My son had our Saturday morning all planned out. We would go to Big Ben Pub in Charlotte’s South End, order the ‘Hearty Full English Breakfast,’ and watch Premier League soccer. What I didn’t know is that it’s all we would do that day.
The traditional English breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day. It can be the only meal of the day. According to Historic UK, the full English breakfast includes “fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and often a slice of white or black pudding (similar to bloodwurst). These days, breakfast may also include other items such as baked beans and hash browns.”
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Big Ben Pub’s version consists of two eggs (any style), an English banger (sausage), real English bacon (sort of ham-like), baked beans, Ben’s spuds (fried potatoes), grilled tomato, grilled mushrooms, and toast. It’s a delicious but heavy meal.
Upon finishing our full English breakfasts, my son and I just sat and watched the televised soccer in silence. That’s about all one can expect to do after eating that much food. After the match had concluded and we had paid our bill, we waddled back to the car and drove home. There, we sat some more while digesting the pride of the British Isles.
Eating a full English breakfast may not lead to the most productive of days, but it will make your mouth happy. If you plan on doing any non-sedentary activities afterward, or you’re expected to eat again in the evening due to a dinner invitation, you might want to split one with a friend.
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