to London without having a full English. On every one of my London food tours I run, this dish always features, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the most famous British foods. Made up of a hefty serving of bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomato, and toast or fried bread, this plate can be challenging to finish for even the biggest of foodies

No matter where you go in London, you’ll find a good fry-up, whether it’s in cafes, greasy spoons, pubs, or hotels. It’s sold everywhere, from inexpensive corner eateries to stylish modern establishments. Locals are always tucking into this greasy feast at any chance they get.

It could be for a hangover cure, a comfort meal, or simply a weekly tradition with friends. Nowadays, you can even find versions for veggies and vegans, so nobody gets left out. If you’re on the hunt for the best English breakfast in London, these are the places you’ll want to check out.

Where to Eat the Best English Breakfast in London

Terry’s Cafe | London

Photo credit: Terry’s Cafe | London

Terry’s Cafe on Great Suffolk Street is an old-school retro-style cafe that feels like you’ve been sent back in time. I ordered ‘the Works’ breakfast option, which was a huge, meaty feast with earthy mushrooms and sweet tomato. What you see on the menu is what you get here, there’s no swapping any items, so fussy eaters should look elsewhere.

The Black Penny Cafe & Brunch Covent Garden

Another English breakfast cafe in London with a trendy atmosphere is Black Penny Cafe in Covent Garden. I heard lots of people talking about their Hunter breakfast, so I came and tried it for myself.

A sizable portion, with unique additions like sourdough toast and eggs cooked to your liking, and friendly staff, what more could you want? They also have a vegan option for those looking for a plant-based alternative.

The Black Penny Cafe & Brunch Covent Garden (£10-£20) – London WC2B 5AA – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, every Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Breakfast Club Spitalfields

The Breakfast Club Spitalfields on Artillery Lane is a unique mix between an American diner and a cafe, that draws both locals and tourists alike. I couldn’t turn down the chance to try their stacked ‘Full Monty’ that had some of the tastiest peppery, savory black pudding I’ve ever had. Breakfast is served here throughout the day, until closing, so you don’t have to rush.

The Breakfast Club Spitalfields (£10-£20) – London E1 7LS – Open every day from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Sandwich Street Kitchen

Photo credit: Sandwich Street Kitchen

If you want to have breakfast in a no-frills corner cafe, be sure to add Sandwich Street Kitchen in Central London to your list. There’s a homey vibe to this spot that appeals to many who visit. Though if you want to leave a tip behind, it’s cash only.

The variety of breakfast styles here is phenomenal, from Mediterranean to veggie, but I’m a fan of their big, greasy ‘Full-up,’ particularly for the crispy hash browns.

Sandwich Street Kitchen (£10-£20) – London WC1H 9PZ – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Bill’s Baker Street Restaurant

Photo credit: Bill’s Baker Street Restaurant

Have your full English breakfast with a modern twist at Bill’s on Baker Street, a contemporary eatery that offers a great alternative to pub grub and locally run joints. I sampled the ‘Big Brunch,’ which is their answer to a fry-up.

Although the portion was average-sized, it’s slightly cheaper than a lot of other places, and equally tasty. My favorites were the smoky streaked bacon and juicy roasted plum tomatoes. Breakfast is only on until 11:30 am, but the Big Brunch is served for lunch, so you won’t miss out.

Bill’s Baker Street Restaurant (£10-£20) – London W1U 6RY – Open every Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, every Friday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Kozzy Cafe

Photo credit: Kozzy Cafe

If you’re wondering where to eat an English breakfast in London, Kozzy Cafe is worth considering. Their cozy location on Red Lion Street is always busy, but don’t let a small line deter you, as it usually moves quickly.

While some of the set breakfast options did sound appealing, the Full English looked massive, so I opted for that. I really appreciated the way it came with a smooth cup of tea, which you usually have to order separately, as well as a crunchy serving of toast with silky butter.

Kozzy Cafe (£10-£20) – London WC1R 4PD – Open every day from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm

What Makes a Traditional British Breakfast Great?

A full English breakfast in London is composed of several elements that come together to form the dish. The bacon should be crisp on the outside, while the sausages must be juicy on the inside to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.

The eggs can be made either poached, fried, or scrambled. Toast or fried bread works well, but it needs to be cooked through for that satisfying crunch. On the side, you should have grilled tomatoes, well-seasoned chopped mushrooms, and baked beans, although the beans shouldn’t be too watery. These are all the basic ingredients of a fry-up in London.

Depending on who’s cooking the British breakfast in London, they may decide to add extras such as sliced black pudding, crispy hash browns, or a hefty serving of bubble and squeak. Be cautious adding too much, though, as you’ll want the meal to be comforting rather than overly greasy, so you can enjoy every bite.

To finish it all off, a strong mug of tea or freshly brewed coffee completes the dish.

More Than a Meal: A True London Experience

A fry-up is a quintessential London tradition that has long been part of local culture. You’ll find it in most cafes, no matter the time of day. Even though it’s a breakfast dish, it’s perfect for both early and late risers.

There’s no strict rule for how it should be eaten: some people have a plate to themselves, while others share it with friends. Either way, it’s an experience that both tourists and locals love.

Seen as a versatile staple, a traditional breakfast in London can be a hangover cure or a hearty fuel for a big day ahead. Fry-ups are available at all kinds of establishments, from fancy restaurants to rustic cafes and bars, each offering different price points.

Final Thoughts: Wake Up to a True London Classic

This is my guide to the best English breakfasts in London. Throughout the city, you’ll come across fry-ups in all of London’s breakfast spots, including old-fashioned cafes and stylish dining venues. If you come to the British capital and don’t try one, you’ll be kicking yourself later.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). London food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Traditional London foods. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/london-foods-traditional/

Terry’s Cafe. (n.d.). Terry’s Cafe London. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://terryscafe.co.uk/

The Black Penny. (n.d.). The Black Penny. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.theblackpenny.com/

The Breakfast Club. (n.d.). Spitalfields. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://thebreakfastclubcafes.com/spitalfields/

Sandwich Street Kitchen. (n.d.). Sandwich Street Kitchen. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://sandwichstreetkitchen.co.uk/

Bill’s. (n.d.). Baker Street restaurant. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://bills-website.co.uk/restaurants/baker-street/

Fast Break. (n.d.). Fast Break Group [Instagram page]. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/fastbreakgroup/