Shrove Tuesday – perhaps better known as pancake day to some – is fast-approaching but who gives a crepe about staying in and frying your own again?
South east London and north Kent have some flipping great fruity, sweet and savoury pancakes and crepes to be had. We tracked down five of the best...
Le Delice
Where? 38 Ladywell Road
Why? Karine Bengueloul, wife of owner Nabil, said their authentic French crepes were popular.
She said: “It’s the recipe. It’s a real crepe, we use vanilla and we also use hot milk for the dough.”
Le Delice serves a variety of sweet and savoury pancakes, but there is one stand-out favourite.
“The best one is the Nutella,” she said. “It’s the favourite for most people.”
Price? From £2.99
Kaspas
Where? 18 London Road, Forest Hill
Why? Catford’s premier dessert bar doesn’t just do one variety of crepe, it’s got a whole menu full of them – from Sweet and Simple’s sugar and butter to the Bananaberry with banana, strawberry and a luxury milk chocolate syrup. There are 10 varieties, all of which can be washed down with a cool milkshake.
Price? £3.50 to £5.50.
Giraffe
Where? Wintergarden, Bluewater, Greenhithe
Why? A Giraffe spokesman said: "Not only are our pancakes light and fluffy but served with a nutritious and delicious combination of fresh banana and blueberry compote – adding flavour, freshness and fruity goodness!" As an added bonus, the pancakes are 50 per cent off on Shrove Tuesday.
Price? Stacked Blueberry and Banana Pancakes with maple syrup , £6.95 on the breakfast menu
Bill’s
Where? Wintergarden, Bluewater, Greenhithe
Why? Always good for a lovely bite to eat, Bill’s is expanding its regular breakfast menu pancakes (see below) on Shrove Tuesday to serve them all day long. You’ll be able to pick up classic lemon and sugar, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream, winter fruit compote and fresh strawberries, and caramelised banana with malted caramel banana ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Price? Get blueberry and buttermilk pancakes with banana, strawberries and maple syrup for £5.95 on the breakfast menu. Add smoked streaky bacon for £1.50
Canvas and Cream
Where? 18 London Road, Forest Hill
Why? The pancakes are made with a South American recipe which includes cheese to make them extra doughy. The stacks of three also come in delicious and extravagant flavours, such a fresh fruit, ice cream and caramel sauce, bacon and sausages. And their syrup is pure Canadian maple syrup.
The family-run gallery-slash-cafe’s Emily said: “Our pancakes are truly the best pancakes ever! They are an adaptation of American pancakes but with a twist, the recipe (which is secret of course) includes cottage cheese, so not only delicious but I like to think I'm getting something a little healthy too.”
Price? On the brunch menu (served til 4pm): bacon or sausages/veggie sausages and maple syrup (£9), berries with crème fraiche and maple syrup (£9.50), vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce (£9.50).
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