The great and the granola

Early newsreaders and late-morning feasters all start the day smart

On early morning fuelling

I learned early on after starting on Radio 4’s

Today programme that you need to eat before going on air otherwise stomach rumbling may be picked up by the studio mics. However, no one wants to get up earlier than necessary for a 4am arrival in the newsroom and therefore it’s a question of breakfast al desko. John Humphrys had a routine you could set your clock by: done with writing cues by 5.30 and on to the newspapers with some granola stored in a filing cabinet. Given evidence of mice in Broadcasting House, I am too queasy to store any supplies on site, so for me it’s a packed breakfast. I’ve settled on yoghurt and berries: the yoghurt goes into Tupperware just the right size for my handbag.

Jamie Oliver, chef and restaurateur On kickstarting your day in the right way

Breakfast for kids is vital in helping them concentrate at school. Of the £1bn we’ve raised through the sugary drinks tax, much of it has gone directly to fund breakfast clubs in schools, which is amazing. Need some breakfast inspo at home? Go for one that includes all five food groups to get a good balance and a variety of nutrients, so you’re much less likely to snack before lunch. Low/no-added sugar cereal or muesli is a good choice, as well as porridge with seasonal fruit and nuts, or homemade blueberry pancakes. For those in a hurry, blitz up some fruit and veg with yoghurt and oats for a quick smoothie – delicious!

Andi Oliver, chef and broadcaster On the joy of a late breakfast

The concept of “brunching” might have come about in this country fairly recently, but long, slow and late breakfasts surrounded by loved ones have always been familiar to me. Ours was a busy family when I was a child. Mum and Dad both worked; we were latchkey kids. Whether or not we’d been to church, brunch was always a real event. In Antigua and here, the table would be laden: salt fish with onions, tomatoes and okra, Johnny cakes (small, panfried dumplings) and cooked-down veg chopped up with blackeyed peas. Late morning is the perfect time to bring your nearest and dearest together.