The Full English

Opening night: Friday 19th, 5.30pm-7pm

Exhibition: September 19th to October 5th, Mon-Sun 9am–3pm

Book your free ticket here

The Full English is a creative exploration of the evolving food cultures within the British Muslim community — with a particular focus on the iconic Full English breakfast. Once rarely available in halal form, this traditionally British dish has increasingly become a staple in Muslim households, halal cafés, and fusion menus across the UK. The project captures how food has become a powerful medium of cultural expression, connection, and adaptation within a multicultural society.

As the project has developed, it has collaborated with photographers and creatives — including award-winning photographer Rehan Jamil — to deepen its visual storytelling and bring diverse perspectives to the work.

The exhibition highlights how food acts as a bridge between heritage and belonging. It opens up conversations around identity, integration, and the ever-evolving definition of what it means to be British today.

Portraits displayed in the exhibition are accompanied by captions and personal stories that connect people’s lived experiences of growing up when halal meals were scarce.. The exhibition launch will also feature short films and a panel discussion exploring the intersections of food, culture, and community.

The Full English has previously toured across London and even featured on 48-sheet billboards in Bow and Tooting. This exhibition marks the next chapter in its journey.

Part of Tower Hamlets Power of Food Festival – Click here for full programme

Artist Bio:

Nurull Islam is a community organiser, filmmaker, and co-founder of Mile End Community Project (MCP). Deeply rooted in Tower Hamlets, Nurull has led a number of award-winning creative projects tackling important grassroots issues. He has a unique ability to connect with communities and create platforms for underrepresented voices through film, photography, and participatory arts.

Nurull is an Honorary Fellow at Queen Mary University of London and collaborates with various academic departments on community engagement and storytelling.

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BBC Radio London 21 Sep 2025
In this segment, Dotun Adebayo explores Full English, an exhibition hosted at Poplar Union that examines contemporary British identity through the lens of food, culture, and community. He speaks with the curators and some of the contributors about what “Englishness” means today — how it is shaped, challenged, and celebrated. The piece weaves together voices from diverse backgrounds, using art and stories around food as a gateway to broader conversations about belonging, tradition, and the evolving cultural landscape in the UK.