Food and drink - Breakfast and brunch

England still has a great tradition for breakfast – offering distinct bacon, Lincolnshire sausages, Cumberland ham, Herefordshire apple juice, eggs, kippers, kidneys, kedgeree, black pudding, oatcakes from Staffordshire, piping hot buttered toast, Tiptree marmalade and local jams  and jellies bought at a farmers’ market to adorn the breakfast table.

You know you’re in England when you tuck into one of these spectacular meals. It might be a meal that you enjoy at the weekends or during a holiday stay at a picturesque bed and breakfast establishment or a farmhouse in the heart of Devon, but wherever it may be a good English breakfast will set you up for the day!

Brunch in Bristol

With so much going on in Bristol, take some time to relax and enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. There are some great cafes and restaurants to see and be seen in! Mud Dock Cycleworks and Cafe is not only one of the best places to enjoy brunch, but also a great spot for people-watching around the harbour. The Boston Tea Party on Park Street serves some of the best coffee in the world and the favoured breakfast of free range scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Go to VisitBristol's website to find out more about these and other delicious places to eat in Bristol.

Jamie Oliver's 'Fifteen' restaurants

Head South West for a new and delicious way to begin the day at Fifteen Cornwall (www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/). Try the big Fifteen fry up, the super-fresh smoothies and the great teas and coffees. Or you might prefer homemade pancakes drenched in a seasonal fruit coulis? The ever popular Tregida smoked salmon is now served with Fifteen's own home baked, oven bottom muffins with a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. Delicious!

If you're closer to London then you can check out Fifteen there too. Visit the Fifteen website (www.toptable.co.uk/details.cfm/qs/rid|1701/refid|visit/) for more information.

All aboard!

Step back in time and discover an intriguing murder mystery that takes you to the splendours of Brighton's Royal Pavilion in the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman. Stewards in immaculate uniforms welcome you on board the train and brunch is served with Bucks Fizz on your outward journey. For more information visit buyagift.co.uk

Hauled by a majestic 1940's steam locomotive, sit back and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of yesteryear on the Cathedrals Express. As you meander through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery you’ll be served a delightful brunch before you arrive at one of England's cathedral cities or another destination of interest. For more information visit buyagift.co.uk  

Best brunch in London

Toptable.co.uk (www.toptable.co.uk/index.cfm?refid=enjoy) has pulled together a list of the best places for brunch in London. These include La Brasserie in South Kensington; within distance of Harrods and the Michelin Building, The Conservatory @ The Lanesborough at Hyde Park Corner; a stunning restaurant styled on the whimsical theme of Brighton Pavilion, Indigo at the contemporary One Aldwych Hotel and Aquasia in the Conrad Hotel, Chelsea Harbour, where you can enjoy a delightful harbour view.

Visit Toptable's website for more information on these and other great places to enjoy a delicious brunch in London.