Nothing beats a real breakfast

Forget wheatgrass, spirulina and goji berries, a good old-fashioned fry-up is still the best way to see off a hangover and fortify you for the day ahead. On a cold, dark morning, holier-than-thou fruit and yoghurt just doesn't hit the spot. And when you consider that a muffin can have 600 calories and a cappuccino more than 150 calories, while two rashers of streaky bacon, one fried egg, one fried tomato and a slice of buttered toast gives you 370 calories and 23g of fat, as well as providing you with loads of musclebuilding protein, it's easy to justify the full English option.

For those times when a latte and a croissant isn't enough of a kick-start, London Lite presents the top 10 places in the capital to enjoy a proper breakfast - the kind to put a smile on your face and a warm glow in your belly.

BEST EARLY-MORNING TAKEAWAY BREAKFAST

Brick Lane Beigel Bakery

Quick, great value and seriously tasty, a visit to this open-all-hours institution will obliterate your hunger for around the same price as a single journey on the Tube. Go for a salt beef or smoked salmon and cream-cheese bagel, then try to resist the urge to buy another one. Or two.
Prices: £3 should be enough to fill up most people. Smoked salmon and cream-cheese bagel £1.40; salt beef bagel £2.30. 159 Brick Lane, E1 (0871 332 8040) Open: 24 hours a day

BEST EARLY-MORNING EAT-IN BREAKFAST

Vingt Quatre

Whether it's a civilised, slowpaced, morning-after breakfast you need, or a stop for fuel last thing at night before bed, you're guaranteed quality food (fry-ups, burgers, corn-fed chicken) in a slick environment. There's usually an abundance of pretty girls too - Kylie Minogue was a regular when she lived in the area.
Prices: You'll spend at least £10. Eggs Benedict £8.75; full English £10.25 325 Fulham Road, SW10 (0871 332 8535) Opens: 24 hours a day (if you hadn't already guessed that from the name...)

BEST FOR STARSPOTTING

M Cafe

Catering to the breakfast needs of Kate Moss, Madonna, Damon Albarn, Tom Jones, Bono and Paul Weller to name but a few, this is a great value Notting Hill café serving all the traditional greasy-spoon fare but with a touch of class. And if you feel up to something a little offpiste, regulars say the spaghetti bolognese is a great way to start the day.
Prices: under £10. Full breakfast £5.30; spaghetti bolognese £5.70. 12 Blenheim Crescent, W11 (020 7229 3757) Opens: 7.30am

BEST ATMOSPHERE

The New Piccadilly

An absolute gem in the heart of Soho, The New Piccadilly dates back to a time before massproduced chain franchises. Authentic 1950s décor, classical music in the background and owner Lorenzo himself in attendance every day make this a unique establishment. We guarantee you'll be captivated, not least by the world-class bacon sandwiches.

Prices: expect change from a tenner. Bacon sandwich £3; fry-up £4.50 8 Denman Street, W1 (0871 075 4882) Opens: whenever Lorenzo decides to

BEST POSH BREAKFAST

The Wolseley

For a breakfast to remember - and to impress - try the Wolseley for a luxury dining experience. The full English is excellent: they haven't tried to over-complicate things, and get all the basics right (eggs, baked beans, bacon etc) before adding some best-quality sausage and black pudding. If you can't get a booking (and it can be notoriously difficult), try calling late afternoon to take advantage of the following morning's cancellations.
Prices: you'll spend at least £20 with coffee, juice and extras. Full English £12.75, large eggs Benedict £11.50. 160 Piccadilly, W1 (0871 223 8087) Opens: 8am

BEST GREASY SPOON

Alpino

With a cheery welcoming cry of "Right, who's hungry?" from the staff, you know you're going to be well provided for - and at cheap prices, too. There are cosy booths where you can hide away with your hangover and the food comes on king-size plates. It's a special place where all customers are treated like regulars and fed like family.
Prices: around £6. Full English £5; poached eggs on brown toast £2.20. 97 Chapel Market, N1 (020 783 78330) Opens: 7am

BEST NON-TRADITIONAL

Cafè Críperie

A crêpe here can be a light bite or something more substantial - whichever you require. Load up on ham and cheese, or if you fancy something sweeter go for chocolate spread - both are excellent.
Prices: expect to spend about £7. Ham and cheese, £5.90; Belgian chocolate £4.50. 2 Exhibition Road, SW7 (020 7589
8947) Opens: 10am (9am at weekends)