Although perhaps not the most important date on the festival calendar, Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday, does present a great opportunity for a celebration. Formally known as Shrove Tuesday, the event, which lands on March 4th this year, comes a day before Ash Wednesday and is designed to celebrate the fasting period, Lent, which starts on that day.
Pancake Day is also celebrated as Mardi Gras – “Fat Tuesday” – in many European countries, the US and Brazil. Again, the purpose is to feast before the fast.
Pancakes were traditionally eaten as they use up all of the rich foods – eggs, milk and sugar etc – before the fast begins. They are also great fun to flip and this is one reason why the tradition has lived on.
The Best Pancakes in Town
My Old Dutch (Holborn, Kensington, Chelsea)
My Old Dutch in Holborn is a prime spot for a sugar rush at any time of the year, but on Pancake Day it descends into a sugary, pancake heaven. Such is the draw of one of London’s number one pancake makers that no reservations are allowed on the day itself, and queues will undoubtedly form outside the shop at lunchtime.
Alongside the classic fillings of maple syrup, Nutella, lemon and sugar, My Old Dutch also offers some original and mouth-watering alternatives. Those with a more savoury palate may enjoy a ratatouille & creamed spinach pancake or smoked salmon with mushrooms and a creamy dill sauce.
Want an alcoholic twist on the pancake theme? Then go for the Vermeer pancake – a plain sugar pancake with ice cream and a shot of Vermeer. Whatever your preference, My Old Dutch has a plethora of options for pancake lovers.
Shutterbug (Shoreditch)
Shutterbug is bespoke cocktail bar and Creperie located in the heart of London’s trendy Shoreditch area. Offering 
original cocktails and delicious traditional French crepes, this little gem really does offer an alternative take on the traditional pancake.
Alcohol and Pancake Day aren’t historically intertwined, but what better way to go out with a bang than trying a Goldin Heart or Le Cartier Bresson before abstaining during the lent period.
With DJs at weekends, there really is a unique vibe offered at Shutterbug. Both savoury and sweet crepes are available on the menu – all preferences are catered for. The pulled pork, cheese, bbq sauce and pickles crepe is popular from the savoury menu and the banoffee cheesecake is a favourite for those with a sweet tooth.
Whatever you fancy, experience a relaxed and funky vibe at Shutterburg and make Pancake Day one to remember….or not!
Crème de la Crepe (Covent Garden)
Located in the heart of London’s world famous Covent Garden, Crème de la Crepe was founded on three principles: quality ingredients, fair prices, and great tasting food.
Crème de la Crepe found its niche by providing an alternative spin on the traditional pancake/crepe – producing what they refer to as Crepettes – delicious bite sized crepe canapés that allow the customer to try a range of different fillings. With original recipes and three vegetarian savoury options, all bases are covered.
The milky bar kid is a scrumptious blend of creamy milky bar and fresh strawberries and is sure to be a hit with the younger generation. With gourmet crepes served in a slick and inviting environment, Crème de la Crepe is a great place to satisfy your indulgences on Pancake Day.
Crepe Affaire
Founded in 2004, with the main location in Old Spitalfield Market, Crepe Affaire produces fresh and tasty crepes whatever the time of the day.
With a passion for making top quality crepes and an extensive menu to boot, Crepe Affair is a great choice for Pancake Day. Try a New York Deli – salmon, cream cheese and chives – or satisfy that hunger for sugar with a Caramel Apple – apple, cinnamon, almonds and butterscotch.
There are a range of hot and cold drinks that can help you wash down the food during the pancake marathon and rest assured you will leave fully satisfied.
Pancake Day Race Events
Pancake Day races are somewhat of a tradition in Britain. These races are held in villages and towns across the country and are said to have originated when a housewife was so busy making pancakes that she lost track of time and only realised when she heard the church bells ringing. Running out of her house with her frying pan and pancake, it is unlikely that she realised her actions would ignite a nationwide tradition still held today.
Pancake Day race events can be fun for all the family and are held all over London. Below are a few of our favourite races.
For more info see here: http://www.trumanbrewery.com/cgi-bin/events.pl
Spitalfields Pancake Race
Based near Brick Lane in London’s trendy Spitalfields area, this race requires teams of four to dress in whacky outfits and flip pancakes while racing.
Asides from being great fun, the race serves another useful cause – raising money for London’s Air Ambulance service through sponsorship.
Starting at 12.30pm, all that is required is your own frying pan, team of four and crazy outfit. The winners receive not only the prestige and glory, but also a beautifully crafted frying pan.
Find out more information on this fun event at http://www.timeout.com/london/festivals/great-spitalfields-pancake-race-2013. If you live in East London, this is THE pancake race to be involved in.
Bankside Pancake Race
Based in London’s famous Jubilee Market, this event pits the local business community of Jubilee Market in a pancake tossing race.
Open to a maximum of twenty five teams from local business (four a team), this event will take place at 12pm on Pancake Day. The winners receive a prestigious Pancake Day trophy and will have bragging rights over their local business neighbours.
Go along and give your support to your favourite Jubilee Market trader and cheer them on to success.
Find out more at http://www.betterbankside.co.uk/events/12th-february-better-bankside-annual-charity-pancake-day-race.
Guildhall Poulters Pancake Race
Founded in 2004, The Worshipful Company Of Poulters introduced the city’s inter-livery pancake race. This event now takes place every year in the Guildhall yard at 12pm. It is a colourful event, which requires runners to wear regalia and/or fancy dress.
Again, the winner gets the adulation of victory…. and a frying pan!
Any profit made from the event are donated to the Lord Mayor’s charity. Sure to be an entertaining spectacle and a competitive race, get additional details at http://www.clockmakers.org/events-2/events/the-poulters-pancake-race/ and if you are in the City Of London on Pancake Day, head down and support the teams.
Although perhaps not the most important date on the festival calendar, Pancake Day in London does present a great opportunity for a celebration. Formally known as Shrove Tuesday, the event comes a day before Ash Wednesday and is designed to celebrate the fasting period, Lent, which starts on that day.
Pancake Day is also celebrated as Mardi Gras – “Fat Tuesday” – in many European countries, the US and Brazil. Again, the purpose is to feast before the fast.
Pancakes were traditionally eaten as they use up all of the rich foods – eggs, milk and sugar etc – before the fast begins. They are also great fun to flip and this is one reason why the tradition has lived on.