Leadenhall Market will celebrate Shrove Tuesday with the return of its annual Pancake Day Race, taking place in the Market’s iconic atrium on Tuesday 17 February 2026, with races starting at 12.30pm. Teams are now invited to secure their place in this much-loved City tradition.
Hosted by Leadenhall Market’s 18th century pub, The Lamb Tavern, the high-octane lunchtime event sees teams of four don bowler hats and race through the Market’s Victorian cobbled walkways in a series of 20-metre relay races, all while flipping pancakes.
Now a firm fixture in the City calendar, the race is open to all flippers, from City workers to Londoners and those visiting for the day. Spectators are invited to line the Market’s walkways to watch the action unfold beneath Leadenhall’s glass roof.
The winning team will have their name engraved on the famous Golden Frying Pan and take home a Lamb Tavern Hamper and £50 bar tab. Second place will receive a hamper, while third place will win a bottle of prosecco. All competitors will also receive a free pancake on the day.
The race will be compered live, with plenty of pancakes cooked fresh by The Lamb Tavern’s kitchen team to keep both runners and spectators well fed. With a large audience expected, visitors are encouraged to arrive at the Market from 11am to secure a prime viewing spot for the races.
Free to enter, the Pancake Day Race is open to teams of four and places must be booked in advance via www.lambtavernleadenhall.com.
After the final flip, those feeling pancake-weary can refuel elsewhere in the Market. Leadenhall is home to an eclectic line-up of food and drink spots, with lunch on the go options including Sfrigola, serving Sicilian arancini, Buns From Home, offering freshly baked croissant buns and Chango Empanadas, specialising in traditional Argentine empanadas. Those looking for a more leisurely sit down can choose from fine dining at Osteria del Mercato, French dishes at Luc’s Brasserie, and Spanish flavours at La Viña.
Situated in the heart of the City of London, Leadenhall Market is a Grade II-listed landmark dating back to 1881, designed by Sir Horace Jones. Today, its iron-and-glass architecture provides a striking backdrop for events that bring together City workers, residents and visitors to the Square Mile.
