1) Carluccio's, branches
Carluccio's may now be a chain of 25 cafés and delis, but, unusually, that seems to have had no impact on the quality of its food or the chicness of its clientele. For breakfast, order a fabulous bicerin (a traditional drink featuring espresso, chocolate and cream) and an almond croissant before browsing through Carluccio's range of top-quality Italian treats.
· Carluccios, nationwide, www.carluccios.com
2) Canteen, London
Despite opening only in October 2005, this relative newcomer has racked up serious recognition. While Jay Rayner in particular is raving about its pork belly, Canteen's all-day breakfast menu is also gaining serious props. Demand for its increasingly famous eggs Benedict is such that from this summer, it will open at 9am.
· Canteen, Crispin Place, London E1 (0845 688 1122)
3) The Wolseley, London
The Wolseley gets far too many media mentions, it's true, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it. A brilliantly conceived space that is currently the very last word in power-breakfast destinations. But it's the celeb spotting that makes the Wolseley really exciting.
· The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1 (020 7499 6996)
Best of the rest
SCOTLAND
Urban Angel
121 Hanover St, Edinburgh (0131 225 6215)
Prides itself on Fairtrade, organic and locally sourced food for its slap-up breakfasts.
Clive Ramsay
8 Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan, Stirling (01786 833903)
Porridge and pancakes come recommended. After breakfast, check out the deli.
WALES
Upper Limits Café
27 North Parade, Aberystwyth (0781 478 6863)
Full English breakfasts served all day for just £4.
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Culloden Estate & Spa
Bangor Road, Belfast (02890 421066)
Enjoyably grand Belfast hotel with huge breakfast menu including Manx kippers and potato bread.
YORKS & HUMBERSIDE
LS6 Clock Café
16a Headingley Lane, Headingley (0113 294 5464)
All-day breakfasts for under £4. 1960s interior and retro artwork make it a stalwart of the Leeds arts scene. Try the 'Royal' (salmon and eggs) for something different.
NORTH WEST
The Lead Station
99 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester (0161 881 5559)
Attracts the studenty crowd from Manchester's university circuit, mainly because everything on the menu is under £10.
Jam Street Café
209 Upper Chorlton Street, Whalley Range, Manchester (0161 881 9944)
Café, snack bar and tea room serving local, organic, fair trade and GM-free breakfasts.
NORTH EAST
Malmaison
The Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne (0191 245 5000)
Award-winning hotel on the river front is also open for breakfast. Posh foodie treats include truffled scrambled eggs.
MIDLANDS
Warsaw Diner
93-95 Derby Road, Nottingham (0115 950 8500)
Americano-Polish diner. Try the golabki (mince and rice in cabbage).
SOUTH EAST
Bill's Produce Store
at 56-57 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex (01273 476918) and the Depot, North Road, Brighton (01273 692894)
Serves classics like boiled eggs with soldiers.
Real Eating Company
Western Road, Hove, East Sussex (01273 221444)
Open Wednesday to Saturday for baked-almond croissants and French toast.
SOUTH WEST
Rocotillos
Queens Row, Clifton, Bristol (0117 929 7207)
Tex-Mex food served up in 1950s diner style.
Percy's Country House Hotel
Coombeshead Estate, Virginstow, Devon (01409 211236)
True old-fashioned English breakfast, using the estate's own produce including goose and duck eggs.
EAST ANGLIA
Munchies
163 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk (01728 454566)
Excellent-value fry-up.
LONDON
The Blue Legume
101 Stoke Newington, Church Street, N16 (020 7923 1303)
A great place to take the kids.
The Hope and Sir Loin
94 Cowcross Street, EC1 (020 7253 8525)
Try the Full English with a pint of Guinness.
Leon
35-36 Great Marlborough Street, W1 (020 7437 5280)
Greener-than-thou café, serves scrummy porridge.
