
06 Dec 2024
Once only a historic and religious tradition to rid the pantry of leftover food, Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday) has fast become one of the best excuses for us to guiltlessly indulge in a meal of carbs and sugar galore. A feast for our sweet (and savoury) teeth, where anyone can get experimental and creative, pancakes are arguably one of the most loved but under-appreciated bases for any food. From the traditional lemon and sugar all the way to a full English roast, we don’t think there is much you can’t try in a pancake. So, this Shrove Tuesday (or any day for that matter), make your way into London to dine on a delicious slice of heaven – in the shape of crepes, waffles, blinis, American-style fluffy pancakes, you name it! Here are our top recommendations of pancake spots in London to really pig out!

Pickle & Rye practically embraces Pancake Day with open arms every year. Stacking its American-style pancakes higher than the Empire State building, it’s no wonder Pickle & Rye has swapped out ‘Shrove Tuesday’ for ‘Fat Tuesday’. Located in Mortlake, South West London, this ideal spot serves pancakes all year round and has perfected its delicious fluffy pancake recipe to include both savoury and sweet stacks on its menus. Drizzled with what can only be described as a “healthy” amount of maple syrup and topped with any fruits or savoury snacks of your choice, this pancake feast comes in a full or short stack to really satisfy any amount of craving.
Creating pockets of pancake heaven across several locations in London including Battersea and Bankside, the definition is in the name with Where The Pancakes Are. Its impressively extensive pancake menu is packed with toppings that are savoury, sweet and everything in-between. These pancake places are also home to ‘Dutch babies’, a modern interpretation of the 17th century German pancake recipe, one of which is served with a concoction of goat’s cheese, asparagus and cheddar (we did warn you that it gets experimental!). Open from 8am to 9pm, Where The Pancakes Are will easily fill your pancake desires from dusk ‘till dawn.
Quickly becoming a house-hold name, Lola’s Bakery (sister to Lola’s Cupcakes) has been busy creating its brilliant desserts and even better reputation for them. From small stalls to cosy restaurants, it’ll be hard to miss the gorgeous aesthetic and beautiful creations. And the menu is nothing short of plentiful. From blueberry pancakes delicately drizzled in syrup to pancakes with generous dollops of chai spiced yogurt, Lola’s Bakery has your deepest desires as its commands.

Located snuggly in central London, just east of Bermondsey, The Pear Tree is an idyllic Australian-inspired spot, perfect for anyone looking for a meal out. The menu includes the pancakes that every member of the party will be after on its all day menu, but it would be a sin not to mention the Asian fusion style dishes that are served, too. Using seasonal produce, from small independent suppliers to craft Miso Ramen through to a full Australian brekkie, The Pear Tree has thoughtfully designed a menu with everyone in mind. The place really and truly has a passion for good food (and pancakes!).

Dotted around the hottest spots in the English capital is London’s finest French brasserie – Gazette. Making everyday an eventful one, Gazette brings the passion, fun and love to the atmosphere of every restaurant it has in London. With its authentically crafted menu, classically French ambiance and a setting romantic enough to make you believe you’re sat along the Champs Elyseé, Gazette isn’t one to miss. Reserve your place at a Gazette for a petit déjeuner full of crepes drizzled with a variety of sweet toppings and French niceties.
For a different take on the original pancake, CA Japanese Pancakes, located in the heart of London Victoria, serves its popular Japanese soufflé pancake recipe to hungry customers daily. The café rose to fame after travel bloggers, celebrities and athletes were impressed by the Instagram-worthy aesthetic and the equally scrumptious pancakes. Specialising in this authentic Japanese dish, CA Japanese Pancakes tops its delicious fluffy base with a broad range of ingredients, including truffle and mushroom sauce, coffee cream or even a bruschetta inspired pancake – what?! So for the experimental topping lovers, head to CA Japanese Pancake for a new taste of your favourite treat.
With its bright atmosphere and upbeat vibes, Scarlett Green makes for a top-tier brunch spot – and it has a hidden gem. This menu is sure to satisfy your taste buds no matter what you’re looking for, but the buttermilk blueberry pancakes are *chef’s kiss*. Topped with mascarpone for a little more decadence and berries for a bit of natural sweetness, these pancakes are dense and original in both shape and flavour. And their presentation is truly a sight for sore eyes. This boozy, beachy oasis is the place to go if you’re craving a tasty plate of pancakes, but want to turn brunch into cocktails.
If fluffy pancakes just aren’t your thing, look no further – La Petite Bretagne is your next stop. Located across from Hammersmith tube station, this creperie is sure to satisfy any sweet or savoury craving. Order takeaway and watch the chefs cook your delicious pancakes at the counter or sit in the quaint and charming dining room. La Petite Bretagne’s pancakes are perfect as a filling breakfast, lunch or mid-day snack for West Londoners.
A great spot for the Intagrammers and food bloggers, Drunch offers lattes dusted with luxury logos, a giant teddy bear mascot and a beautiful floral archway alongside delectable pancakes. But the aesthetic isn’t the only thing that keeps you coming back. The Holy Grail for foodies with an unshakeable sweet tooth, Drunch’s pancakes offer a decadent and cake-like base – and the topping is certainly the star of the show. The pancakes are served drizzled in a rich and creamy dulce de leche and topped with freshly sliced bananas. The first bite of these pancakes packs a sweet punch and before you know it, they’re gone.
With its light decor and hanging tulips, My Old Dutch feels like a spring pancake picnic in a pastel garden. Classic flavours with an innovative twist, My Old Dutch offers nostalgia on a plate. These pancakes are somehow both rich and light, and the cream served on the side of the butterscotch pancakes is so perfectly sweet it’s great dolloping a spoonful into your latte. The thoughtfully coded allergen list at the top of the menu is a great bonus, and an even better one is the £5.95 all-day pancakes My Old Dutch serves every Monday!
