The best takeaway pancakes to enjoy this lockdown

We won’t be able to eat inside our favourite cafes this pancake day, yet that doesn’t mean we won’t still be able to sample the delicious flattened goods from around the area as many are still operating a takeaway service. Although the legendary gölzemes aren’t available from their usual spot on Roman Road Market, those craving a savoury flatbread will be able to get their fix from the Artisan bakery. We’re missing Larder’s vegan option but Sazzy and Fran are filling that gap. Here’s a list of the best places to go to this pancake day, all still here and batter than ever.

Due to lockdown, all pancakes are takeaway only. Please check our list of ‘businesses open during lockdown’ for updated times.

Cafe East

426 Roman Rd, E3 5LU

Cafe East is one of the most popular stops on Roman Road, with their daily queue outside becoming a feature of the pavement. You know they’re doing something right. Owner Mustafa Has thinks the customers like the colourful fruits, the fact that everything is made fresh, and the tropical feel Cafe East has.

With their own pancake and waffle menu as a permanent fixture, they shouldn’t be missed. While you can get a whole full English with your pancakes here, as well as just dessert pancakes, all the options are served with pleasing-to-the-eye exotic fruits. They’d recommend the popular ‘Lost in London’, which does two pancakes, scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, two hash browns and beans.

Barge East

River Lee, White Post Lane, E9 5EN

Hackney Wick faves Barge East are hosting a pancake day event from their outdoor area. From 11-5 on Pancake Tuesday, Canadian Head Chef Jacob will be bringing his native food artistry into play – local residents will be able to try out three Barge East own style pancakes, including white chocolate, candied hazelnuts & raspberry compote style, a buffalo chicken style as well as a bacon maple syrup pancake. Chef Jacob is even working on a Reuban pancake. (Haven’t heard of it? Go and try!)

Cafe Creme

566 Roman Rd, E3 5ES

Beside the Bow Library, you’ll find the charming Cafe Creme on the corner. Whether you’re up for a light snack or a hearty meal, they can help. The same applies to Pancake Day. The friendly family-run business will be serving up several homemade pancakes with strawberries, blueberries and banana.

They have several choices, there’s a pancake with maple syrup, lemon and sugar, nutella and banana, or a pancake with bacon and maple syrup. All of them are served with a scoop of ice cream on the side.

Mae + Harvey

414 Roman Rd, E3 2RZ

Mae + Harvey on the Roman go all out on Pancake day. The pancake day menu will feature flavours like classic lemon and sugar and the favourite homemade nutella with chopped banana.

They’ll also have some creative twists like poached rhubarb and blood orange with whipped vanilla cream, and Nan’s fresh orange and sugar. Their pancake mix is a recipe inspired by chef Oliver Rowe, a regular at the cafe, who showed them his ‘puff pancake’ recipe from his latest cook book. The result? They’re deliciously light and fluffy.

Loafing

407 Roman Rd, E3 5QS

Roman Road’s Loafing, which reopened in March 2019, is a key pancake day stop, offering delicate, mouth-watering crêpes. Those desiring both sweet and savoury on pancake day will not be disappointed.

Loafing’s owner, Susie McDuell, explains how their most popular dish is a vegan option: a thin buckwheat flour galette filled with homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, mushrooms, onions and spinach. Susie’s topping of choice is Nutella and ice cream, which also features on their menu. What’s the secret to making a great crepe? ‘You’ll need fresh ingredients and the right technique to create the perfect crêpe: thin, colourful and beautiful’, Susie replies.

Gölzemes at Artisan Bakery

67 Usher Rd, Bow, E3 2HA

Nestled inside Niyazi Usta Artisan Bakery, next to Akdeniz Supermarket, you can find freshly made Gözlemes made on demand, for a very affordable price.

This bakery, which is owned by their neighbours Akdeniz, sell a range of produce including Turkish pastries, baked every day in the supermarket next door’s large, subterranean bakery which lies underneath the shop floor. Fun fact, this used to be the home of Breid bakery. 

Inside the bakery, a lady wearing traditional Turkish dress makes filling, buttery Gözlemes that are cheap as chips. You can choose from mushroom, minced meat, spinach and cheese and potato fillings. 

If you liked this, you might be interested in the best brunch spots and best Sunday Roasts around Roman Road.