The Great British Fry Up: Enjoy a Traditional English Breakfast at Harper’s Steakhouse
21 April 2023
A National Dish of Great Britain
At Harper’s Steakhouse, we take pride in serving up the ultimate full English breakfast.
We know that when you order a fry-up, you want the works – and that’s exactly what we offer.
Our breakfasts come with all the classics, from bacon and sausages to eggs and grilled tomatoes.
But we also go the extra mile, including beloved British specialties that you won’t find at every diner, like our nation’s favourite; black pudding.
We believe that a proper full English breakfast should leave you feeling satisfied and happy, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Harper’s.
So come on in, take a seat, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience.
How Do You Like Your Eggs in The Morning?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start it than with eggs cooked to your personal preference?
Our skilled chefs are ready and waiting to whip up your perfect breakfast eggs, whether it be scrambled, fried, poached or sunny side up.
We understand that everyone has their own preferences, and that’s why we take the time to meticulously prepare each dish to your exact specifications.
With our commitment to quality and attention to detail, you’re sure to have a delicious breakfast experience that will leave you feeling energised and ready to tackle the day ahead.
So why settle for a mediocre breakfast when you can have eggs cooked to perfection by our talented chefs? And yes, this choice is part of our full English breakfasts!
Traditional English Breakfast Origin
The full English breakfast is a beloved dish in the UK and beyond, but its origins actually date back to the Victorian era.
Originally a meal for the wealthy, it was typically served as a late-morning feast after a day of hunting or other outdoor activities.
Over time, the dish evolved to become more accessible to the general public and was eventually adopted as a staple of British breakfast culture.
Today, a traditional full English typically includes bacon, sausages, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and baked beans.
While the meal may have changed slightly over the years, its hearty and satisfying nature has remained a constant, making it a timeless classic for breakfast lovers everywhere.
How The Full English Breakfast Became a National Dish
The Full English Breakfast has become an iconic symbol of British cuisine, served in cafes and homes across the nation.
But, how did this hearty meal become such a staple? The origins of the full English breakfast date back to the 13th century, where a simpler version consisting of bacon, eggs, and black pudding was enjoyed in rural communities.
As the country industrialised, workers needed a substantial meal to fuel their day, leading to the inclusion of sausages, baked beans and fried bread.
The meal’s popularity soared during the Victorian era, with hotels and restaurants competing to serve the most extravagant breakfasts, cementing the full English breakfast as a national dish.
Today, a Full English Breakfast is considered a treat and serves as a delicious reminder of the country’s culinary history.
The English Fry Up has Regional Variants
The Full English Breakfast is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations.
But did you know that there are several regional variations of this hearty meal scattered throughout the United Kingdom?
Take the Scottish breakfast, for example, where black pudding is replaced with haggis or the Welsh breakfast, where laverbread (made from seaweed) is a common accompaniment.
In the West Country, you may find hog’s pudding served instead of black pudding, while in the North East, you’re likely to be offered pease pudding as a side dish.
No matter where you go, one thing remains the same – the Full English Breakfast is packed with delicious and satisfying ingredients that are sure to keep you going until lunchtime.
Pease Pudding? Haggis? Hog’s Pudding?
I know you’re scratching your head at the last paragraph so let’s take a look at these regional variants.
Pease Pudding
Pease pudding is a traditional side dish that has been enjoyed with fry ups for generations.
Made with yellow split peas, this savoury mush is often flavoured with onions, spices and even bacon.
Although it may not be the most visually appealing dish, its taste and texture complement the other elements of a fry up perfectly.
Some people even prefer to spread it on their toast instead of using butter or jam.
It’s a simple and delicious addition to any breakfast spread, and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is often served as a part of a hearty fry up breakfast.
It is made with minced sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, and a blend of spices.
The mixture is then boiled inside the sheep’s stomach, giving it a distinct savoury flavour and unique texture.
Although it may sound unusual to some, haggis is a beloved dish in Scotland and has been a staple of Scottish cuisine for centuries.
So, the next time you’re in Scotland and see haggis on the menu, don’t be afraid to give it a try as it is an essential part of a true Scottish fry up experience.
Hog’s Pudding
Hog’s pudding is a traditional component of a full English breakfast, and it’s not to be missed if you’re a fan of hearty morning meals.
This savoury sausage originates from Cornwall and is typically made from minced pork, suet, bread crumbs, and spices like sage and black pepper.
It’s usually served sliced and fried alongside other breakfast staples like bacon, eggs, and tomatoes.
Don’t let the name fool you, though – hog’s pudding is more akin to a sausage than a pudding in the sweet, dessert sense of the word.
So if you’re looking to start your day off right with a proper fry up, be sure to sample some hog’s pudding.
Black Pudding
If you’ve ever had a British fry up, you may have come across a mysterious dish called black pudding.
It may not sound too appetising, but this centuries-old delicacy is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Black pudding is made by blending pork meat, fat, blood, and oatmeal together with a blend of spices, giving it a rich and savoury taste.
It’s typically cut into thick slices and fried up alongside bacon, eggs, and other breakfast favourites.
While its appearance may be off-putting to some, black pudding packs a flavourful punch that pairs perfectly with its breakfast companions.
So if you’re looking to venture outside of your culinary comfort zone, give black pudding a try during your next fry up.
White Pudding
In an English breakfast, white pudding is one of the lesser-known components but also one that adds a unique flavour to this iconic hearty breakfast.
Similar to black pudding, white pudding is made from suet, oats, and spices but without the use of blood as an ingredient.
It can be found mainly in the north of England and Scotland and is typically sliced and fried along with other breakfast items.
The texture is crumbly and has a slight crunch from the oatmeal, while the spices give it a distinctively savoury taste that pairs perfectly with eggs, bacon, and toast.
Tattie Scones
Scottish grilled tattie scones are a beloved staple of Scottish cuisine.
Made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, these scones have a soft and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea.
They are cooked on a griddle or frying pan until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still remaining fluffy on the inside.
Traditionally served as part of a Scottish breakfast, tattie scones are also often enjoyed as a snack or side dish.
They are a true comfort food that has been enjoyed by generations of Scots and continue to be a popular dish today.
Baked Beans
British baked beans have a rich history that dates back to the early 1700s.
Originally, beans were an important staple food for the working class in England.
They were cheap, hearty and nutritious, making them a popular choice for those looking to stretch their food budget.
In the late 1800s, the canning process was developed, which led to the widespread availability of canned foods, including baked beans.
Today, baked beans as we know them are a well-loved part of British food and are enjoyed all over the world.
They are also a popular addition to a full English breakfast, paired with sausages, bacon, eggs and toast.
Time For Tea
Tea has been a part of British culture for centuries, and its history is full of fascinating stories.
The tradition of drinking tea dates back to the 17th century, when it was first imported to England from China.
Initially a luxury, it quickly became a popular drink among all classes, and soon tea shops and houses sprang up all over the country.
Today, tea remains an important part of English culture, from the classic afternoon tea served in fine hotels to the humble cuppa enjoyed by millions of people every day.
Beyond just its taste, tea holds a special place in the hearts of the English, representing comfort, hospitality, and tradition.
Its history is intertwined with that of the country itself, making it a cornerstone of British identity.
English Breakfast Tea
English breakfast tea leaves are a black tea blend that typically includes a mix of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan tea leaves.
Despite its name, English breakfast tea is enjoyed around the world and is often associated with the traditional morning tea time in the United Kingdom.
Its bold and robust flavour is due to the blend of black teas, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy their tea with milk and sugar.
English breakfast tea is also commonly used as a base for tea lattes and other popular tea beverages.
While there are many variations of black tea blends available, English breakfast tea remains a timeless classic that is sure to satisfy any tea lover’s need for a strong, satisfying brew.
Full Irish Breakfast
A true Irish breakfast is a feast for the senses.
Sizzling sausages, crispy Irish bacon, and creamy scrambled eggs are just a few of the mouth-watering ingredients that make up this traditional morning meal.
Other Ingredients include traditional Irish soda bread which is made with just a handful of basic ingredients such as flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
But it’s not just the deliciousness of the food that makes the experience so special. It’s the sense of community and history that comes with it.
The full breakfast is a long-standing Irish custom, rooted in a time when farmers needed a hearty meal to sustain them through a long day’s work.
Today, it remains a beloved tradition that brings families and friends together over a plate of piping hot food, and keeps the spirit of Ireland alive.
Full Scottish Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast, traditional Scottish fare is definitely not one to miss.
This big breakfast consists of a variety of tasty ingredients, such as haggis, black pudding, eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and slices of fried bread or grilled tattie scones.
Each component has its unique flavour that complements the others, giving this meal a truly delicious taste.
The Scottish breakfast is also known for providing plenty of energy to fuel an entire day, making it perfect for those who have a lot of activities planned. If you’re visiting Scotland or just want to try something new for breakfast, the traditional Scottish breakfast is definitely worth a try.
American Breakfast
The traditional American Fry up breakfast is a hearty and indulgent meal that’s perfect for kickstarting your day.
It typically includes a combination of pancakes, eggs, American bacon, sausage, and toast.
As the name suggests, most the food is fried, leading to a crispy and delicious dish.
If you’re looking for a comforting and filling meal, look no further.
This breakfast is often enjoyed on weekends with family and friends, and can even be enjoyed for dinner as a fun twist. Don’t forget to top things off with some maple syrup and a cup of coffee!
English Bacon, Irish Bacon and American Bacon – What’s the Difference?
Bacon, a breakfast staple, can vary depending on the country.
American bacon is made from pork belly and is known for its crispy texture and smoky taste.
English bacon, on the other hand, is cut from the back of the pig and has a meatier taste compared to American bacon.
Irish bacon is taken from the pork loin and has a leaner texture. It also has a sweeter taste due to the way it is cured.
All three variations of bacon have their unique flavour profiles and are enjoyed worldwide.
Whether you prefer the classic crispy American bacon or the meatier English bacon, one thing is for sure, bacon is always a delicious addition to any breakfast meal.
How to Make a Traditional English Breakfast
The full English breakfast is a classic meal that’s perfect for a lazy weekend morning or any day that requires a hearty start.
A real English breakfast should consist of bacon, sausage, baked beans, hash browns, fried mushrooms, fried tomato or grilled tomato, fried egg or sunny side up eggs and usually white bread to make fried and toasted bread.
To make the perfect full English breakfast, you’ll need to start with the basics – eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
It’s important to cook each element perfectly; the bacon should be crispy, keep the sausages juicy by turning occasionally, the tomatoes soft but not disintegrated, and the mushrooms nicely browned.