English, Scottish, Welsh And Irish Breakfast: What's The Difference?

Published . By Scarlett Welch.

This hearty morning meal is a staple across the UK and Ireland, but you might find some differences depending where you are in the country. Eggs, bacon, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms are all part of a classic fry-up, but what sets apart the countries' specialty dishes? We've done some digging to find out.

What’s The Difference Between English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish Breakfast?

What Is A Full English Breakfast? 

The origin of a full English breakfast was in the 13th century. The Full English was originally served by upper-class people when friends were visiting - but today it's enjoyed by everyone. You'll usually find black pudding as an ingredient in England, with hash browns often making an appearance too. Some people also include fried bread or bubble and squeak, and you may see some variation across regions - for example, a traditional Cornish breakfast also adds potato cakes.

Where to find a full English in London: Big Moe's, The Breakfast Club, Burr & Co

Manchester: 11 Central, Ezra & Gil, Doghouse

Brighton: Post House Cafe, Arcobaleno, No 32

Liverpool: Pins Social Club, BrewDog, The Brunch & Cocktail Club

Birmingham: Gas Street Social, Pitcher & Piano, Boston Tea Party

Full English breakfast with sausages, beans, tomatoes, bacon, eggs, mushrooms and toast.

If there's one thing that unites the nation, it's fried eats in the morning.

What Is A Full Scottish Breakfast?

Though many elements of a Scottish breakfast are similar to an English one, you'll notice some distinct differences North of the border. First up is the signature Lorne sausage, commonly known as a square sausage, alongside potato (or 'tattie') scones. Haggis is a common ingredient in Scotland too, and you'll often have oatcakes on your plate as well.

Best places for a full Scottish in Edinburgh: Luckenbooths, The Botanist, The Chanter

Glasgow: Stailinn Scottish Kitchen, Carlton George Hotel, The Brunch Club

Full Scottish breakfast with eggs, beans, square sausage, black pudding, bacon and toast.

Expect your sausages to be square in Scotland.

What Is A Full Welsh Breakfast?

There are two main ingredients that distinguish a Welsh breakfast from other variations: cockles and laverbread. The first of these is a type of mollusc found along the Welsh coastline, traditionally served to miners. The latter is a seaweed puree mixed with oatmeal, fried to create a cake-like delicacy, once again reflecting the coastal nature of this dish.

Top picks for a full Welsh in Cardiff: Brewhouse, The Philharmonic, Culley's Kitchen & Bar

Full Welsh breakfast featuring laverbread, cockles, bubble and squeak, eggs, bacon and sausages.

Welsh breakfasts put a coastal twist on the classic fry-up.

What Is A Full Irish Breakfast?

You'll usually receive either soda bread or potato bread on your plate in Ireland, instead of the classic British slice of toast. Irish breakfasts also commonly swap black pudding for white pudding, otherwise known as drisheen - this too is made with oats and suet, but minus the blood. Bubble and squeak is often added here too.

Where to go for a full Irish breakfast in Dublin: Shuffleboard Bar, The Ivy, Sophie's

Belfast: The Lamppost Cafe, Town Square, Margot

Full Irish breakfast with white pudding, black pudding eggs, beans, bacon, sausages and tomatoes.

Expect all the classics plus a signature white pudding in Ireland.

All this talk of fry-ups got you hungry? Then check out the very best breakfasts across the UK, and sign up to our newsletter for more.

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