MM/2026/010
27 August 2026

Several accounts preserved by Extraordinary House refer to a breakfast served shortly after midnight.

Although the meal’s existence is reasonably well documented, its purpose remains unclear. Some authorities maintain that it marked the beginning of the following day. Others insist that it was merely a formal refusal to conclude the previous evening.

The distinction appears to have mattered chiefly to the Treasurer.

The earliest surviving menu specifies kedgeree, devilled kidneys, champagne and twenty-four boiled eggs. This quantity was described as sufficient for eight members, although only five names appear in the attendance book. A sixth signature may belong to the cook.

Evening dress was compulsory. Members arriving in ordinary morning clothes were informed that they had mistaken both the hour and the nature of the occasion.

The proceedings were governed by several rules. Port had to be withdrawn before marmalade could be introduced. Toast was served cold unless a member formally requested that it be “returned to the fire”. No such request is known to have succeeded.

A later memorandum records that one member presented himself at nine o’clock the following morning and asked whether breakfast was still being served. He was told that he was a day late.

The tradition appears to have ended following a disagreement about whether the meal should be recorded as hospitality, refreshment or an adjournment of dinner. No decision was reached, but the eggs were charged to all three accounts.

Extraordinary House is reviewing the possible restoration of the midnight breakfast in a form suitable for contemporary members.

The hour will remain under consideration.