We heartily encourage you to eat pancakes any day of the year, but tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday, which means they are pretty much essential. As this list of restaurants demonstrates, the humble pancake comes in many different guises. Will it be American hotcakes with blueberries, or the timeless French crêpe with lemon and sugar? If you’re struggling to choose, we’ve picked out some of the most mouthwatering menu choices.

My Old Dutch

The original pancake house has branches in Kensington, Holborn and Chelsea and has been serving large flat Dutch pancakes known as pannekoeken since the 50s. The culinary influences extend far beyond the borders of Holland, with Italian, Greek and Chinese-inspired savoury pancakes – look out for the chicken curry one too. The sweet pancakes are more traditional, with tempting combinations including chocolate, syrup, lemon and berries.
Star pancake: It has to be the eponymous My Old Dutch: a favourite from Holland with smoked bacon, chicken, ham, sweet pepper, mushrooms, sweetcorn and cheese.

The Breakfast Club

While this trio of cafés do serve lunch and dinner, go there for the breakfast and brunches. The atmosphere is cosy, as the murmurs of half-asleep punters mix with clattering plates. Pancakes are of the American variety (smaller and fatter than French crêpes or Dutch pannekoeken) and come with cooked breakfasts or with maple syrup, or berries and ice cream for a sweet treat. Breakfast Clubs can be found in Hoxton, Angel, Soho or Spitalfield. Arrive early as they are very popular at weekends.
Star pancake: Pancakes and Bacon with maple syrup – an unrivalled combination of sweet and salty.

Crème de la Crêpe

Silly names and inventive combinations abound at this cool crêperie, which started off with a stall in Borough Market before graduating to its first shop in Covent Garden. Indulgent creations on the menu include the Billy Goat’s Gruff (goat’s cheese, caramelised onion marmalade, sweet cherrybell peppers and rocket) and the Cheap Date (Mars bar with Baileys). It now has a second outlet in South Kensington too.
Star pancake: The adventurous Gone Fishin’, with hot smoked salmon, spring onions, lemon juice, black pepper mayonnaise and rocket.

The Kensington Crêperie

This is where French locals head when they need a crêpe fix. Stalwart sweet options like lemon and sugar are perfect for snacks and puddings, and The Kensington Crêperie also serves a brilliant range of galettes – French pancakes made with buckwheat flour and a savoury filling.
Star pancake: The effortlessly French Tartiflette Galette, a buckwheat pancake filled with the classic French dish of bacon, potatoes, oozing Raclette cheese, cream, onion and white wine.

More information about Pancake Day in London

From pancakes to Brazilian street food, there’s always something new for foodies to discover in London. Here’s our pick of the best new restaurant openings and events.

Yalla Yalla Pops Up in Shoreditch
Middle Eastern eatery Yalla Yalla has opened a pop-up branch in Shoreditch High Street. Specialising in Lebanese and Middle Eastern street food, the new restaurant will be open for at least six months. The space is covered by a canopy, with heaters and a mixture of cushion seating and tables with stools. On the menu you’ll find mezze, lamb and chicken shawarma and wraps, along with a choice of Lebanese wines and beers.

Pancakes at Shutterbug
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Pancake Day on Tuesday, why not head to new “crepe and cocktail speakeasy” Shutterbug, where they’re combining pancakes with a Mardi Gras party. Parisian chef Romain Ragouin has been making crepes for more than 15 years, and current favourites include chorizo, egg, roasted peppers and fresh chilli; and red velvet crepe with mascarpone and strawberries.

Rio Carnival at Guanabara
The sights, sounds and tastes of Rio Carnival are coming to London’s Guanabara for a six-day Brazilian festival, starting today. Chef Pietro Rocha will be creating delicious carnival favourites, such as corn dogs and feijoada (a black bean, sausage and beef stew) and there’ll be rum cocktails and Brazilian Brahmas beer. Daily entertainment includes samba dancing, live music and DJs.

The Spaniards Inn
The historic Spaniards Inn near Hampstead Heath has reopened following a refurbishment. Built in 1585, The Spaniards was immortalised in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The interior, with its oak-panelled walls and chandeliers, has been spruced up and the outside boasts an al fresco bar, barbeque and dog wash. You can choose from a changing menu of classic pub dishes and an extensive selection of beers.

Look out for more restaurant news soon.

MPs and journalists took a battering from members of the House of Lords at today’s Parliamentary Pancake Race in Westminster.

The Lords team took the title back from the MPs, who won last year.

The annual race sees teams of MPs, Lords and members of the press fighting it out for pancake glory and to raise awareness for the charity Rehab.

The victorious Lords team comprised Lord Redesdale, Earl of Listowel, Baroness Parminter, Baroness Jolly, Lord Marks and Lord St John of Bletso.

Lord Redesdale commented:

“It was a gruelling race which called for guts and determination. The MPs and media runners put up a serious challenge but, thanks to a rigorous training regime undertaken immediately before the race, our efforts were rewarded. When all is said and done, we are all just pleased to play our part in supporting the great work of Rehab.”

Rehab is a not-for-profit organisation which provides training and support for people with disabilities and other socially-disadvantaged groups.

The crepe experts are hosting an express stall where crepes will be made fresh on request. The limited edition menu includes indulgent white chocolate and strawberry crepes for those with a sweet tooth, or if you prefer savoury try delectable fresh pesto, goats’ cheese, sun-blushed tomato and rocket crepes.

Not only that, but if you buy a crepe from the express stall today, you’ll get a voucher for the next one free. The stall is open today until 10pm, so there’s still plenty of time to get your fix!

For more information visit www.coventgardenlondonuk.com or follow Covent Garden on Twitter