The Brit Factor: The lost art of pancake racing

It’s that time of year – when you can indulge in pancakes before the onset of Lent. But in the UK people do things a little differently – they traditionally run races while attempting to flip pancakes.

The Tuesday before Lent, which is the 16th of February this year, is known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. This festival is celebrated in many different countries but of course the British have their own traditions and happily there are plenty of free activities for you to enjoy.

Back in the old days Christians who observed Lent weren’t allowed to eat rich foods during this religious festival. Therefore they wanted to use up all the eggs, sugar and butter they had and what better to make of these than pancakes? But forget about cleaning out your cupboard: these days it’s all about eating pancakes and participating in pancake races.

MP's feet and pancakes fly. Photo credit: grigorisgirl/Flickr

Although the most famous one is held at Olney, north of London, several pancake races are held in the capital as well. One of most entertaining ones to watch is the Parliamentary Pancake Race, where members of both Houses of Parliament race each other. This year it will take place on the 9th of February just outside the houses of Parliament.

If you want to take place in a race yourself, you have to go to Spitalfields Market, where there are not only prices for the fastest, but also for the best dressed and most well-behaved teams.

At the Tower of London and at the Bankside, businesses compete and you can see the businessmen racing down the street during their lunch break. To ease any guilt you might have about eating so many pancakes you can donate money to charity at most pancake races.

If you are one of those people that prefer eating over working out, pay a visit to Creme de la Crepe, where they are offering a voucher for a second crepe when you buy your first one.

Of course making your own pancakes is probably the most fun but for our American readers – don’t forget, British pancakes are thin, so take it easy on the batter.

Get your frying pan out and enjoy a Great British Pancake Day!