London's pancake celebration does tend to happen all year round, with some great breakfast, brunch and dinner restaurants promising stacks of all things fluffy, but it's Shrove Tuesday when menus come alive, with everything from fruit-topped crêpes to American-style pancakes with a side of crunchy bacon. For the sugar and lemon lovers? They can cater too. Check out our recommendations for the best spots to get pancakes in London.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Scouring the internet for some of the best pancakes in London? There's two names that seem to be topping every list, and that's Riding House Cafe and Rail House Cafe. Treat yourself to malted deep dish pancakes, plus toppings that include toasted marshmallows, coconut clotted cream, banana-infused maple syrup and smoked streaky Dingley Dell bacon.
Players social is giving Londoners plenty of reasons to visit Spitalfields Market, with cocktails, incredible plates, a selection of activities and a live jazz band all on deck to draw in the crowds. The social hub serves American-style pancakes topped with everything from mixed berries and bacon to caramelised bananas and peanut butter – all for just £12. Fill up on food as you take on your mates at ping pong and shuffleboard.
American-themed bar The 411 is bringing the spirit of New York to London – from its changing drink prices inspired by the stock market, right down to its hearty breakfast plates. Their banana and bacon stacks cost just £8 and feature thick, fluffy pancakes that you won't be able to get enough of. You can also add bottomless prosecco or cocktails to your meal on Sundays for £25 extra.
Clapham's pancake lovers tend to descend on one place and one place only come both brunch, and Shrove Tuesday, and that's No 32. Tucked away in Old Town with a green view, this cutesy and always-busy spot has a menu of buttermilk pancakes to satisfy sweet tooths, with toppings of lemon curd and maple cured streaky bacon to take things up a notch. Their Canary Wharf site No 35 Mackenzie Walk also some impressive pancake offerings, featuring fried eggs with maple syrup and a savoury number topped with smoked salmon and harissa cream cream for under £15.
Award-winning sky-high restaurant Bōkan has introduced a limited edition savoury pancake to its brunch menu. Look over iconic landmarks while indulging in this innovative dish – topped with parmesan foam, a soft egg and shitake mushrooms. The dish will be available on Saturdays throughout February, with the option to level-up your dining experience with bottomless prosecco or wine.
If you like your pancakes stacked, seriously fluffy and drizzled in gooey maple butter then head to Cellar At Kindred in Hammersmith. Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and plated up generously, this trendy all-day café and bar is a must visit for those who love a good brunch menu.
A Fulham favourite and known for its laid back vibe, Little Blue Door always feels like a home away from home thanks to its cosy 'apartment' style interiors. Keeping guests on side too is their brunch menu, where you'll find house pancakes for as little as £10.50 a plate. Choose from toppings such as caramelised banana and maple, or fried chicken with bacon for a savoury pancake. You'll also find pancake heaven in Clapham's Little Orange Door and Notting Hill's Little Yellow Door.
Home to some of the best pancakes in London, The Breakfast Club has a selection of stacks to see you through the morning. Choose between the All-American (£18 with bacon, fried eggs and maple syrup), opt for a feast that includes hashbrowns, or go sweet with berries and cream. Pancake Day specials have included Willy Wonka-inspired creations, so keep an eye out.
The Anthologist doesn't waste time on jazzy interiors and complicated menus. It instead focusses on perfecting the basics, which is evident from their delicious-looking breakfast menu. Choose from two buttermilk pancake stacks – one with bacon, blueberries and maple syrup, and the other with banana, pecans and maple syrup. Both cost under £15 and go great with their smoothies or the epic whipped cream-topped poached pear hot chocolate. You'll also find food that's just as tasty at sister sites The Folly and The Drift.
Wondering what a Jamaican-inspired brunch looks like? Then head to Wood & Water for twists on British classics. Among pulled pork sandwiches and plantain waffles, the star of the show has to be the pancakes with caramelised bananas and rum sauce for £12. Pair them with a mimosa or their exclusive Jamaica Mary.
Asian-inspired Chelsea hangout Ollie's House serves a winning all-day brunch with a wide selection of dishes. There's plates like gochujang eggs benedict and an English breakfast bao, but if you're looking for something sweet, we'd opt for the £12.50 buttermilk pancakes topped with banana, mascarpone, berry compote, maple syrup and coconut shavings. Milkshakes, smoothies and 2-4-1 cocktails are also available.
Widely known as London's prettiest dog-friendly brunch chain, Megan's is serving Instagrammable plates and floral interiors from Richmond to Islington. Whether you're pairing your meal with bottomless bubbles or a salted caramel martini, you won't regret choosing the chai and blueberry pancakes with banana and maple syrup.
London Secret Garden offers a rare opportunity for Londoners to enjoy a prosecco brunch in their own private glass dome. Overlook the stunning scenery while pairing bubbles with any kind of breakfast dish you can think of (they've even got cereal on the menu). But if you really want to make the most of your visit, go for the six-layer pancake stack with your choice of two toppings – ranging from marshmallows to honey and a fried egg.
The Black Cab Coffee Co isn't just known for its hot drinks – it's also a top spot to grab breakfast. Boasting a large outdoor area surrounded by greenery, this Battersea hangout is a popular choice for foodies throughout the year. Expect brekkie cocktails, smoothies and focaccia sandwiches alongside three mega pancake plates for £11.50 each. Choose from a Nutella number, one loaded with berries and the American classic with streaky bacon, maple syrup and ice cream.
Trendy hotspot Balans No. 60 is a must-visit if you find yourself in Soho at brunch time. The modern all-day menu is full of crowd-pleasers and inventive plates to match their quirky cocktails such as the kiwi spritzer and Jägermeister espresso martini. Their famous pancakes are all priced at £11 and range from the fruity vegan stack to a fried chicken number with spicy Korean honey.
The hazelnut maple praline and brown butter stacks at Sunday In Brooklyn are a viral treat to be had at £14 for two. A cutesy casfe-style spot in the heart of Notting Hill, this restaurant pride themselves on making American staples, with its pancake stack topping off its brunch menu. Make sure to wash it down with the signature cocktails, including drinks served in cute bear-shaped bottles.
An Aussie favourite all through the year, Granger and Co. provide some of the best pancakes London has to offer, in an elevated breakfast and lunch setting. Head to their Chelsea restaurant for fluffy ricotta hotcakes and a limited edition shake that combines banana, honeycomb and maple.
