Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The traditional “fry-up” or “full English” breakfast is famous as a hearty way to start the
day. Also known as a “heart attack on a plate,” the breakfast is especially feast-like if
you've just come from the land of the skimpy continental breakfast across the Channel.
Your standard fry-up is a heated plate with a fried egg, Canadian-style bacon and/or saus-
age, a grilled tomato, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and sometimes potatoes.
The toast comes in a rack (to cool quickly and crisply) with butter and marmalade. The
meal is typically topped off with tea or coffee. At a B&B or hotel, it may start with juice
and cereal or porridge, and many progressive B&B owners offer vegetarian, organic, or
other creative variations on the traditional breakfast.
This protein-stuffed meal is great for stamina, and tides many travelers over until din-
ner (or at least afternoon tea). You'll be asked which elements of the full fry-up you want;
your B&B host appreciates it if you order only what you'll eat. There's nothing wrong
with skipping some or all of the fry-up—few locals actually start their day with this heavy
breakfast. They are more likely to eat Weetabix, a soggy British cousin of Shredded Wheat
and perhaps the most absorbent material known to man.
You have plenty of inexpensive
£
8-12 choices: pub grub, daily lunch and early-bird dinner
specials, ethnic restaurants, cafeterias, fast food, picnics, fish-and-chips, greasy-spoon
cafés, or pizza.
I've found that portions are huge, and with locals feeling the pinch of their recession,
sharing plates
is generally just fine. Ordering two drinks, a soup or side salad, and split-
ting a
£
10 meat pie can make a good, filling meal. If you are on a limited budget, I'd re-
commend sharing a main course in a more expensive place for a nicer eating experience.
Tipping
Tipping is an issue only at restaurants and fancy pubs that have waiters and wait-
resses. If you order food at a counter (as is common at many pubs), don't tip.
