By
Halls Life
Posted 17 hours ago
Mon 16 Feb, 2026 12:02 AM
Every year, usually in February or early March, Pancake Day takes over the UK. Cafés launch limited-edition menus, supermarkets stack shelves with ready-made batter, and social feeds fill up with pancake stacks and creative toppings.
In 2026, Pancake Day lands on Tuesday 17 February – so it’s the perfect excuse to plan a pancake night with friends or treat yourself to your favourite toppings.
Pancake Day – officially called Shrove Tuesday – comes from the Christian calendar and marks the start of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, traditionally a time of reflection and giving something up. Today, it’s also a chance to get together, cook, and enjoy some seriously good pancakes.
Historically, Lent meant giving up rich foods like eggs, milk, butter and sugar. Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to use these ingredients before the fasting period began. Pancakes became the obvious go-to. They’re simple, quick to make, and use up exactly those ingredients.
In the UK, pancakes are usually thin and more like crêpes than the thick, fluffy stacks you might see in the US. They’re less about indulgence and more about making something tasty from what you’ve got left in the cupboard. Traditionally, they’re cooked in a frying pan and flipped into the air to cook both sides - which, let’s be honest, is half the fun.
Over time, days like Pancake Day have shifted from being mainly religious festivals to cultural traditions that still keep some of their original meaning, but fit into modern life.
Pancake Day sticks around because it brings together a few simple things that never really go out of style:
- Food made from everyday ingredients
- A connection to the time of year and changing seasons
- A tradition that’s easy to take part in, whether you’re cooking in a shared kitchen, at home, or just grabbing pancakes with friends
Make pancakes with our easy recipe
Enjoy some pancakes with your friends in halls this Pancake Day. Our quick, easy recipe will have you enjoying warm, fresh pancakes in no time.
Visit a UAL canteen to grab a pancake (or two!)
Pancake Day Bar 🥞
Our dedicated pancake bar will be at selected canteens. Think fresh, fluffy pancakes with plenty of toppings to make it your own, from fruit and sauces to savoury options.
🗓️ Date: Tuesday 17 February
⏰ Time: During canteen hours from 12pm
📍Location: All canteen sites other than Chelsea and Wimbledon
Want the chance to win a free pancake? 🤤
Take part in our signature flipping competition. Flip a pancake 10 times in a row and the second one is on us!
