It is Shrove Tuesday! While Brazilians donne their carnival colours and Danish children dress up and ‘hit the cat out of the barrell’ we English partake in pancake races.
If you are stuck for something to do today then you are spoilt for choice for pancake-related events in London:
Parliamentary Pancake Race, Westminster
Now celebrating 21 years of tradition, the parliamentary pancake race in Victoria Tower Gardens where MPs, Lords and members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery willingly swap their warm woolly hats for distinctive white chefs’ hats. It really is a sight guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Find out more Here’s a short video of the fun
Leadenhall Pancake Race, Leadenhall Market, City of London
Watch competitors from City law, banking and accountancy firms race round the iconic Victorian market while they attempt to successfully flip a pancake in front of the crowds in an attempt to claim the highly desired frying pan trophy. 12 noon – 2.30pm
Inter-Livery Pancake Race, Guildhall, City of London
Every questioned what the livery companies in the City of London do? Well, part of that answer is pancake racing! Each Livery-staffed team is drawn from companies which are linked to pancakes; the Poulters provide the eggs, the Fruiterers the zesty lemons and the Cutlers the forks. Money raised from the event is donated to the Lord Mayor’s Charity. 12 noon – 1pm Read more
Better Bankside Pancake Day Race
Each Shrove Tuesday local businesses compete with their neighbours in a pancake flipping relay. All proceeds from entry fees will go towards a local charity Paintings in Hospitals, a charity that uses visual art and creative activities to improve the health and wellbeing of patients, carers and the public. Donations welcome. 12.30pm Read more
Camden Market Pancake Race
Grab a pan and race across the market’s cobbled North Yard for at chance at being crowned the fastest flipper. To help raise money for the C4WS Homeless Project at Camden Market’s first ever pancake race.
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Hazel Baker is a qualified CIGA Tour Guide who delivers guided walks and private tours in London. View all of Hazel’s walking tours.
