UK’s top morning rituals revealed – Is yours on the list?

According to a new survey of 2,000 Brits, 83% stick rigidly to a morning routine, with 42% preferring a shower to start the day.

As part of Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts’ The Great Wake-up Debate, comedian Rob Beckett is helping kick off a national discussion about how people start their mornings.

Mr Beckett said: “People will argue about absolutely anything, but morning routines are right up there with the best of them.

“You’ve got the annoyingly cheerful lot who are up, showered and chatting away before 7am — and then the rest of us, who need a bit of peace before we’re feeling properly human.

“What surprised me most is how seriously people take it — tea or coffee can divide a room faster than you can make either.”

Generational differences also surfaced, with 21% of Gen Z adults admitting they might re-wear less-than-fresh clothes if pressed for time, compared with 16% of Gen X and 14% of baby boomers.

Almost a third of respondents said breakfast is the best part of a hotel stay, and one in five said they would book a hotel room if they knew there was a comfortable bed waiting.

John Wright, VP Mainstream Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The Great Wake Up Debate proves that everyone has their own morning habits and rituals.

“But what unites us is wanting to start the day feeling our best.

A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed some very set opinions on the best way to start the day (Image: Holiday Inn)

“That’s why we focus on the essentials that matter most to our guests — comfortable beds with a choice of pillows, blackout curtains, bedside charging, and our free hot breakfast.

“It’s all about making mornings feel a little easier and helping guests wake up refreshed, recharged, and ready for whatever the day brings.”

Other key findings reveal more of the nation’s early-hour habits.

34% of people get up as soon as the alarm rings, but 26% admit to hitting snooze once or twice before rising.

Coffee is the preferred morning drink for 36%, edging out tea at 32%.

For many Brits, tea etiquette remains a sticking point, with one in four saying it’s wrong to add milk before the tea bag.

Still, 9% confess to making their tea this way.

Nearly half (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking up, while only 3% manage to resist altogether.

The age-old debate over dental hygiene timing remains divided, with 45% brushing before breakfast and another 45% brushing after.

Other quirks include 20% who spend several minutes sitting on the edge of the bed “processing reality” before getting up.

Rob Beckett said: “For me, it all comes down to a good night’s sleep and a good brekkie to start the day.

“I’m a two-soft-pillows kind of guy and, while I’m usually up with the first alarm at home, I’m firmly “team lie-in” when I’m away.

“Even better when there’s free breakfast waiting, like at Holiday Inn Express – you’ll find me parked by the bacon and eggs!”

When it comes to breakfast preferences, 18% have eaten eggs with ketchup, but 13% of respondents have tried eggs with salad cream.

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Baked beans sparked even more debate, with 32% finding the idea of beans with mayonnaise “controversial” and 33% saying the same about serving beans on a croissant.

More than a third (35%) consider pouring juice over cereal instead of milk a breakfast “crimes.”

A quarter of Brits insist milk should never go in the bowl before cereal, though 8% admit to doing just that.

And while 15% are put off by drinking leftover cereal milk, 26% say they’re happy to do so.

What’s in your morning routine? Let us know in the comments.