The Evolution Of The Great British Breakfast

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There are few meals as iconic as the British breakfast. For generations, it has been a symbol of comfort, tradition, and indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a hearty start to the day or a weekend treat, the full English breakfast holds a special place in British culinary culture. But how has it evolved over the years?

The origins of the British breakfast can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when large morning meals were a necessity for labourers preparing for a long day of work. By the 19th century, the meal had become an institution, particularly among the wealthy Victorian gentry, who saw breakfast as an opportunity to display their status through an elaborate spread of meats, eggs, fish, bread, and tea. This tradition trickled down to the working classes, albeit in a more simplified form, with fried bacon, eggs, sausages, and bread becoming staples.

The early 20th century saw the rise of the full English breakfast as we know it today. With the Industrial Revolution and the growth of urban working life, breakfast needed to be filling and practical. The combination of bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and fried bread became the standard, offering a high-energy meal to sustain workers through long shifts. It was during this period that the meal became widely associated with British identity, appearing in cafés, hotels, and homes across the country.

After the Second World War, rationing made such lavish breakfasts a rarity, with ingredients like meat and eggs in short supply. Instead, simpler alternatives such as porridge or toast became more common. However, by the 1950s and 60s, as the economy recovered, the traditional fry-up returned to prominence. The post-war years also saw the rise of the 'greasy spoon' café, where workers could grab a quick and affordable full English before starting their day.

By the late 20th century, breakfast habits had begun to change. The convenience of cereals, toast, and quick-fix options appealed to busy families, and the full English became more of a weekend indulgence rather than an everyday meal. Health concerns also played a role, with many people opting for lighter breakfasts instead of fried foods. Despite this shift, the traditional British breakfast remained a beloved part of the national culture, with variations appearing across the UK. The Scots added tattie scones and haggis, while the Welsh favoured laverbread and cockles. In Northern Ireland, the Ulster Fry, featuring soda bread and potato farls, became a staple.

Today, the British breakfast continues to evolve. While the classic fry-up remains a favourite in cafés and hotels, modern trends have influenced how it is enjoyed. Health-conscious versions featuring grilled ingredients, avocado, and even plant-based sausages cater to changing tastes. Vegetarian and vegan full English breakfasts are now widely available, reflecting the shift towards more sustainable and ethical eating habits. At the same time, nostalgia for traditional food has kept the classic version alive, with artisanal ingredients and locally sourced produce adding a gourmet touch.

Despite these changes, the essence of the British breakfast endures. Whether served on a fine china plate in a country house hotel, dished up in a no-frills café, or recreated at home on a lazy Sunday morning, the full English remains a cherished part of Britain’s food heritage. It is more than just a meal—it is a tradition, a ritual, and a comforting reminder of the past, continually adapting to the present while staying true to its roots.

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lindaandrews071
Feb 13
2 min read

Updated: Feb 14

According to a new report, UK businesses encountered more than 753,341 malicious attempts each to breach their online and IT systems in 2024. This was four percent higher than in 2023 (720,252 attacks), with businesses encountering an online threat every 42 seconds. This makes 2024 the worst year for attempted cyberattacks.

The attack rate did decline in the final quarter of 2024- this is the first time since 2021 that Q4 was not the most prolific time of year for cyberattacks. Despite the reduction this is only the third quarter on record that cyberattacks experienced by businesses exceeded 2,000 per day.

Cybercriminals Targeting Remote IoT Devices

In 2024, devices connected to the Internet of Things (loT) were the most frequently attacked by cybercriminals. Business firewalls also received more than 161 daily attacks targeting building control systems, security cameras, networked printers, remote monitoring, and industrial automation systems.

Cybercriminals also frequently targeted web applications, remote desktop software, and company databases. Typically, businesses attracted more than 20 individual attacks daily for each of these systems in 2024.

China Identified As A Hacker Hotspot

The report also found that cybercriminals are using more than a million IP addresses to launch attacks on businesses in the UK in 2024, with almost a quarter (241,019) of these being traced to areas in China.

India has also been identified as an area where a significant and increasing volume of cyberattacks have appeared, with 87,144 attacking IP addresses. This is in comparison to 81,112 attacking IP addresses in the USA in 2024.

AJ Thompson, CCO at Northdoor plc, explains:

“loT devices can be compromised by cybercriminals in several different ways and quite often this is done remotely. In many cases there is a lack of sufficient protection even though you would expect that loT, as a modern technology, would have adequate in-built protection."

“Often there is a lack of user awareness around the technology, with easily guessed passwords that are almost never changed. Many also fail to implement updates with unpatched vulnerabilities leaving devices open to cyber threats. Late updates also pose a significant threat. Seen as an inconvenience, they are almost always put off until a cybersecurity issue occurs."

“IoT connected devices need to be configured securely, which can be a daunting task for many. This lengthy process has multiple considerations, which can be onerous and time-consuming for in-house IT teams. With budgets being cut and manpower stretched, understanding which IoT devices exist, what they do, how they are configured and most importantly how they should be protected, can seem like an impossible task.

“Turning to experienced third-party IT consultancies to help relieve the pressure will be crucial in 2025 and beyond. These consultancies can provide IoT and cybersecurity expertise that in-house teams struggle with. By monitoring systems as well as educating teams about the latest threats, consultancies are in a better position to keep cybercriminals out,” concluded Thompson.