As Pancake Day approaches, we explore the history behind this delicious tradition and discover the best spots in Leeds to enjoy a stack.
Shrove Tuesday – commonly known as Pancake Day – marks the traditional feast day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The name comes from ‘shrive’, meaning to give absolution after confession. In Anglo-Saxon times, Christians were ‘shriven’ of their sins on this day, summoned by a bell that became known as the ‘Pancake Bell’ – a tradition that continues in some churches today.
Falling 47 days before Easter, Shrove Tuesday’s date varies each year between 3rd February and 9th March. This year it falls on 17th February.
The pancake tradition has practical origins – Lent was a time of fasting and Shrove Tuesday offered the last chance to use up rich foods like eggs, fats, and milk. Pancakes proved the perfect solution, with the ingredients themselves carrying symbolic meaning – eggs for creation, flour for the staff of life, salt for wholesomeness, and milk for purity.
Despite its Christian roots, of course we all love a pancake, and the tradition is enjoyed by many communities.
Pancakes have appeared in cookery books since 1439, and the tradition of tossing them dates to 1619. A traditional English pancake is thin and delicate – as opposed to the thick American-style stacks that have become popular – and is typically served with golden syrup or lemon juice and caster sugar.
The most famous pancake race takes place at Olney in Buckinghamshire, supposedly originating in 1445 when a woman heard the church bell while making pancakes and ran there, frying pan in hand. Today’s competitors must be local housewives wearing aprons and hats, tossing their pancakes three times during the race. The first to complete the course, arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the bellringer, and be kissed by him is declared the winner.
At Westminster School in London, the annual Pancake Greaze sees boys race to grab the largest portion of a huge pancake tossed over a five- metre-high bar. Other regional traditions have largely faded, including Scarborough’s communal skipping and the traditional ‘mob football’ games that once took place in many towns on Shrove Tuesday.
While cooking pancakes at home remains a popular way to mark the date, Leeds’ culinary scene offers some great alternatives. Here are a few top spots to head for on Pancake Day.
Moose Coffee | Bond Court, Wine St
Moose serves some of the thickest, most filling pancakes in town. Toppings include apple and salted caramel, chocolate peanut butter, banana and pecan, and berry compote with mascarpone. Special Pancake Day stacks include lemon cheesecake and millionaire. You can even buy the restaurant’s American-style pancake mix to recreate the experience at home.
Moosecoffee.co
Farmhouse | 20-22 Lands Lane
This popular brunch spot boasts some seriously indulgent pancake offerings including blueberry and banana and Biscoff and raspberry.
Farmhouse.biz
Fluffy Fluffy | 62 The Headrow
Bringing Japanese style to Leeds, Fluffy Fluffy specialises in signature soufflé pancakes – light, airy, and wonderfully delicate. These unique pancakes are an experience worth trying.
Fluffyfluffy.co.uk
