At one time the quintessential breakfast of the Victorians and Edwardians, kippers were also enjoyed at high tea and supper time. The smoked fish were popular right up until the 1970s and the rise of fast food, when the pungent smell of smoked fish fell out of favour.

Do the British eat kippers for breakfast?

Kippers were the quintessential British breakfast food — also enjoyed for high tea and supper — of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They sold well until the 1970s when they fell out of favour with the advent of fast food which had greater appeal for younger diners.

Is there a season for kippers?

Availability of kippers

British kippers are best from May to September. Kippers available at other times of year will have been frozen or vacuum-packed in season, or made from herrings from other seas.