A Complete Guide to English Breakfast || What is it, items to be included, How to set up?

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English breakfast a complete guide

What is the English Breakfast ?

An English breakfast, also known as a “Full English” is a traditional and hearty breakfast meal that originated in England. It is a very elaborate breakfast. It typically includes items such as fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, and fried bread. Other items that may be included are mushrooms, hash browns, and bubble and squeak.

History

The origins of the English breakfast date back to the 19th century when the meal was first mentioned in written sources. It was originally seen as a way to fuel workers like miners and laborers for a long day of hard work. The food was also popular with the upper class, who started the day with a hearty and leisurely breakfast.

During the Victorian era, the full English breakfast became more elaborate, with dishes such as kippers, kidney devil meat and steak on the menu. This era was marked by a growing fascination with exotic and foreign foods, and breakfast reflected this trend, with ingredients such as curry powder and redcurrants becoming more common.

In the 20th century, the English breakfast evolved and adapted, adding new ingredients such as baked beans and hash browns. Today, this breakfast remains a popular meal in England and is widely available in cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s also a common food in other countries, especially countries with a colonial history with England, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

While the exact ingredients of a full English breakfast may have changed over time, food remains a beloved part of English cuisine and a symbol of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

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Items to be included in English breakfast 

It generally includes:

Choices of juices – Fresh fruits/stewed fruits (fruit compote, guava compote, apple compote etc)

Breakfast cereals

Fish items – kippers, bloaters, buckling, kedgeree, smoked haddock, grilled herring, fried fish

Eggs to order – Eggs Benedict, Eggs Neptune etc. (Usually a Fried eggs)

Baked Beans – Canned beans in a tomato sauce.

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Sausages – traditional British bangers.

Meat products – Ham, bacon, black pudding etc.,

Mushrooms – Usually grilled or fried.

Breakfast rolls/muffins/toasts/bread with butter/preserves (jam/jelly/marmalade/honey)

Tea/coffee/malted beverage like maltova, horlicks, etc

This is a Traditional English breakfast items, more or less items added or minimize depending on the specific regions.

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Menu Example 

Here is a sample menu for an English breakfast:

In Starters you can include

Fresh Fruit Juice –  A choice of Juice like Orange, Pineapple etc.

Yogurt and Granola Parfait – Greek yogurt topped with mixed nuts, dried fruit, and honey

For a Traditional English Breakfast Main Course includes

  • Fried eggs
  • Bacon
  • Sausages
  • Baked Beans
  • Grilled Tomatoes
  • Black Pudding
  • Mushrooms
  • Toast with butter or marmalade
  • Fried bread

Beverages

  • Tea or coffee – a choice of English Breakfast, Earl Grey.

How to set-up English Breakfast ?

Below I will give the some tips of set-up of the English Breakfast

Plan the menu – First thing first for setting the English breakfast you will need Decide what items you want to include in the English breakfast and create a menu. This menu should reflect the hotel’s standard offerings and take into account any special requests or dietary restrictions of your guests.

Focus on what Supplies need – Ensure that you have all the ingredients and equipment you need to prepare the breakfast. This may include eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, mushrooms, toast, fried bread, and a variety of beverages like tea, coffee, and juices.

Setting up the serving area – Choose a suitable location for the breakfast, such as a dining room, restaurant, or breakfast buffet. Make sure there is enough space for guests to move around and serve themselves. For setting up the area you may look at Mise en Scene and Mise en Place in hotel. That may help you set up the location.

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Prepare the food – For preparing the food first cook the bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms, and grilled tomatoes. Heat up the baked beans and keep them warm. Toast the bread and keep it warm as well. Prepare the beverages and have them ready to serve.

Arrange the food – Place the food items on the buffet in an attractive and organized manner. Label each item and make sure there are enough serving utensils available.

Set the table – Set the tables with cutlery, napkins, and condiments like ketchup, brown sauce, and hot sauce. Make sure there is enough space for guests to place their plates and drinks. For set up the table below I give the what items should be important to set up table.

Greet  the Guests – Welcome guests to the breakfast and offer them a choice of beverages. Make sure to ask if they have any special requests or dietary restrictions.

Monitor the What guest want and refill it – Keep an eye on the food levels and refill items as needed. Offer to replenish guests’ beverages and ask if they need anything else.

Clean up – After the breakfast, clear the tables, wash the dishes, and tidy up the area. Make sure to follow proper food safety procedures, such as properly storing leftovers and cleaning equipment.

By above these steps, you can set up memorable experience for your guests in your hotel.

While setting the table layout and Service Layout consider the following things

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 Breakfast cover for (table layout)

  • Bud vase/centerpiece
  • Cruet set
  • Water goblet
  • Butter dish & butter knife
  • Side plate with side knife & serviette/napkin
  • Fish knife & fish fork
  • Large knife & large fork
  • Dessert spoon & dessert fork for eating cereals
  • Breakfast cup with under liner & tea spoon
  • Sugar bowl/Sugar basin with sugar cubes & tongs or granulated sugar with tea spoon/Sugar caddy with sugar sachet
  • Preserves (jam/jelly/marmalade/honey) dish on an under liner with tea spoon.

Breakfast cover for (service layout)

  • Bud vase/centerpiece
  • Cruet set
  • Water goblet
  • Butter dish & butter knife
  • Side plate with side knife & serviette/napkin
  • Fish knife & fish fork
  • Large knife & large fork
  • Dessert spoon & dessert fork for eating cereals
  • Breakfast cup with under liner & tea spoon
  • Sugar bowl/Sugar basin with sugar cubes & tongs or granulated sugar with tea spoon/Sugar caddy with sugar sachet
  • Preserves (jam/jelly/marmalade/honey) dish on an under liner with tea spoon.
  • Bread basket/bread boat/toast rack
  • Tea pot/coffee pot and hot water jug stands or underplates
  • Strainer & slop basin
  • Milk jug/creamer
  • Juice glass.

Conclusion

In summary, the English breakfast is a popular classic that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and filling meal is a delicious combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, refried beans, roasted tomatoes, black pudding, mushrooms, toast and croutons, all coming together to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking to get the day off to a good start or just want to best service to a hotel guest, a full English breakfast is the perfect choice.

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So the next time you get the chance, sit down and enjoy this timeless meal with your friends and family, or if you’re looking to provide hotel service, this guide provides the perfect full English breakfast solution.

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