Shrove Tuesday has arrived – one of the UK’s most eagerly anticipated food-based holidays, marking, as it does, Pancake Day! In an annual tradition that never ceases to bring smiles to people’s faces, London St Pancras Station has once again been transformed into London St Pancake station.
Now, no actual transformation has taken place. The station hasn’t been transported to some kind of syrup-laden wonderland. Nor are they handing out free pancakes to hungry and tired commuters travelling through the station (imagine!). Instead, mentions of London St Pancras station on destination boards and journey trackers have been swapped out for London St Pancake. It’s a little spot of humour and joy to mark a day full of pancake-y fun.
Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday
Historically, and religiously, marking the last day before a period of lenting, Shrove Tuesday has commonly been associated with feasting and revelry. People take advantage of the day to enjoy richer and fattier foods that they won’t be able to consume while fasting. In places like New Orleans and France that results in Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday’ celebrations. Elsewhere, such as in Brazil and Spain, Shrove Tuesday marks the end of Carnival – a period of revelry and celebration.
In the UK, though? It’s all about the pancakes, baby. Whether we’re topping them with butter and maple syrup, drenching them in honey, or crowning them in piles of fruit, it’s an excuse to have pancakes for every meal. At least, that’s how I’m going to be celebrating it!
London St Pancake
Traditionally, the change to the station name can be seen near and far, from Southeastern services to Stratford International and beyond. After all, we can celebrate pancake day anywhere that can fit a pan with some eggs, flour and milk. Huzzah!
We’re not even sure what to think anymore! The only solution? Best go and eat some pancakes and wait for it all to blow over…