Where business meets batter: The Bankside pancake day race!

This year’s Pancake Day Race flipped back into action at Marlborough Sports Garden, and Bankside businesses showed up in full force.

In true Better Bankside style, the event brought together businesses, families, spectators, and the sun for an afternoon that was equal parts competition and community celebration. Frying pans at the ready, teams raced down the track, pancakes airborne, cheered on by a crowd that knows how to get behind its own. Costumes were bold, flips were brave, and while not every landing was perfect, the spirit certainly was.

After a series of intense contested heats, the final delivered the kind of drama Pancake Day deserves. Four standout teams went pan to pan in a fast and fiercely fought race to the line, with Circa London’s team Talk Crepe To Me taking the win once again. The champions claimed a well-earned goodie bags generously gifted by Bonne Mamam, filled with jammy treats, along with a team lunch at Café François.

But this event is about more than a dash to the finish. It was also an opportunity to support a fantastic local charity, Blackfriars Settlement. Together, we raised £625 to support its ongoing work with people within SE1 and the wider community, creating opportunities to make life better through services including Positive Ageing and Mental Health & Wellbeing programmes.

Marlborough Sports Garden once again proved the perfect backdrop for the day’s festivities. As one of Bankside’s most valued community spaces, it reflects exactly what this race stands for: connection, wellbeing, and shared experience in the heart of the neighbourhood.

Events like the Pancake Day Race are a reminder of what makes Bankside different. A neighbourhood of generosity, creativity and collaboration. From the teams who trained (and practised their flips), to the supporters who lined the route, to historian and Blue Badge Guide Antony Robbins (Mr. Londoner) who kept the crowd entertained as compere. Thanks also to Little Flo’s Tuck Box for serving delicious pancakes, and to Bonne Maman for gifting jams for everyone to enjoy.

At Better Bankside, we’re here to champion that spirit. To bring businesses and community together. To make this neighbourhood stronger, greener and happier not just on Pancake Day, but all year round.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, cheered and helped make it happen. We’ll see you at the starting line next year frying pans at the ready.