London’s Best Pancakes and Crêpes: Indulge a Little (or a lot) Before Lent

Pancake Day is in the same league as Christmas and Easter – belief in God is optional, the culinary delights are not.

Shrove Tuesday, as its also known, is just around the corner. That means less than two weeks left to indulge in the best pancakes that London has to offer. Felix recommends hitting up the powerhouses of Kensington and Covent Garden and filling your face for the fortnight.

Breakfast Club

The name gives its game away. The Breakfast Club is the popular eatery on the list, and its made it on because really, they’re just consistently good. There are nine BC cafes around London – thank god because the weekends mean queues round the block. Luckily they go down pretty quick in the bigger venues.

There are two pancake options for the morning – one with vanilla cream and berries, another with bacon. Both, naturally, come with maple syrup. If you come on the weekend, you’ll also have the option of Ham So Eggsited: with ham, egg, cheddar and maple syrup. The Breakfast Club is go big or go home…

Find the menu here.

Christopher’s Grill

You don’t usually hear grill and think pancake, but Christopher’s is doing its best to change that. Head here for a fancier foray into pancake making – you’ll be handed a form to fill out where you can build your own perfect pancake. You can choose between batters, toppings, sauces, ice creams and sorbets. The only problem is narrowing it down.

Build your own is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 11.30-3.30pm so make sure to use the next weekends wisely.

Find the menu here.

My Old Dutch

My Old Dutch is a full on pancake house, so you know it’s got to be worth a visit. It’s (unsurprisingly) Dutch, so the menu comes with some interesting additions as well as pancakes. It’s absolutely huge, with savoury pancakes, sweet, build your own and their new butterscotch base pancakes. They can also be made gluten free, meaning even more people can get on board.

Most importantly, they sell poffertjes, tiny dutch pancakes that are light and delicious. And after all this, we haven’t even covered their specials Star-Trek own Nutella, Marshmallow Lover and Butterscotch Magnifique are just some of their sumptuous offerings. If you make a reservation each meal from now, you may be able to make a dent in the menu.

Find the menu here.

Chez Lindsay

If you’re not a sweets person, then pancake day doesn’t offer much temptation – unless of course you make it to Chez Lindsay in Richmond. This is a Breton Brassierie and specialises in traditional galettes. The fillings are sensational, whether you opt for something simple like ham and cheese, or a special with mixed fish, seafood, langoustines and tomato cognac sauce. Très délicieux!

Find the menu here.

Crème de la Crêpe

If you’re like me and prefer French crêpes to American all-butters, head to the aptly named Crème de la Crêpe in Covvy G. They do a great range of sweet and savoury at lip-smacking prices. If you think you can handle it, give their wide load a try: mars bar, strawberries, ginger nuts and seriously thick cream. Alternatively, opt for those with a cheeky bit of tipple.

Find the menu here.

Kensington Crêperie

This has long been billed as one of London’s finest, so if you can make your way to Kensington before lent you’re in for a treat. Savoury, sweet, make your own and even waffles for those who sway towards Belgian desserts. La Belle Helene (poaches pear, chocolate, almonds and whipped cream) is a crowd favourite, though their chorizo, potatoes and cheese gives it a run for its money.

Find the menu here.

 

 

If your belly is rumbling like mine, get yourself to one of our best pancake houses – but soon. These guys get busier the closer Lent gets. Expect queues and waits if you leave it too long. Alternatively, screw Lent and go on Ash Wednesday – you’ll no doubt get a seat.

The post London’s Best Pancakes and Crêpes: Indulge a Little (or a lot) Before Lent appeared first on Felix Magazine.