๐ณ Full English Guide โ Reading, England
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Full English in Reading! Britain's most iconic meal โ eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes โ is taken seriously here. Whether you want a classic greasy spoon fry-up or a quality restaurant breakfast, this guide covers the best Reading has to offer.
Best Spot
The Gorge Cafe
Best Area
Caversham Road
Price Range
ยฃ6โ13
Must Try
The Gorge Cafe's All Day English Breakfast
๐ณ What Goes on a Full English?
A proper Full English consists of the following essential components โ all served hot on a warm plate with a mug of builders tea:
๐ณ Must-Try in Reading: The Gorge Cafe's All Day English Breakfast
This is Reading's signature full english experience โ the dish that defines what a great fry-up means in this city. Every visitor should try this before leaving Reading.
๐ Best Full English Restaurants in Reading
These are Reading's top spots for a full breakfast โ from traditional greasy spoons to quality restaurant fry-ups:
- ๐ณ The Gorge Cafe
- ๐ณ Munchees Cafe
- ๐ณ Cafรฉ YOLK
- ๐ณ Caversham Road's caffs
- ๐ณ Reading town centre's independent cafรฉs
๐ณ Greasy Spoon vs Quality Cafรฉ vs Restaurant Breakfast
| Type | What to Expect | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ณ Greasy Spoon Caff | Classic no-frills fry-up, formica tables, strong tea, massive portions | ยฃ6 |
| โ Independent Cafรฉ | Quality ingredients, better coffee, some sourcing transparency | ยฃ6โ13 |
| ๐บ Pub Breakfast | Full English in a pub setting, often weekend-only, relaxed atmosphere | ยฃ6โ13 |
| ๐จ Hotel Breakfast | Buffet or ร la carte, consistent quality, included with room sometimes | 13+ |
๐ก Fry-Up Tips for Reading
- ๐ Best time: 7:30โ10:00am for the freshest ingredients and shortest queues at popular spots
- ๐ Best area: Head to Caversham Road for the highest concentration of quality breakfast spots
- โ Tea order: Builder's tea โ strong, with milk โ is the authentic accompaniment. Never ask for herbal tea at a greasy spoon
- ๐ Bread: White toast with butter is classic. Brown toast is acceptable. Sourdough at quality cafรฉs signals a more artisan operation
- ๐ฅซ Beans: Heinz baked beans are the only acceptable beans. This is a hill many British people will die on
- ๐ด Sauce: Red sauce (Heinz ketchup) or brown sauce (HP Sauce) โ this is a personal and sometimes controversial choice