There's something about Pancake Day that unleashes our inner child. It brings joy to an otherwise dull day of the week, a day that usually calls for one of those dinners designed for fuel, rather than taste. Pancake Tuesday changes this. It frees us to eat stacks of fluffy carbs topped with cream and syrups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, those of us with office jobs in London might sigh at the thought of stepping in from a tiresome commute to flip pancakes. And so, we have compiled a list of where you can spend Pancake Day in London. Slam the laptop shut at 5pm and head directly to these restaurants and cafés, who are putting in the work so you can enjoy Pancake Day around London with no effort required.
Where The Pancakes Are
Last year, we were lucky enough to spend Pancake Day in London at the ultimate destination for a fluffy, extravagant stack. Where The Pancakes Are has since closed its Fitzrovia location, but the other branches in Battersea and London Bridge are going above and beyond this year to mark the occasion. On February 17th, Pancake Day, they'll be serving a Shrove seasonal special, Rhubarb & Custard pancakes. If you don't get there on the actual day (although there's no excuse, since they'll be open from 7am-10pm), the Afternoon Special will be available weekdays from 2pm–4pm. For just £13.50, one can enjoy a sweet pancake or the much-loved Apple Pie Dutch Baby paired with a glass of fizz because why not, it's pancake day/week! The brand is dedicated entirely to pancakes, so you can rest assured you're in the right place. The menu spans everything from classic fluffy buttermilk stacks to more adventurous plates such as shakshouka-style pancakes and miso pear & caramel pancakes. Everything is made in-house using fresh ingredients with vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options, so everyone can and should celebrate Pancake Day in London here.
Dishoom
A place known for its breakfast, it comes at no surprise that Dishoom are chipping in on the hype of Pancake Day in London, with Cinnamon-Jaggery Pancakes on offer for the day that's in it. Twice-stacked, as fluffy as clouds, and drenched in a chai-spiced, warm, jaggery syrup and finished with vanilla cream and mixed berries for good measure. Dishoom also caters for the little ones, with a smaller cinnamon pancake option as well! Book your spot here.
Polo Bar
Another great option is Polo Bar, who will be going all in on Pancake Day, serving award-winning fluffy pancake stacks all day and all night at East London’s favourite 24-hour independent café. Available for 24 hours straight, the menu features a line-up of indulgent limited-edition Pancake Day specials alongside the much-loved classics, including Spicy Full English Pancakes piled with streaky bacon, hash browns, Cumberland sausage, cheese and a fried egg, finished with a drizzle of cult-favourite Laoganma crispy chilli oil for a proper kick. For sweeter options, there are the Chocolate Lava Pancakes, which are as decadent as the name suggests, and Sticky Toffee Pudding Pancakes, a fan-favourite from previous years. Pancake Day is one of the biggest dates in Polo Bar’s calendar, with over 15,000 pancakes flipped in a single day, and to sweeten things further, this year they're giving one lucky pancake lover a chance to win free pancakes for an entire year. Anyone ordering one of the infamous Pancake Tower Challenges, 12 fluffy pancakes with toppings like seasonal berries, cookies and cream, or banoffee and Biscoff, will be entered into the draw. Book your spot here.
Megan’s
With six locations dotted around London, we've all been to at least one branch of Megan's. Whether it's a Sunday brunch, a client meeting, or a local dinner, Megan's is always there to fall back on. Pancake Day in London is no exception. Megan's is an all-day neighbourhood restaurant and café, known for its airy interiors adorned with fairy lights and flowers. It’s relaxed, lively and welcoming and will be serving up picture-perfect blueberry chia pancakes and bacon & maple pancakes to match it's Instagram-worthy interiors. Book your spot here.
Kova Patisserie
Finally, we have Kova Patisserie. From Battersea to Ealing, Soho to South Kens, this leading café has branches dotted around London to supply the demand for their fine Japanese/French patisseries and premium bubble tea. For those after a unique Pancake Tuesday bite, Kova Patisserie is a must-visit. Blending Japanese and French influences, their famous mille crêpe cakes are a Pancake Day essential, alongside a menu of refreshing bubble teas. Perfect for takeaway or a speedy pit-stop to share something sweet!
