There is nothing better than sitting in a British inn with accommodation and tucking in to a full English after a night on
the ale.
The Full English
An English breakfast, also known as a "full English" or "fry-up," is a hearty
meal traditionally eaten in the morning. It typically includes a variety of
items that are fried or grilled, although the specific components can vary
by region and personal preference.
Some of the key components commonly found in a full English breakfast:
Eggs:
Usually fried, but they can also be scrambled or poached.
Bacon:
Back bacon is more commonly used in the UK, unlike the streaky bacon
favoured in the US.
Sausages:
Often referred to as "bangers," these are typically pork sausages but
more ‘adventurous’ establishments might opt for more flavoursome
alternatives such as Cumberland or Lincolnshire. Individuals might even opt for something quite special such as a ‘Gornal Smokie’ from the Black Country, made
with pork and cheddar cheese. Available form Boxley’s in Wombourne.
Tomatoes:
These can be grilled or fried, often halved and cooked until they are soft and slightly caramelised. They can also be left on the plate as many are not sure if they
want a fruit in their fried breakfast!
Mushrooms:
Typically button mushrooms, fried until golden brown. Sometimes with a little garlic to add an extra bit of flavour.
Baked Beans:
Served in a tomato sauce, these are commercially available in tinned form from a few manufacturers although most will insist they are from ‘Heinz’. They are a
staple of the full English breakfast.
Black Pudding:
A type of blood sausage made from pork blood, fat, and oatmeal. This is an optional component and not everyone includes it as some people are ‘put off’ by a
blood sausage but it is often considered to be one of the oldest forms of sausage. Black Pudding is especially associated with the Black Country, the North West
and Scotland and there is even a World Black Pudding Hurling Contest.
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In Scotland, black pudding often includes beef suet and is sometimes flavoured with Scottish spices.
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Irish black pudding can have a slightly different spice mix and is also a common component of the traditional Irish breakfast.
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The town of Bury in Greater Manchester, England, is famous for its black pudding, often served boiled and sliced.
Toast or Fried Bread:
Bread is either toasted or fried until crispy.
Hash Browns or Fried Potatoes:
Hash browns or other forms of fried potatoes are often included.
Optional Extras:
These can include items like bubble and squeak (a dish made from leftover vegetables and potatoes) and even kidneys.
Other options are often available including cereals, fruit, croissants, pastries, hams and cheeses and sometimes kippers (smoked herring)
This breakfast is traditionally served with tea or coffee and sometimes accompanied by sauces like ketchup or brown sauce. The full English breakfast is known for
being quite filling and is often considered a treat or special meal, rather than an everyday breakfast option due to its high calorie content.