Free Pancake Day Events in London
Shrove Tuesday this year falls on the 16th February & has inspired many events all over London. Pancake races are said to have their origins in the story of a housewife hearing church bells whilst busy making her pancakes & running off to church with the frying pan still in hand! Whether this legend is true or not, watching others, or taking part yourself, can be a great way to have some fun on a normally dull Tuesday in the middle of February. So check out this guide to the best pancake races in London this pancake day.
Free crepes from Creme de la Crepe
There’s no debating that Creme de la Crepe do fantastic crepes, probably the tastiest this side of France and to celebrate Pancake day, when you buy any crepe on 16th Feb, you get a voucher for another free crepe. Tasty stuff!
When? 16th February 10am-10pm
Where? Pop-up stall at West Stage, Market Building, Convent Garden map
How much? £3.00 -£4.95
More info: Creme da la Crepe
Parliamentary Pancake Race
Yes, you read that right, members of both Houses of Parliament take time out of their busy schedules to come face to face with members of the press, in an annual race which has only recently banned the tripping of other contestants. Each year, to keep them all in line, a celebrity ‘starter’ is entrusted with crowning the winning team, this year, it’s Gary Rhodes. This race is free to watch, sure to amuse & is in aid of Rehab UK, a brain injury focused charity, hoping to raise awareness on the day.
When? 9th February, 10.15am
Where? Victoria Tower Gardens (right next to the Houses of Parliament)
How much? Free
More info: Momentumscotland.org
The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race
Every year this race is held in aid of London Air Ambulance and has teams of 4 running a course right through the heart of the ancient (but magnificently refurbished) Spitalfields market. There are several heats, with prizes for the best dressed & best behaved as well as the overall fastest. After you’ve enjoyed the race, you could take the opportunity to browse the plethora of stalls & stores at your fingertips in one of London’s most famous markets.
When? 16th February, 12.30pm
Where? Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL map
How much? Free to watch & participate
More info: alternativearts.co.uk
All Hallows by the Tower, Great Pancake Race
The church hosts a pancake race for city businesses every year in the hope of raising money for their chosen charity which, this year, is CLIC Sargent. So, if you fancy donating a few pounds to a worthy cause then head down to the beautiful church, in the midst off the city bustle, either take part (city businesses only) or watch as the city boys get battered. The winning team even bag themselves a bottle of bubbly for their troubles.
When? 16th February 1pm
Where? Between the church & the Tower of London map
How much? Free for spectators or £25 for each team of 4 to participate (funds go to charity)
More info: allhallowsbythetower.org.uk
Better Bankside
The Better Bankside race is open to Bankside businesses only but can be watched by anyone. Teams of four, in a relay race, will spend their lunch break racing for the finish line, while spectators can enjoy the pancakes on offer from “Baxters and the Refectory at Southwark Cathedral”.
When? 16th February 12-2pm
Where? Cathedral Square, Montague Close map
How much? Free for spectators
More info: betterbankside.co.uk
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