Free, tasty and award-winning: our guide to Pancake Day in Manchester

Flippin’ heck, Pancake Day is here again. Time to grease up your pan, crack open the eggs… and make some hefty, great pancakes – which are to the French crepe what your winter duvet is to silk sheets. While pancakes are not impossible to make at home, you may prefer to enjoy yours cooked by a professional – so here’s our guide to the best places to indulge.

Common – Free pancakes all day

The original Northern Quarter bar will be offering free pancakes all day. What’s in it for them? No idea. We suggest you take advantage of their generosity though. (Common, 39 Edge Street, M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, www.facebook.com)

The Oast House – A proper pancake menu

Down in Spinningfields, the Oast House – the one that looks like a windmill without the sails – has a special menu of pancakes to try. It’s also warm and cosy inside with sheepskin rugs and nice leather chairs. (The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, Spinningfields, M3 3AY, Tel: 0161 829 3830, www.theoasthouse.uk.com)

Oak Street Cafe – Stilton and honey prize-winning pancake

The Craft and Design Centre’s popular Oak Street Cafe has a new addition to its menu – the stilton, honey and black pepper pancake (pictured) – which won the tastiest pancake prize off the back of a Twitter competition. Available today only. (Manchester Craft and Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD. Tel: 0161 832 4274, www.craftanddesign.com)

St Philip’s Church – Pancake, wine and quiz 

Over in Salford, Reverend Andy Salmon is hosting a celebration of Shrove Tuesday after the 7pm church service, with a quiz, glass of wine and pancakes for £4. Extra wine costs more, prizes available. (St Philip’s Church, 2 Wilton Place, M3 6FR, 7.45pm, £4, www.facebook.com)