Spring is creeping up, and brighter days are on the horizon. Before we break out of winter, one day shines out among the rest – pancake day! For one day of the year, it’s totally acceptable to eat indulgent pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Why not go for all three and really stick to tradition? No judgement!
Many people don’t know why we celebrate pancake
day, or Shrove Tuesday as it’s traditionally known. Before you sink your fork into a fluffy stack of American-style cakes or a perfectly flipped and filled crepe, get clued up on the custom and appreciate why you’re doing it.
Here, we bring you the best places to get pancakes in Manchester, one of our favourite places to mark the occasion, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked pancake day-related questions.
When is pancake day 2020?
Tuesday the 25th of February.
Why do we celebrate pancake day?
Pancake day is officially called Shrove Tuesday and marks the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
The word shrove, from the English word shrive, means to be forgiven for sins by performing a penance – in the case of the traditional Christian holiday, Lent is an opportunity to fast and have sins forgiven before the Easter celebration.
Why do we eat pancakes on pancake day?
Historically, Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats (butter) before the start of the Lent fast. Delicious pancakes are the perfect way to use up these ingredients, which is why it’s traditional to eat them on the final day before Lent.
Now that you understand a little more about the celebration, it’s time to plan your pancake day!
The tasty treat is easy enough to make at home, with few ingredients needed and basic toppings like lemon and sugar being more than acceptable. If, like us, you’re taking the event a little more seriously this year, head to any of these Manchester eateries and prepare to be blown away by creative recipes and unique flavours.
1.Moose Coffee
The brunch at Moose Coffee is famous across the city. With pancakes so good they have customers queuing out the door, you can be sure this is a wise way to spend your lunchtime when the Pancake Day comes around.
Their extensive menu includes full sections dedicated to American pancake stacks, as well as an all-day breakfast choice which is bursting with sweet and savoury options. Back to pancakes, try the ‘Double Dutch’, which comes with smoked sausage and bacon or apple and homemade salted caramel pancakes, which are cooked with cinnamon-spiced apple and drenched in caramel, maple syrup, and butter.
2. 19 Café Bar
19 Café Bar is an independent coffee shop bringing the vibrancy of Brooklyn to Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter. Head there this pancake day and order a stack served with bacon and syrup or fresh fruit. To celebrate the occasion in style, choose the Funfetti option, which is filled with colourful sprinkles and topped with M&M’s.
3. Sugar Junction
Set in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Sugar Junction operates with a passion for baking and love of food at its core. Their chorizo and halloumi pancakes are a perfect choice if you’re looking for something savoury. Washed down with a prosecco cocktail, which this Northern Quarter spot does perfectly, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the tradition of Pancake Day.
4.Evelyn’s Café Bar
Whether you’re a local looking for the perfect fix or a foodie visitor visiting Manchester, don’t miss the brunch offering at Evelyn’s. This Tib Street spot is a favourite among the city’s stylish community, thanks to it’s sleek yet comforting décor and the team of friendly staff.
When it comes to placing an order, you might find yourself spoilt for choice. If you’re paying a visit this Shrove Tuesday, however, you can’t go wrong with their buttermilk pancakes stack. One of the signature dishes from the menu and maybe the fluffiest plate in the city, this sweet stack comes with honeycomb butter and berries. Winner.
5. alabama's
Alabama’s All-American Eatery does just what it says on the tin. All. American. Eatery. Think fuss-free options and portions to leave even the biggest appetite satisfied. There are plenty of choices in the ‘sweet stacks’ section of the menu, from classic berries and cream to banoffee, peanut butter, and chocolate, to the growing favourite, bacon and maple syrup.
What’s more, their legendary buttermilk stacks are available as vegan dishes. Pancakes for everyone!
6. Home Sweet Home
If you’ve been to Home Sweet Home and haven’t tried their pancake stack, you don’t know what you’re missing. Although everything on the menu is super-indulgent and delicious, the stacked pancakes are pure joy. Choose from banana, Nutella, and salted caramel or blueberry compote and frosting. Sweet, fluffy, and oh-so-special.
If you’re heading to Manchester to celebrate pancake day this year, why not enhance your experience by booking a night in a Manchester hotel? The ibis Manchester Centre 96 is an ideal choice, close to the best in the city and with plenty of major transport links nearby.
