The unspoken hotel buffet rules revealed - as Brits say they prefer fruit salad to a full English

From waiting until your fellow diners are all seated with their full plates, to politely queuing for the toast - there is a lot of etiquette that goes into the buffet breakfast process.

A whopping 80 per cent of Brits admit they sit down when shown their table by the waitress, only to immediately stand back up to head to the food counters.

Once at the buffet, the average diner apologises at least twice for simply passing by someone or reaching across.

But it doesn't stop there.

Some 13 per cent say 'sorry' at least five times or more during the breakfast.

It can also be easy to stack your plate high with the endless buffet offerings, and 35 per cent admit to being conscious about being judged for their portion sizes by strangers passing by.

As for the breakfast buffet food item Brits love the most - hash browns proved to be popular and 41 per cent said the golden crispy treat was their favourite.

Pancakes now rank as the second most favourite breakfast buffet food item with 39 per cent declaring their love.

Meanwhile, a fruit salad ranked third with 37 per cent, bacon caught the hearts of 29 per cent and scrambled eggs followed with 29 per cent too.

When it comes to the juice counter, Brits are drinking more than ever and consume two glasses of juice on average.

Some thirsty breakfast-goers, 33 per cent, grab a third glass or more during the essential morning meal.

Diners often go back for second portions too, and two plates proved to be the average serving at a buffet, while 27 per cent go up for thirds, according to Travelodge's poll of 2,000 participants.

A Travelodge spokesperson said: 'Our research reveals that the British breakfast buffet is a unique social minefield, where traditional politeness often battles with the temptation of a second helping.

'Whether it's the 'buffet apology' or the strategy of 'manning the table,' we all have our own morning rituals.'

Britain's top 10 breakfast buffet treats

Hashbrowns (41%)

Pancakes (39%)

Fruit salad (37%)

Croissants (36%)

Bacon (29%)

Scrambled eggs (29%)

Baked beans (25%)

Bagels (21%)

Toast and preserves (21%)

White bread (17%)

Source: Travelodge

The hotel company noted how Brits' breakfast habits are changing and they no longer favour the typical hot items.

They added: 'Buffet breakfasts are no longer all about the traditional English.

'We see many guests swapping the classic fry-up for fruit or toasted bagels with peanut butter and banana and choosing barista-style coffee and dairy alternatives over a standard brew.

'Whether you're fuelling up on the nation's favourite hashbrowns or opting for a lighter start with fresh fruit and yoghurt, we offer total choice with zero judgment.'

Story by Alesia Fiddler