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As Pancake Day approaches on 17 February this year, you may find yourself faced with a tricky decision: what kind of pancakes to eat and where to have them. As much as I love flipping up a homemade crêpe (or ten), sometimes it’s just as enjoyable to go out and sample the extensive array on offer in London’s brunch houses, cute cafés and restaurants. From classic American buttermilk towers and cloud-like Japanese soufflé stacks to mini Dutch poffertjes, there’s something to suit everyone.
Having been lucky enough to sample my way through some of the capital’s best brunch spots and pancake cafés, I’ve rounded up my all-time favourite picks, taking into account sweet and savoury variations and a range of dietary options. So whether you’re planning a Pancake Day pilgrimage or simply chasing the best brunch in town, there’s plenty to tempt your fancy. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we welcome any recommendations of pancake places you’ve visited and loved in the comments below.
Top tip: if you are heading out on Pancake Day itself, we recommend avoiding peak brunch and dinner times in the more busy central locations where seating is often limited, or otherwise allowing time to queue. You could also opt for some of our suggestions further out and always book ahead if given the option.
Pancakes really are the name and game of this popular London institution, which has swiftly risen to fame since its beginnings as a Hackney pop-up in 2016. With an all-day menu featuring – you guessed it – just pancakes, there are plenty of options for breakfast through to dinner. The buttermilk-buckwheat batter is crafted using the highest-quality ingredients and a slow steeping process, making for a delightfully complex flavour profile. You can also choose a 3-in-1 batter which is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. Having visited the bustling Battersea and Flat Iron Square restaurants on several occasions, I’ve always booked where possible as they are extremely busy on the weekends, and this is likely to be the case on Pancake Day itself. However, it’s well worth the wait for an extensive menu boasting inventive sweet and savoury specialities. One of my go-to orders is the classic ‘Canadian’ stack topped with maple syrup, streaky bacon and blueberries, but if you have a good appetite I also heartily recommend the full English breakfast option. The seasonal specials are always top-notch, with a previous standout of poached pear and miso caramel pancakes. Want to try something different? Go for Dutch baby pancakes for Yorkshire pudding-style creations liberally filled with ‘apple pie’ or goat’s cheese and hot honey.
What to order: The Canadian (streaky bacon, maple syrup, blueberries or banana)
Shrove’s Tuesday special: Rhubarb & custard pancakes topped with meringue, cream, pistachio and strawberry sprinkles.
Addresses: Southwark Bridge Rd SE1; Battersea Power Station SW11
With our office being just 10 minutes’ walk from this cosy traditional French-style crêperie, it’s become a bit of a go-to lunch spot. The menu boast a wide range of sweet and savoury pancakes, but the highlight here are the Breton-style buckwheat galettes filled with cheeses, eggs, meats and more. With crisp edges and a wonderful nutty flavour, these pancakes really do evoke being at a rustic alpine lodge tucked away in the French Alps. If you’re hungry, treat yourself to a ‘Super Compléte’, a mini feast of free-range eggs, emmental cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms and ham in a sizeable galette parcel. My regular go-tos are the Chèvre (goat’s cheese and caramelised onion) or, for a bit of a treat, the Tartiflette – a creamy, rich and all-round carb-tastic comfort blanket.
What to order: The Compléte or Super Compléte buckwheat galettes with ham, cheese, and egg (all buckwheat galettes are gluten-free)
Top tip: Impress the staff with your knowledge of what ‘persillade’ is before going…
Address: 5-7 Beadon Road, London W6 0BT
The Japanese soufflé pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa have a near legendary status, so I had to venture to their buzzy Soho branch to see what all the fuss was about. And I must confess, they did not disappoint. The jiggly pancakes are soft, pillowy and ethereal, with a delicately spongy and melt-in-the-mouth texture from whipped egg whites. They pair perfectly with the jammy blueberry compote, zingy yuzu cream cheese and biscuit crumb topping that I opted for; whilst my cousin enjoyed the summer fruits with maple syrup. This speciality café has a cool and contemporary yet unfussy vibe, with bright interiors and cute minimalist decor. All branches are open in the evening too so will make a perfect dessert spot. The central Soho branch is on the compact side and sure to be heaving on Pancake Day itself, so it’s probably best to pick a day around this or venture to one of their other outlets.
What to order: Soufflé pancakes with blueberry and yuzu cheesecake
Address: Soho: 57A Dean Street, London W1D 6AJ. Ealing: 6 Oak Rd, London W5 3SS. Kingston Upon Thames: Bentalls Shopping Centre, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1RF. Westfield Stratford: Ground Floor, The Arcade, 1 Lower.
A slightly less hyped but nonetheless delicious Japanese delicacy, Okonomiyaki are a savoury wheat flour pancake interlaced with shredded cabbage and other ingredients such as meat and seafood. These are rapidly gaining popularity throughout the capital, reflected in the opening of several Japanese restaurants specialising in this dish. I was lucky enough to try one of these establishments last year; tucked away in the stately London County Hall, OKAN’s South Bank branch could so easily be passed by, but you’d be missing a treat if you did. This tiny, bustling canteen-style space recreates the atmosphere of a lively Osaka backstreet eatery, with a smoky haze emanating from the sizzling pancake griddles, and delicious aromas floating in the air. It’s fascinating to watch the chefs at work, expertly cooking up each order on the teppan hotplate. I opted for the ‘OKAN special okonomiyaki’ featuring a mouthwatering medley of king prawnz, kimchi, squid and sweetcorn, topped with a fried egg. The satisfyingly crisp pancake edges balanced perfectly with a soft cabbage and kimchi centre and juicy prawns. The umami flavour was elevated further with a punchy dressing of okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, powdered nori and dried bonito flakes. Given that this and the other two South London OKAN canteens are on the small side, with just a handful of tables, it’s certainly worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
What to order: OKAN special okonomiyaki (with optional fried egg topping)
Address: County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB
Founded in 1958, My Old Dutch is a longstanding London favourite and also the first dedicated pancake place I visited after moving to the capital many years ago. With a menu featuring more than 40 sweet and savoury pancakes, along with vegan, veggie and gluten-free options, you really are spoilt for choice. The two main pancake types are either a large (15″) crisp-edged, flat crêpe or an equally hefty stack of five thick butterscotch pancakes. The savoury toppings are more on the inventive side, from a pizza-style ‘Hot Dutch’ (double fried cheese base, pepperoni, chorizo, cheese mix, red & green chillies with tomato sauce) to an ‘Amsterdammer’ ( sautéed apple and crispy bacon with maple syrup) to the Chilli Con Carne (complete with guacamole, sour cream and tortilla chips). Sweet options range from the classic sugar and lemon to many fruity variations and, my recent favourite, the Pistachio Dreamcake (butterscotch pancakes cloaked in pistachio sauce with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and dried raspberries, then served among fresh berries and cream). Want to try something different? Go for the poffertjes. These super-light, traditional Dutch mini pancakes are served in a dusting of powdered sugar and various toppings of your choice. Both Holborn and Chelsea branches are spacious so would make a good option for groups, although there will likely be long walk-in queues on Shrove Tuesday itself.
What to order: Pistachio Dreamcake or poffertjes
Address: Holborn: 131–132 High Holborn. Chelsea: 221 King’s Road
Located in the heart of Mayfair, this stylish Greek deli offers a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of central London’s shopping streets nearby. Step inside and you are transported to the Mediterranean, with shelves stacked full of artisanal Greek products, a heavily laden counter of baked goods and the smell of fresh coffee wafting through the air. The two pancake options on the menu are real highlights here, both thick, fluffy and ample in size. I often dream of returning for the Greek yogurt pancakes, topped with luxuriously creamy strained yogurt, floral honey, fresh berries and crunchy granola, which strikes that pleasing balance of flavour and texture. If you fancy a bit of indulgence then their other pancake dish is a must-try, drenched in hazelnut praline, silky dark chocolate ganache and a caramelised nutty crumb. Having visited on two busy weekends, I would strongly recommend downloading the Dojo app to avoid a long queue wait here – it’s worth registering your party in advance then heading off on a stroll to work up an appetite for those pancakes!
What to order: Greek yogurt pancakes
Address: 15 Maddox St, London W1S 2QG
Located just round the corner from The Natural History Museum, this charming crêperie is my perfect place to refuel after a culture fix. Traditional French crêpes are their speciality, although there are a few American-style options on the menu too. The wide range of savoury galettes come in a satisfyingly nutty buckwheat galette, while the choice of sweet crêpes balances traditional toppings with more adventurous options such as Kinder Bueno and Dark Forest. My repeat order is the chicken pesto galette for a satisfying lunch, or if in the mood for something sweet, then the apple & cinnamon crêpes drizzled in salted caramel never fail to hit the spot.
What to order: Chicken pesto galette or apple & cinnamon crêpes
Address: 2-6 Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2HF
Like Fuwa Fuwa, this lively café has taken the capital’s love of Japanese‑style soufflé pancakes, but this time given the interior that pretty-in-pink aesthetic that renders it an Instagram‑worthy dessert destination. Their unique offering of gluten-free and dairy-free pancakes is complemented by an exciting drinks menu of creations such as a butterfly matcha latte, ruby rose latte and ‘ube balabac’ (a Filipino recipe featuring purple yam cream). I visited the Chiswick branch recently and opted for the popular ‘Choco Lush’ Nutella and Biscoff crumble topping with fresh strawberries and bananas, though I was also seriously tempted by the ‘Tiramisu Heaven’ or impressive tower of strawberry matcha mille crêpes. My pancakes arrived promptly, in an eye-catching stack of effortlessly balanced, cloud-like forms. They were beautifully airy in texture and each spoonful melted away almost instantly in your mouth, acting as the perfect vehicle for the rich, chocolatey sauce enveloping them. There are savoury options too, but, as with Fuwa Fuwa, I reckon these pancakes best lend themselves to sweet toppings, making for a decadent dessert-style brunch.
What to order: Japanese soufflé pancakes with Nutella, strawberries, bananas and a Biscoff crumble
Address: Chiswick: 195 Chiswick High Rd, London W4 2DR; Victoria: 324 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 1AA
KIN is one of the best plant-based brunch spots in central London, and my go-to place for a leisurely weekend catch-up with a vegan pal. While best known for their wholesome savoury and breakfast dishes, KIN’s single vegan pancake offering alone deserves a shout‑out. This generously sized pile of immaculately presented pancakes is firm in texture and liberally drizzled with maple syrup and berry compote, then topped with creamy coconut yogurt, nut butter and a pile of chopped bananas and mixed berries. It’s every bit as indulgent as you’d hope for, and the café’s cosy, welcoming atmosphere completes the experience. If weather allows, it’s worth making use of their outdoor seating and watching the world go by (over a decent pile of pancakes, of course).
What to order: Vegan pancakes with banana, peanut or almond butter, maple syrup and berry compote
Shrove’s Tuesday special: Tiramisu pancakes
Address: 22 Foley St, London W1W 6DT
Bill Granger’s ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter attract a crowd far and wide, and for good reason. A house favourite, these beautifully light and plump pancakes are given a slight tangy taste and creamy texture from the incorporation of ricotta in the batter, which pairs perfectly with a melted honeycomb butter and banana topping. It really is the stuff of pancake dreams and, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular items on the menu at this vibrant Australian brunch restaurant. At £18.50, the hotcakes are on the pricey side, but well worth treating yourself to at one of their multiple venues across London. Bonus: they are available all day on the breakfast and lunch menus, as well as the dessert section of the dinner menu. There’s also a wide selection of energising juices, smoothies and lattes to try. I washed mine down with ‘Bill’s raw’ concoction of banana, raw cacao, almond butter, dates and pea milk.
What to order: Ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter
Address: Kings Cross: Unit 1, 7 Pancras Square. Notting Hill: 175, Westbourne Grove, Chelsea: 237-239 Pavilion Road. Marylebone: 105 Marylebone High Street.
Visually stunning and utterly scrumptious, Apple Butter’s decadent pancakes are as much about spectacle as flavour, but it delivers both in bucketloads. The menu is kept exciting with an ever changing line-up of weekly specials, with flavours from ‘Malteaser’ or piña colada to baked Alaska and, most recently, tiramisu. The triple-tiered pancake stacks are chunky and substantial, so hold up well under the robust toppings. Given my disposition towards all things sweet, I delighted in the moreishly sticky, syrupy toffee apple and pecan special when visiting last autumn. These bold flavours are matched by the café’s colourful interior, dominated by a magnificent apple tree in its centre. If you have more savoury leanings, this probably isn’t the place for you, though there is a wide selection of other creative dishes, from an eggs florentine croissant to vibrant salads, sandwiches and mains. They have two cafés, located in Seven Dials and Langham Place, and queues can be long, but the Langham Place location does have a booking system. For Pancake Day itself, Apple Butter Café is turning the tables and allowing customers to build their own pancakes with a selection of toppings and customisable extras.
What to order: Weekly special pancake stack
Shrove’s Tuesday special: Build-your-own pancakes with a selection of toppings including dulce de leche, caramel, candy berries, pretzels, Oreo and more.
Address: 4-5 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DG; 32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA
Nothing beats a brisk walk on Hampstead Heath followed by a freshly cooked crêpe from this renowned cart on the high street (or you can find another of their stalls in West Hampstead). Thin, buttery and cooked to perfection, the La Crêpe Suzette is every bit as satisfying as you’d expect, covered in a delicately boozy citrus sauce. Equally delectable are the savoury options, with cheese, ham and garlic mushrooms being a winning flavour combination, in my opinion. For something more adventurous, take your pick from menu items such as rum, raisin and Belgian chocolate, banane au Grand Marnier, or the enticing ‘La Surprise des Caraïbes’ (Caribbean Surprise) featuring banana on butter and sugar with a sprinkling of coconut and Belgian chocolate, finished off with cream and rum. I will certainly be power-walking across the Heath to try this one next.
What to order: La Crêpe Suzette or Mushrooms in garlic with cheese and ham
Address: Hampstead Heath: 77a Hampstead High Street, London NW3 1RE. West Hampstead: 154 West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 1SD
Tucked inside The Hoxton hotel on Shepherd’s Bush Green, Chet’s is an exciting addition to West London’s brunch and all‑day dining scene. The pancakes in particular are a highlight, offering a playful twist on classic flavours and global influences. This Thai‑Americana fusion restaurant from the team behind LA’s Night + Market brings bold flavours and a relaxed, retro diner vibe. The normal breakfast and brunch menu features a generous stack of American-style pancakes topped with chocolate chips, mixed berries, Chantilly cream and maple syrup, a combination which certainly satisfied my sweet tooth yet was well balanced by the lightness of the pancakes. Additionally, for Pancake Day only, they are serving up a bottomless sweet pancake special from 7am-4pm, complete with a luxurious topping of Chantilly cream, fresh berries, caramelised banana, berry compote, maple syrup and a scattering of sprinkles. Alternatively, after 5pm you can tuck into a savoury dinner option of sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, som tum-infused maple syrup, pickled Thai chillies, spring onion and sesame seeds. If that’s not a marvellous mouthful, I don’t know what is!
What to order: American pancake stack with chocolate chips, mixed berries, Chantilly cream and maple syrup
Shrove’s Tuesday Specials: Sweet – American pancakes with Madagascan vanilla chantilly, fresh berries, caramelised banana, berry compote, maple syrup and sprinkles. Savoury – American pancakes with sunny side up eggs, crispy bacon, som tum-infused maple syrup
Address: 65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE
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