Whether you’re after a leisurely affair with the Sunday supplements, a coffee and a croissant on the go or something hearty after a night on the tiles, breakfast remains the best way to kick-start your day. Below we pick our favourite places in the UK to do this – call us to reserve a table.
Porthmeor Beach Café Bar
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1JZ
Encased in glass with a lime green interior and overlooking the sand and surf, this beachside venue features two outside terraces, with blankets provided on breezy days. Australian chefs Cameron Jennings and Angela Baxter have created a standout breakfast menu. Highlights include traditional Cornish saffron bread toasted with butter and scrambled eggs with crab, crème fraiche and lemon. The café also serves buttermilk pancakes topped with poached nectarine, raspberries and maple syrup. Head back at sunset for cocktails and tapas. Open 31 March to 30 October.
Hipping Hall
Cowan Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2JJ
This Cumbrian manor house hotel soared in popularity after it featured in Steve Coogan’s BBC2 programme The Trip. While the evening menu is certainly pulling in the crowds, the breakfast also stands out and we are pleased that it has recently become available to non-guests. Served at tables placed around the vast fireplace in the 15th-century hall, the full English is as grand as the setting. When the weather allows, choose a table on the immaculate south-facing lawn for some early morning sunshine.
Jesmond Dene House Hotel
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
Located 1.5 miles north of the city centre in a leafy suburb, this Gothic-style hotel is a blend of the old and the modern. The best place to eat is in the light Garden Room, overlooking the gardens, or sit on the terrace if it’s warm. We recommend the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and toasted brioche or, if it’s cold, the organic porridge with stewed fruits and a hint of single malt whisky. There is also a cold buffet and champagne and newspapers are available.
Mountain Café
111 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH
If you’re in the area, the chances are that you’re about to go head-to-head with the great outdoors, so there’s no better excuse for having a hearty breakfast. Priding itself on its low carbon footprint, the café can trace each ingredient to an allotment, field or river within 50 miles and the smoked salmon is plucked from the River Spey just 100 metres away. Don’t leave without ordering a boozy whisky cake to take into the hills.
Café Conor
11a Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AF
Originally the studio of local artist William Conor, nowadays this high-ceilinged restaurant is reputed to be home to Belfast’s best Ulster Fry. For those unfamiliar with this Northern Irish dish, additional items – on top of the classic English combination – include black pudding, white pudding, potato bread and soda farl. For his 12-piece feast, chef Craig Reid works closely with regional suppliers to ensure a fresh – if not slightly greasy – start to the day. Fragrantly spiced Clonakilty black pudding and lightly seasoned chipolatas come from esteemed Lisburn Road butcher, Abbott’s.
Harbourmaster
Pen Cei, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA46 0BT
Located in the West Walian fishing village of Aberaeron, this Grade II-listed Georgian property – the original harbour master’s house – has been completely revitalised by owners Glyn and Menna Heulyn. The nautically themed quayside property now features seven sea view rooms and an acclaimed restaurant and bar, with a modern menu that seeks to showcase local produce. Healthy breakfast options include porridge with Cellan honey and scrambled eggs with Rhydlewis smoked salmon. Alternatively, go all out and order the Welsh Breakfast (pictured above) – complete with Talsarn bacon, laverbread and cockles.
