Flippin’ heck! The Liverpool Pancake Day Race is returning next week

Liverpool’s traditional Pancake Day Race returns on Shrove Tuesday and the egg-citement is building as Lunya Lita’s chef Alex Hopkins looks to batter his opponents and win a hat-trick. 

Held in the gardens of Liverpool Parish Church, and organised by Liverpool BID Company, the annual Liverpool Pancake Day Race sees chefs from top restaurants in the city make a pancake that will allow them to compete in laps around the gardens, while also flipping the pancake.

The pancake must be thick enough to withstand the outdoors, light enough to be flipped cleanly while running, and must not fall from the pan. 

First launched in the 1980s, it was revived in the 2000s in Liverpool and is no yolk for the chefs who take part. Alongside bragging rights, the winning chef is awarded with an engraved pancake pan, presented by the Rector of Liverpool Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing. 

Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing said:

“It crêpes up on us every year but the Pancake Race is an important marker in the year. I am looking forward to seeing if Alex becomes what we think is our most successful race entrant yet.

“The origin of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday lies in the tradition of using up remaining fat and dairy products before ‘fasting’ began in Lent. Although people rarely give up dairy products in Lent today, many Christians still keep the tradition of giving something up as a way of preparing themselves for Easter.”

Alex Hopkins, defending champion, said: 

“I can’t wait for this year’s Pancake Race. As the twice defending champion I’m hoping to make it three in a row for our superb restaurant. It’s a must attend for all keen Liverpool chefs.”

Seven chefs in total are expected to attend this year’s race from venues including Hotel Indigo, Aloft, Mercure, Lunyalita, Ma Boyles, Tempest and Novotel. 

The Liverpool Pancake Day Race takes place Tuesday 13 February, 2024, at 11.00am.

For the latest news in Liverpool click here.