Kid-friendly cafés & restaurants
Pancake Day 2024: the best pancake cafés for families
The best pancake cafés for families serve fluffy stacks or thin crêpes with simple toppings, have high chairs and a kids' menu, and don't mind a bit of syrup on the floor. Pancake Day falls on Tuesday 13 February 2024, right in the middle of half-term for many families in England. Here are our favourite family-friendly pancake spots in London, Manchester and York, plus seasonal treats and tips for a calm meal out.
Why kid-friendly pancake cafés matter
Children are at their happiest with a plate of pancakes, and a family-friendly café lets parents enjoy it too. A good kids' menu means smaller portions and fewer wasted plates, while relaxed staff make it easier to manage toddlers. On Shrove Tuesday, when every café is busy, those little extras make a big difference.
Eating out for Pancake Day is also a lovely tradition to start, especially if flipping pancakes at home feels like too much on a school night.
What makes pancake cafés family-friendly
Look for high chairs, a kids' menu, baby change and a play corner or at least space for a pushchair.
- Kids' menu: small stacks, plain pancakes with fruit, or savoury options like ham and cheese.
- High chairs: enough for a busy day, and booster seats for older children.
- Baby change: clean and easy to reach.
- Space: room for a pushchair and a table that isn't in everyone's way.
- Speed: quick service, as hungry children don't wait well.
The best pancake cafés by city
London has the most choice, but there are great pancake cafés in Manchester, York and across the country through family chains. Check opening hours, booking and prices on the official website before you go.
| Place | City | Style | Kids' menu | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Old Dutch | London | Dutch pancakes | yes | ££ |
| The Breakfast Club | London and beyond | American stacks | yes | ££ |
| Crêpeaffaire | UK-wide | French crêpes | yes | £ |
| Bill's | UK-wide | breakfast pancakes | yes | ££ |
| Federal Café | Manchester | brunch pancakes | small plates | ££ |
| Bettys | York and Harrogate | tea room treats | yes | £££ |
Price per person: £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£20, £££ = over £20. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find family-friendly cafés in London on the Kid.ooo map
London. My Old Dutch has served giant Dutch pancakes in London for decades, with sweet and savoury options that kids love to share. The Breakfast Club is known for American-style stacks in a buzzy, colourful setting.
UK-wide chains. Crêpeaffaire serves quick crêpes in many towns, perfect for a pre-school or after-school treat. Bill's has pancakes on its breakfast menu and a proper children's menu.
Manchester. Federal Café is a popular brunch spot with pancakes and a relaxed vibe, best at quieter times with little ones.
York. Bettys is a classic Yorkshire tea room treat. Expect a queue, but children love the cakes in the window.
Find kid-friendly restaurants in Manchester on the Kid.ooo map
Seasonal treats this month
February is all about pancakes, Valentine's bakes and the first rhubarb from Yorkshire. Try lemon and sugar for a classic Shrove Tuesday, or banana and chocolate for a crowd-pleaser. Forced Yorkshire rhubarb appears in cafés and markets in February, and it's lovely stewed over pancakes.
For a bit of tradition, the Olney Pancake Race in Buckinghamshire has been run on Shrove Tuesday for centuries, with runners flipping pancakes as they go. Children can try their own pancake race in the park or garden.
Tips for a calm meal out with kids
Go early, order quickly and bring something small to keep hands busy while you wait.
- Arrive before the rush, ideally mid-morning or late afternoon.
- Ask for the kids' food to come first, or order a plain pancake to share straight away.
- Bring crayons or a sticker book.
- Cut pancakes into strips for toddlers, and ask for syrup on the side.
- Pack wipes, because there will be stickiness.
If you're out for the whole day, combine pancakes with a museum or soft play from our best soft play centres in the UK list. For more ideas on eating out with children, see our guide to apple picking and farm cafés.
For dad-of-two family life and travel inspiration, take a look at @rolandhall on Instagram.
Rate your favourite pancake café in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents add and rate kid-friendly cafés, restaurants and playgrounds. Use it to find kid-friendly cafés near me, and leave a quick rating after your pancake feast so other families know where to go.
Find and rate kid-friendly cafés on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite pancake café? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan a sweet Shrove Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pancake Day 2024?
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, falls on Tuesday 13 February 2024. It's the day before Ash Wednesday, so the date changes every year with Easter.
Where can I take kids for pancakes?
Dedicated pancake houses such as My Old Dutch in London, all-day breakfast cafés like The Breakfast Club and family chains such as Bill's and Crêpeaffaire are all good choices. Book ahead on Shrove Tuesday, as they get busy.
What makes a pancake café family-friendly?
High chairs, a kids' menu with smaller portions, baby change and staff who are relaxed about sticky fingers. A table away from the door and early timing make the meal much calmer.
Do kids eat free on Pancake Day?
Some cafés and chains run Pancake Day offers or kids eat free deals, but they change every year. Check the restaurant's website or social media on the day.
Find family places near you
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