Pancake Day

Today, pancakes galore will be on offer at the city’s bars and eateries in celebration of Shrove Tuesday.

The buttery treats of all shapes and sizes return for one-day-only as people forage for favourites or rustle up their own at home.

One city centre restaurant is taking the theme a step further – by transforming into an all-day pancake bar.

Angelica, based at Trinity Leeds shopping centre, are whipping up tasty treats from noon until 8pm at the rooftop eatery to mark the occasion.

Customers can choose between the American or classic-style of pancake, with an assortment of sweet or savoury toppings on offer.

Lee Murdoch, head chef at Angelica, said that giving people the chance to create their own favourite flavours from toppings is one of the keys to success on Pancake Day.

He said: “Pancakes are always a popular choice in Angelica – in fact, we have crepes on our daily brunch menu – but Pancake Day is a great excuse to mix up flavours and toppings and have some fun!

“Obviously having a day dedicated entirely to pancakes means we like to offer something a little special, which is why we’re opening our ‘Pancake Bar’ so that people can create their own favourite combinations.”

But finding that perfect recipe can often be a challenge for those wanting to indulge on Pancake Day.

Mr Murdoch added: “While you can’t go wrong with a good, reliable Yorkshire Pudding batter mix, I always recommend making things more interesting by adding extra ingredients to the mix such as citrus zest, spices, vanilla extract or herbs to give that extra layer of flavour.”

Some of the toppings on offer at the restaurant – with a stack of pancakes and three toppings for £6 – include banana, praline and Nutella, seasonal fruits and vanilla cream or bacon and maple syrup.

Elsewhere in Leeds, for those looking for a lighter version of the humble pancake, Crepe Affaire inside Trinity Leeds is bracing itself for a pancake bonanza today.

The eatery, which sells crepes all-year-round, has drafted in extra staff as hundreds of people are expected to order a sweet treat from its menu.

Assistant manager Joanna Gutkowska said last night: “We are excited. The chef will be very busy, last year it was really busy. We are just the one shop here that always sells pancakes so we’ll have around 10 people working. I’m looking forward to it and I can’t wait.”

For those looking for an upmarket alternative to the usual on Pancake Day, Crafthouse at the shopping centre is offering guests the chance to experience an authentic crepe experience.