Flipping brilliant: Five of the UK’s best pancake parlours

To paraphrase Kenny Rogers, you got to know when to flip ’em, know when to fold ’em. Whether you’re into savoury, sweet or simple, soft and fluffy, these purveyors of battered bliss will see you right

By Ali Catterall

LONDON

HÉFAURE

Souffle pancakes on a plate topped with blueberries and cream

London: where the world comes to shop – and trade its wares. So, notwithstanding some of the city’s classiest pancake suppliers – from Balans, Soho, to the conveniently named Where The Pancakes Are, and the beloved My Old Dutch, why not celebrate the cultural diversity of the capital and head for Héfaure, a bijou little dessert cafe (this is really takeaway only) in Chinatown, specialising in exquisite Japanese ‘soufflé’ pancakes, characterised by their lightness and fluffiness. Heavenly offerings include Pistachio Souffle, Lotus Biscoff and Matcha Cream with Red Bean. For more Japanese pancakes, check out Fuwa Fuwa in Bloomsbury.

Find out more about HÉFAURE

BRIGHTON

STARFISH AND COFFEE

An unseen person wearing an apron holding a plate of three pancakes wiith bacon and fruit being drizzled with a dark syrup — The house pancakes with dry cured streaky bacon, blueberries, maple syrup and butter at Starfish and Coffee. (Photo: Ellen Richardson.)

We couldn’t possibly overlook an eatery that’s named itself after one of Prince’s greatest songs. But the stacked pancakes at this award-winning Brunchtastic venue are first-rate too. Starfish considers Pancake Day “our Christmas Day”, and “the only day of the year where we put our regular menu to one side and instead offer you a full range of savoury and sweet pancakes with gluten free and vegan options too.” Customer favourites include banana and chocolate chip, streaky bacon, Nutella, blueberry, and chai pumpkin.

Find out more about Starfish and Coffee

LIVERPOOL

MOOSE COFFEE

“Our mission is simple,” says Moose. “To provide the best North American dining experience in the UK and beyond.” And with three locations across the city – Dale Street, Hope Street, and on the docks – it’s hard to miss the Moose. Founded in 2008, and kitted out with leather booths, antler chandeliers, and moose-themed artwork, signature dishes include Granola & Chocolate Peanut Butter Pancakes and Apple & Homemade Salted Caramel Pancakes, complemented (of course) by Canadian maple syrup and butter. For more Stateside-inspired venues, check out The Breakfast Club – branches everywhere from Soho to Brighton and Gatwick – who similarly draw their inspiration from 80s Americana and specifically, the TV show ‘Cheers’.

Find out more about Moose Coffee

MANCHESTER

BLACK MILK

Three pancakes stacked on a plate with a scoop of green ice-cream bieng drizzled with a green liquid - there are other packages blurred in the background — Pistachio pancakes at Black Milk

Not gonna lie, there’s every chance your next destination, after straying in here, will be your dentist. But for those possessed of a sweet tooth, the pancakes at Black Milk are as seductive as its name. Located on Oldham Street, in the Northern Quarter, here’s where you can lose your mind over the likes of Biscoff, ‘Kinderella’, pistachio chocolate, and peanut butter pancakes. But also check out the much-loved 19 Café Bar: an oasis for brunch enthusiasts, serving up bagels, smoothie bowls, and a range of eggs Benedict (choose from chorizo, black pudding with bacon, royale or sweet potato). But more importantly, towering stacks of sweet and savoury pancakes – the best, some say, in Manchester.

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EDINBURGH

STACK & STILL

Two pancakes on a blue plate piled with peanut butter, marshmellows, broken Lotus Biscoff biscuits and drizzled with chocolate sauce — The Nutella Biscoff sundae

Twelve million potential pancake combinations! Imagine that! Imagine no more, because that’s exactly what the much loved Scottish pancake chain Stack & Still promise to deliver, from healthy ‘cakes such as the ‘Smoked Salmon & Avocado Stack’ (with a drizzle of chili oil) to the Moroccan-themed ‘Shakshuka Stack’, or the positively demonic ‘Nutella Biscoff Sundae.’ Discerning diners can also go gluten-free. But what are pancakes without a damn fine cup of coffee? Half an experience, that’s what. Take your pick from the Bottomless Drip Coffee, or usual espresso options. (Speaking of which, on weekends, this Assembly Rooms branch also moonlights as the late-night espresso martini bar, Insomnia.)

Find out more about Stack & Still

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