Attract pub tourist trade with a full English

If licensees want to attract overseas tourist trade they should offer a full English breakfast.

A full English breakfast is the most popular way to start the morning, according to a new survey by VisitBritain.

A poll of 26,000 travellers from a range of countries found that visitors from Russia, Brazil and India are most keen to sample a full English.

Only the Irish and German travellers polled were disinterested in Britain's famous fry up.

Foreign tourists were also interested in sampling Britain's range of regional foods, such as Lancashire hot pot, haggis, pasties, Bakewell tart, sticky toffee pudding and Stilton cheese. South Africans, New Zealanders and Canadians were found to be the most enthusiatic about trying new foods.

The poll also found that 27 out of 36 nations disagreed with the comment "British food is very bad", although nine nations did agree.

However, just 7% of respondents cited food and restaurants as a main reason not to visit Britain, although 24% said it was a secondary reason.

"Trying local food is a great way for visitors to experience British culture," said VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe. "Our research shows that, whether it's haggis, pasty, Bakewell tart, sticky toffee pudding, Lancashire hot pot or bara brith, sampling our goodies is an essential — and enjoyable — part of a visit to Britain.

"Britain now has some of the world's most celebrated restaurants and our pubs and cafes now offer some of the best regional specialities and locally-sourced grub across the whole of the country.

"Pubs can be a really welcoming leveler because they give tourists a chance to feel a part of authentic British life and to join in."