Want To Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Guests?

Discover a simple, yet effective breakfast experience that will keep them coming back. 

Running a bed and breakfast demands careful planning, honed skills, and unwavering dedication. While enticing guests to book often hinges on location and website imagery, a memorable breakfast can be the key to their return. Here, we explore top bed and breakfast breakfast ideas to make your property truly shine.

Crafting The Perfect Menu

The menu at a bed and breakfast varies based on several factors: location, ingredient availability, target market, and your own preferences. Traditionally, B&Bs might offer a sit-down meal with a variety of choices or a buffet-style setup, where guests could dine in a common area or take their meal to their room. However, in today’s climate, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these practices require more careful consideration.

.

.

Making Breakfast an Attraction

Yes, safety is paramount, but it shouldn’t be your sole focus. Breakfast is in the name, so make it count.

.

.

Serving Breakfast Safely

Maintaining safe food handling practices has always been crucial, but it’s even more vital now. Refer to your local food handling guidelines and regulations for comprehensive information.

.

.

Safe Breakfast Serving Ideas

Staggered Breakfast Times:

Offer breakfast in shifts to reduce crowding, using outdoor seating when possible.

.

Room Service:

Allow guests to choose their breakfast options the night before and deliver it to their rooms in the morning.

.

Individual Servings:

Switch to individual portions if you usually serve family-style.

.

Local Baked Goods:

Provide individual pastries baked in-house or sourced from a local bakery.

.

In-Room Coffee Machines:

Reduce exposure at the coffee machine by placing single-serve coffee makers in each room, and use single-use sugar packets and creamers.

.

.

Creating A Signature Dish

A standout signature dish can leave a lasting impression. Utilize old family recipes, local specialties, or fresh ingredients from your garden. A memorable breakfast will have guests eager to return for more. Perhaps your grandmother’s apple pie pancakes or a locally inspired seafood omelette can become the talk of the town.

.

.

Partnering With Local Businesses

You don’t have to do everything alone. Collaborate with local bakeries for fresh breads and pastries, or local coffee roasters and tea specialists for unique beverages. Such partnerships not only save time but also promote regional flavours, enhancing your guests’ experience. 

Complying With Health Regulations

Even if you don’t offer evening meals, you must adhere to health regulations. Register with regional authorities before opening, and make sure your property is inspected and compliant with hygiene rules.

Proper Food Storage

Raw Meat:

Store at the bottom of the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.

.

Open Tins:

Transfer contents to lidded containers.

.

High-Risk Foods:

Keep cooked meats and ready-to-eat foods at or below 8ºC or 45 ºF.

.

Thorough Cooking:

Ensure all foods are cooked thoroughly before serving.

.

.

General Food Safety Guidelines

• No Pets in the Kitchen
• If your washing machine is in the kitchen, do laundry at different times than food preparation.
• Do not cook for guests if you are ill.
• Defrost foods in the fridge, not on the work surface.
• Defrost your freezer regularly.
• Store eggs in the fridge.
• Ensure your kitchen prevents pest access and react immediately to any signs of pests.

.

.

Continuous Improvement & Certification

Research and enrol in food hygiene courses to stay up-to-date with regulations. Displaying a certificate of compliance can reassure guests of your commitment to their safety. The more informed you are, the safer and more appealing your establishment will be.

If all this number-crunching and strategy talk makes your head spin, we’ve got just the thing for you. Grab our free ‘Crafting the Perfect Stay – 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners’ PDF. It’s hotter than your morning tea and packed with insights. Get it now and let’s make that B&B not just a stay, but an experience!

Do you have a favourite breakfast recipe that has become a hit with your guests?

Share it in the comments below!

In Conclusion

Choosing the best breakfast ideas for your bed and breakfast involves considering your location, ingredient availability, target market, and personal preferences. Develop a signature dish and incorporate it into your marketing strategy to attract and retain guests. With careful planning and dedication, your breakfast can become a highlight of your guests’ stay, encouraging them to return time and again.

In the next episode, I’ll talk about Running Your B&B All Year Round.