Old Pocklingtonian Brian Madderson (53-63) has been appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the English Breakfast Society (EBS), recognising his dedication to reviewing and promoting one of Britain's best-loved culinary traditions.

The honour follows years of food, hotel and travel reporting, with Brian having published more than 1,100 reviews on TripAdvisor. His passion for the Full English Breakfast has seen him travel extensively across the UK in search of memorable morning meals, including a series of breakfast-sampling trips around West Kent with his 85-year-old brother.

Based in Hertford, the Society champions traditional breakfast standards with a focus on British-sourced ingredients and clear provenance. News of Brian's appointment gained wider attention when EBS Chairman Guise Bule mentioned it during an interview with him on BBC Radio Kent. During the conversation, Brian spoke about his long-standing passion for the English breakfast and reflected on how the tradition has evolved over the last 70 years.

The fellowship has already led to some memorable experiences. After sampling the "Ten Deadly Sins" breakfast at the newly restored Simpsons-in-the-Strand in London, Brian wrote to renowned restaurateur Jeremy King with a number of constructive suggestions. Impressed by the feedback, King invited him to meet Head Chef David Stevens over breakfast.

Brian said: “It was great fun meeting David. We reviewed the provenance of each breakfast item, but he’d forgotten the black pudding. I indicated that I thought it was made by the local Scottish butcher, Macleod & Macleod at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. This proved to be correct, so my credibility soared!”

Brian’s growing reputation has since led to another opportunity. A London-based filmmaker and social media producer has invited Brian to take part in an interview about the English Breakfast Society and Britain's enduring love of the Full English. The interview is due to take place at the famous Langan's Brasserie in London.

Reflecting on his appointment, Brian said: "This demonstrates that life begins at 80. I only hope my former English teachers, Messrs Stevenson and Rogers, would be proud that all those years of writing have finally led to recognition from the English Breakfast Society."

The achievement has also prompted fond memories of Brian's own school days. As a boarder and later Head of House at Wilberforce Lodge, he remembers cooked breakfasts as one of the highlights of life at Pocklington School.

Away from his breakfast adventures, Brian remains professionally active in his 82nd year. He currently holds two London-based Chair positions: Chair of the Car Wash Association, part of the not-for-profit Retail Motor Industry Federation, and Chair of Forecourt Eye, a fast-growing company providing high-tech security systems to retail outlets, particularly filling stations and their shops.

From championing the Full English Breakfast to leading national industry organisations, Brian's story is a reminder that new interests, opportunities and adventures can emerge at any stage of life!