In London, 4 and 5-star hotels sell their breakfast surplus through the app Too Good To Go: goodbye food waste, hello good deals. You reserve your surprise bag, pick it up at the end of service (usually between 10 am and 11:30 am), and enjoy it for a small price: 3.9 pounds (4.5 euros) for a Baked Goods Bag, around 5 pounds for a breakfast bag, or even a Mixed Magic Breakfast Bag for the curious. A fun, economical, and delicious concept, ideal for savvy travelers.
In London, hotels offer the sale of breakfast surplus to avoid waste
London has found the most delicious anti-waste recipe of the moment: 4 and 5-star hotels resell breakfast surpluses via the app Too Good To Go at very low prices. The result: less food waste, more good deals for travelers, and boxes so generous that they satisfy two to three appetites. Expect to pay about 3.9 £ for a bag of pastries and 5 £ for a Full English breakfast to go. The only requirement: show up at the end of service, often between 10 am and 11:30 am. We explain how to take advantage of it, what to expect in the bag, the pitfalls to avoid… and the addresses that are worth a visit.
On September 17, 2025, at 07:00
The principle, in two clicks and a smile
On Too Good To Go, select a participating hotel based on your geolocation, price, and reviews. Reserve for the next day or the same day, pay, and then head to collect your haul during the scheduled time, usually between 10 am and 11:30 am (with sometimes an extension until noon). On site, the restaurant team hands you a takeaway bag already prepared. Guaranteed suspense: the contents depend on the surplus of the day.
How much does it cost, and what do we really eat?
On the budget side, we’re talking mini-prices for maxi-pleasure: around 3.9 £ (≈ 4.5 €) for a “Baked Goods Bag” packed with pastries; approximately 5 £ (just under 6 €) for a “Breakfast Bag” Full English style; and a “Mixed Magic Breakfast Bag” for 3.9 £ that sometimes mixes savory and sweet. In the breakfast box: cozy scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, triangles of hash browns, bacon, and sausages. Sometimes, fruits and packaged pastries are added. It’s almost opulent… for the price of a latte.
In London, hotels offer the sale of breakfast surplus to avoid waste
The best part? These baskets are often generous enough to feed two people (or even three). Savvy travelers thus turn a lay-in into a royal brunch for a few coins.
The user guide for a hassle-free haul
Arrive right in the time slot, show your reservation, and let yourself be guided. The teams are usually warm and let you wait in the restaurant while the packaging is done (often already prepared). Note, however, that on-site consumption is not allowed: you will have to enjoy your feast in a park or on a city bench. A logistical little hiccup: few hotels provide disposable utensils.
We love
The anti-waste chic and smart aspect: saving plates destined for the trash and treating yourself to a hotel breakfast at a ridiculous price. The generous portions, perfect for sharing. The pleasure of a proper Full English, without breaking the bank. And the perfect excuse to settle down in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral or near Tower Bridge for a very British morning picnic.
What we like (a little) less
The hours are more typical of a brunch than a breakfast: you have to wait until the end of service. The famous box can be a bit mixed (the charm of the DIY buffet!). No utensils provided most of the time, making it complicated if you intended to enjoy your eggs on the go. And if it rains, welcome to London: find a porch or a tolerant café to complete the experience.
Our tips for a feast without a hitch
Remember to slip into your bag: disposable utensils, some napkins, and an extra bag to prevent any juice leaks. Bonus: a small thermos of coffee and a picnic blanket, and you’re off for a royal wake-up in a square.
Top addresses that hit the spot
Among the hotels that play the game generously: Radisson Blu Leicester Square (ideal for the West End), Dixon Tower Bridge (just steps from the iconic bridge) and Lost Property Hotel St Paul’s Curio (opposite St. Paul’s). These establishments focus on well-filled boxes and a pick-up point in the heart of tourist areas: convenient for moving directly on to the sightseeing.
Who buys these bags? And how many are there?
According to feedback from participating hotels, the regular clientele includes students, office workers, locals… and passing curious. Many establishments prepare between 2 and 4 bags per day, 7 days a week. Suffice it to say that you sometimes have to book quickly, especially on weekends.
Tasty variations and other good plans
The app Too Good To Go is not limited to hotels: it features bakeries (including the renowned Gail’s chain), pizzerias and even cafés like Starbucks. Ideal for complementing your breakfast with a top-notch pain au chocolat, or for finding a last-minute dinner at a sweet price.
Eco-happiness: low price, big impact
This system ticks all the boxes: reducing food waste, making your wallet happy, and supporting a local circular economy. A simple way to fit your city trip into a responsible approach, without sacrificing on deliciousness.
Preparing your trip and going further
Before you take off, a useful reminder: check what the air travel regulations say about liquids in the cabin, including… toothpaste. A clear guide can be found here: rules for transporting toothpaste on a plane.
If this eco-responsible approach resonates with you, you’ll also like these ideas for sustainable escapes: head to eco-friendly winter getaways in Colorado, or this feature on the future of French ski resorts.
Tech team on the go? Check out these tech tips for a trip to Asia that also translate well to a London city break. And if your plans soon lead you to the sun, here’s what to avoid bringing to the beach in Hawaii to stay zen and respectful of the coastline.
