Michelle En Route
  • Life in Abroad
  • Expat Guide
  • Destinations
    • All Europe North America South America
      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      Europe

      Taste of Prague Food Tour

      February 15, 2017

      Europe

      How to Enjoy Your First Opera

      January 26, 2017

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      North America

      Pittsburgh City Guide

      November 17, 2017

      North America

      10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do…

      October 10, 2017

      North America

      “Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park

      August 23, 2017

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

  • Travel Tips
  • About Me
Michelle En Route
  • Life in Abroad
  • Expat Guide
  • Destinations
    • All Europe North America South America
      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      Europe

      Taste of Prague Food Tour

      February 15, 2017

      Europe

      How to Enjoy Your First Opera

      January 26, 2017

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      North America

      Pittsburgh City Guide

      November 17, 2017

      North America

      10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do…

      October 10, 2017

      North America

      “Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park

      August 23, 2017

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

  • Travel Tips
  • About Me
Europe

My Quest for the Best Full English

by Michelle October 23, 2019
written by Michelle October 23, 2019

I love breakfast foods (but then again, who doesn’t?). Because I’ve spent several years in the south, I once frequented restaurant chains like Cracker Barrel, Shoneys, and Denny’s. The visits were often a post Sunday church ritual with the family. And I hate to admit it, actually I don’t, but I love Waffle House. My regular order was the All-Star Special: a waffle, two eggs scrambled with cheese, grits, toast, and sausage.

A full English or fry-up is like an all-inclusive party on your plate with vegetables, beans, meats, and carbs. If you’re not familiar with what it entails, Serious Eats has a detailed guide to a full English breakfast. It’s like the UK version of my All-Star Special. Mark and I have attempted to recreate a full English at home but during my trip to London, I wanted to have an authentic experience. 

Franco’s Take Away

My first stop was Franco’s Take Away, a greasy spoon, no frills diner in Hackney. The decor was minimal but there was a sign for Maya Velvet Pole Dancing (I have questions). I sat among the tables of solo diners that were engaged in their phones or the daily newspaper. I watched as the waitress buzzed by, though the restaurant didn’t seem that busy. There wasn’t a menu item that included all of the fixings, so I opted for the special.

I’d like to believe that it’s difficult to f’up breakfast but you can. And it’s by adding too much salt. Which is troubling for me to say because I love it. But the ham was too salty (imagine me saying “too” very dramatically). I tried pairing it with a forkful of beans but it was hard to mask the taste. Since they don’t have an entree with all of the essentials, I won’t go back.

The Barge House

Mark’s coworker recommended The Barge House for their take on the full English which is served in a hollowed out sourdough loaf. The restaurant is draped in string lights and an abundance of small plants. A playlist of soul funk classics played in the background. I gasped when I learned that they didn’t serve alcohol until 11AM. That is truly an attack against Saturdays, brunch, and humanity.

Breakfast in Bread is what carb dreams are made of. It was laborious to cut into but anything worth having is worth fighting for, right? I was worried that the cheese would dominate each bite but I could still taste the other ingredients. I’d go back for the original but the other versions looked just as delicious.

Gloria

We spent most of our time in Shoreditch and frequently walked by Gloria. There was always a wait; occasionally a velvet rope and bouncer. We decided to try our luck for a table during Sunday breakfast/brunch and it was surprisingly empty. The decor was chic and very vogue. 

Ok. I had every intention of ordering the full English for breakfast. But at an Italian restaurant, I couldn’t pass on the carbonara. And, IT WAS WORTH IT. The pasta was served table side in a cheese wheel. We finished our meal with a heaping serving of tiramisu. 

During my next trip I plan to try the full English at Dishoom in Shoreditch and Duck & Waffle.

Where’s your favorite full English? Share in the comments!

0 comment
1
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Michelle

previous post
A Postcard from Tallinn
next post
Can You Afford to Move Abroad?

You may also like

Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

November 27, 2019

Taste of Prague Food Tour

February 15, 2017

How to Enjoy Your First Opera

January 26, 2017

Day 2: Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

June 9, 2015

Day 1: Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

June 3, 2015

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

Categories

  • Europe
  • Expat Guide
  • Life in Estonia
  • North America
  • South America
  • Travel Tips

@2018 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top

Read alsox

Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

November 27, 2019

How to Enjoy Your First Opera

January 26, 2017

Day 2: Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

June 9, 2015