A Staffordshire resident recently shared his dissatisfaction after ordering a full English breakfast at BRUNCH, a well-regarded café in Cheslyn Hay, Walsall, known for its premium brunch options and excellent customer reviews.
The traditional full English breakfast typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached), hash browns, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding, and toast. However, the meal he received consisted of only one slice each of sourdough bread (served dry, without butter unless requested), one hash brown, one large grilled tomato, one fried egg, a serving of mushrooms, a small pot of baked beans, one bacon rasher, and one slice of black pudding.
Costing £12.50, he took to Reddit to highlight his concerns about the size and value, stating that despite the long wait, the portion didn’t feel worth the price. His post sparked a lively discussion; many commenters pointed out that a full English usually includes double portions—like two eggs, two sausages, and two slices of toast—to justify such a price. Others joked about the trend of adding a small salad leaf to meals while hiking prices.
Some defended BRUNCH, suggesting that high-quality ingredients and a pleasant dining environment might justify the cost, while others found the price steep compared to the quantity received.
Despite this critique, BRUNCH maintains an abundance of five-star reviews praising its atmosphere, food quality, and friendly service. Visitors have lauded the café as a charming community spot, ideal for celebrations like baby showers, complimenting the attentive staff and welcoming vibe.
A BRUNCH spokesperson responded to the criticism by emphasizing the challenges faced by independent eateries dealing with rising costs for food, bills, VAT, and wages. They highlighted their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients—such as high-quality meats from a local butcher—and explained that meals are cooked fresh to order, often leading to waits of 20-30 minutes on busy days. The spokesperson also wished customers would communicate directly if any aspect of their meal is unsatisfactory, such as the dryness of bread, which they are happy to remedy.
They concluded by stating that BRUNCH aims to be more than just a food venue, fostering a community space where customers feel valued and at home, proud of the balance they strike between quality and quantity.