Originally published 2019
Norwich is home to many places to celebrate Shrove Tuesday if you:
a) Don’t own weighing scales and/or a whisk
b) Own weighing scales and/or a whisk but can’t be trusted to use them responsibly
c) Can’t be bothered to scrape batter off your ceiling at 9.36pm on a weekday
So although they are a delicacy all year round, if you too find yourself googling ‘how do I make pancakes’ every February then this list is for you…
Christophe’s Crepes live by the mantra that ‘Pancakes are for life, not just Shrove Tuesday’, so it feels kind of like blasphemy to include them in this blog which – although 2 weeks early – is a bit of a precursor for the big, battered day. That said, we do agree with them; Christophe’s Crepes are incredible, all year round, and they have a loyal following to show for it. So much so in fact, that they’ve just announced that their van on Davey Place will be a permanent feature, open every day (Mon – Fri 11 – 4.30, Sat 10.30 – 5, Sun 11.30 – 4). Their pancake with bananas, berries and melted chocolate comes highly recommended.
For an elegant buttermilk pancakes experience in gorgeous surroundings, then you should visit The Assembly House. This beautiful Georgian House is located right in the city centre, complete with fountain and sweeping driveway; there is nowhere more luxurious for pancakes. Plus, you can do Shrove Tuesday with the only thing better than pancakes: The Assembly House breakfast menu includes four different cocktails, so you can really pancake in style.
Photo: The Waffle House
Okay so it’s not strictly pancakes. I get that. But LOOK AT THEM. For a square, kind of perforated pancake, pay a visit to the Waffle House on Upper St Giles, for iterations of the waffle like no other. You want bolognaise on it? No problem. Love hummus? Get it on a waffle. Feeling decadent? Get chocolate mousse on a waffle. You get the idea: there is a whole menu based on waffles and the accessories you can have with them. You can pop in the off chance, but I do recommend you book!
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Photo: Franks
Frank’s pancakes (Frankcakes, anyone?), were a bit of a staple for me when I first moved to Norwich. The cosy interior – complete with squashy seating and eclectic crockery – is the perfect way to enjoy their pancakes, which are American-style and deliciously fluffy. Get them with bacon and maple syrup, or berries and yogurt, but certainly with one of Frank’s fairtrade, organic coffees. It’s the perfect laid-back antidote to the too-many-things-on-the-hob chaos of a well intentioned pancake day at your house.
