The full English breakfast is seen as an ancient British tradition, dating back as far as the 1300s. Way back then, the dish was primarily enjoyed by the rich and wealthy, as breakfast was seen as a luxury. Now, the heavenly plate of food makes for a perfect weekend morning treat for everybody, whether made at home or enjoyed at a local café.
There are countless varieties of the full English, and there is great debate over what are the essential parts of the iconic British dish. Generally, the “perfect” fry up is thought to include bacon, fried or poached eggs, mushrooms, fried bread or buttery toast, sausages and baked beans. Although, many would argue that it’s not a real cooked breakfast without black pudding, cooked tomato, bubble and squeak, and hash browns.
Ultimately, the contents of the breakfast greatly vary depending on region and family tradition. Nevertheless, it’s a mouth-watering staple in the British diet and has been passed down through generations. Today, the English breakfast is more popular than ever, particularly due to the increasing availability of plant-based substitutes, making the dish enjoyable for all.
Here in Oxford, we are lucky enough to be home to an array of cafés and restaurants which offer fantastic fry-ups. Whether it’s as a hangover cure, comfort food, or to prep you for the day ahead, here are the top 5 places you need to check out for a brilliant breakfast experience.
1. Tick Tock Café – 3 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1HP
Situated on Cowley Road, Tick Tock Café is a firm favourite for many people. The family run business offers a varied menu full of delicious dishes, but they are most known for their breakfast menu. With friendly staff, it’s got that warm down to earth atmosphere of a traditional English café – the home of the best breakfasts.
For only £10.45, their Tick Tock Special Breakfast definitely puts the full in full English! It makes for the perfect hangover cure alongside their fresh-made orange juice.
2. Café Coco – 23 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1HP
Café Coco is another Cowley Road gem.
Since 1992 it’s offering award winning food, drinks and service. Although commonly known for its quirky cocktails, Café Coco also offers nutritious breakfasts, and even has gluten free options available! Don’t worry, their healthier stuff doesn’t take away from the juicy flavours that we know and love! They’ve know we love the Full English just the way it it is. Take a look below – doesn’t it look like heaven on a plate?
Image Credit: Cafe CoCo Oxford (@cafecocooxford) • Instagram photos and videos
3. Art Café – 14 Bonn Square, Oxford OX1 1LT
Quite frankly, it would be an outrage not to include Art Café in this list. Based in the city centre, the independent business focuses on local food and happy people. And, if your the type of person that craves breakfast in the afternoon, then you’re in luck! Art Café caters for people just like you by serving breakfast all day!
Their full English breakfast is only £9.95 and gluten free bread is available! While you indulge, they’ve often have art exhibitions to help support local artists, so you can your enjoy your “Full Traditional English Breakfast” while appreciating some pretty pictures. Seriously what’s not to love about this quirky cafe?
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoUR3HYrwuX/
Image Credit: ART CAFÉ (@artcafeoxford) • Instagram photos and videos
4. Rick’s Diner – 90 High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ
Choosing what dish to opt for at Rick’s Diner is up there with the hardest of life decisions.
Located within Oxford’s city centre and on Cowley Road, the laid-back retro, American-style restaurant offers a wide range of tasty breakfast choices. The “B’Fast! Wraps” and selection of “Egg Dishes” certainly make for a great morning meal.
The best thing about this place is you get some amazing vegan and vegetarian options with all the flavour. However, “Rick’s Tradition” breakfasts are definitely a perfect way to start the day. With vegetarian and vegan alternatives also available, as well as “Lil’ Rick’s” smaller plate options, the popular and friendly diner is definitely worth checking out. But, if you’re craving that traditional breakfast and can’t quite pull yourself out of bed, they also offer a delivery service so you can dine from home!
5. The Jericho Café – 112 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AJ
Last, but certainly not least, is The Jericho Café. Tucked away in Walton street, independent family run business which has been firm favourite among locals, students, and tourists for 32 years. It was declared as the 2nd best brunch bar in Britain by The Sunday Times and it’s clear why.
They offer an array of homemade breakfast options including baps, waffles, avocado on toast and, of course, a traditional full English. Their classic “café breakfasts” are accompanied by scrumptious Oxford sourdough toast, which works perfectly alongside the simply great hot buttered mushrooms and free-range eggs. The lovely coffee, staff and atmosphere are also an added bonus.
All of these cafés and restaurants make for ideal breakfast spots, whether it’s for full fry up or a lighter bite. But if it’s just a drink you’re after, then these Bubble Tea Cafés in Oxford are definitely worth checking out.
