Competitors from City law, banking and accountancy firms race around the historic 14th century Leadenhall Market while attempting to flip a pancake in the legenday Leadenhall Market Pancake Race. The winners walk away the highly coveted frying pan trophy and a hamper full of treats from local businesses. For spectators, there are 500 pancakes being given away over lunchtime as well as beer and ale on tap at the Lamb Tavern which hosts the event. Free to enter, the 100 metre relay course challenges teams of between two and four people to race through the market, wielding a frying pan and flipping pancakes until the finish line.
The City's annual inter-livery Pancake Race sees 21 teams racing around the Guildhall yard at noon on Shrove Tuesday competing for frying pan trophies awarded to the winner of each class. It's a colourful event organised by the Poulters' Company, who supply the eggs - essential in the making of the pancakes - with the support of The Cook & The Butler. Every other aspect of the race is allocated to the relevant livery - the Gunmakers start each heat with a bang, the Clockmakers are responsible for the accuracy of the timing, the Fruiterers provide lemons, the Cutlers plastic forks and the Glovers the white gloves worn by each runner. A recent additional attraction has been a specially commissioned piece sung by the Musicians Company. Original participants were Livery companies in some way associated with the making of pancakes with invited teams from the Mansion House and Guildhall but this has been extended to include other Livery Companies and Corporation Departments such as The Old Bailey, preferably with a relationship to the making of pancakes.
The Better Bankside Pancake Day Race at at the netball court in Marlborough Sports Garden on Shrove Tuesday sees Bankside businesses team up and showcase their pancake-tossing prowess in aid of a local charity. Teams go head-to-head and the winner is the first team to cross the finish line with more than a third of the whole pancake still in the pan. Although free to watch, competitors are encouraged to raise sponsorship and audience members to donate. Pancakes will be available throughout and all race participants will be treated to a free pancake.
Teams, friends and pancake lovers are invited to join in the Greenwich Market Pancake Races taking place on Shrove Tuesday from midday. There are medals to be won and everyone who enters gets a free pancake. Dress up and help raise money for the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice.
Pancake day is everyday for Where the pancakes are, the restaurant where Patricia Trijbits serves perfectly fluffy pancakes all year round. On Shrove Tuesday the restaurant is serving street style in the large Alpine cabin in Flat Iron Square directly outside the restaurant. They're also putting on a three legged pancake race, challenging participants to flip pancakes while tied to a friend. There's no need to book for the races, just turn up with trainers and a willing partner to win free pancakes and bubbles. They're also served a special pancake day menu including the American - three pancakes with maple syrup and blueberries or bananas, streaky bacon, halloumi or sausage - one of their most popular dishes.