Pancake Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is back on Tuesday 17th February and marks the perfect excuse to indulge in all things pancake! This year in Bedford and the surrounding towns, there is plenty happening if you’d prefer to go out and enjoy pancakes rather than stay home in the kitchen.
Just a short trip from Bedford, the historic Olney Pancake Race in the Market Place is one of the most famous ways to mark Pancake Day. This tradition, which has been running in some form since the 15th century, sees competitors sprinting 415 yards while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. There is pancake breakfasts, cookery demonstrations, children’s races, fun activities and stalls throughout the morning and early afternoon. Olney’s Market Place also offers hot pancakes, tea, stalls and children’s entertainment from early morning, and a special shriving service at midday for those who want to take part in the traditional side of the day.
In Bedford itself, community groups often host family-friendly fun to celebrate the occasion. The Pancake Olympics by Christ Church Bedford (4th March), promise silly pancake-flipping races and activities for all ages in the afternoon and the St John’s & St Leonard’s Church in Bedford is also inviting the community to a fun-filled Pancake Party which is open to all and promises free pancakes with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings, alongside games, crafts and plenty of activities for families and friends to enjoy together.
If you’d rather enjoy your pancakes in a cafe or local spot, Bedford has plenty of inviting places to choose from. Just a few examples – Pen & Cob are offering a special Pancake menu all week, The Longholme are offering a free tea or americano with their special pancake menu on the day, Heavenly Desserts are keeping it simple with great pancakes at an affordable price, Bedford Cheese Company at the Barn have gone for stacks of American pancakes with delicious toppings, not forgetting local cafes such as Frescoes and Bernie’s cafe offering pancakes with bacon, fruit and sauce and Green Earth cafe with their special homemade plant based pancakes.
Pancake Day in Bedford is a great way to enjoy delicious food while supporting local cafes and restaurants. With a variety of pancakes, from classic to creative toppings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a simple, tasty tradition that brings the community together and makes celebrating Pancake Day in Bedford well worth it.
