The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race


Released on: February 05, 2013, 2:18 pm
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Industry: Travel

East London gears up for annual Shrove Tuesday tradition, raising money for the London Air Ambulance.

-- /EPR NETWORK/ -- On February 12th, the annual pancake race will return to Dray Walk at the Old Truman Brewery, just off Brick Lane. Kicking off at 12.30 pm, the Great Spitalfields Pancake Race will feature teams of four, dressed in crazy garb and armed with frying pans and butter. Pancakes are provided.

After the heats are finished, the best teams will compete in the finals for the grand prize: an engraved frying pan. Awards are also given to the best-dressed team. Street performers and clowns wander up and down the course, and a string band will provide the score.

The Great Pancake Race dates back to the 70s, when it was originally run in Covent Garden. It transferred to Soho in the 80s, before settling on its current home in Spitalfields for the 1993 race. As well as being an eccentric day out for locals and tourists alike, the pancake race will raise money for the London Air Ambulance, both through sponsorship of participants, and donations collected on the big day. To enter a team, visit www.alternativearts.co.uk to register.

Most of the teams entered comprise of local businesses and hardcore residents. But a significant number travel in from outside the capital, either as runners or spectators. To help visitors keep their accommodation costs down, website HotelMap.com is offering reduced rates on London hotels close to Spitalfields. A full map of the city, with London hotels and their rates clearly marked, is available at HotelMap.com.

One of the nearest London hotels participating in the offer, the Crown Plaza in Shoreditch is offering a 35% discount on the night of the 12th, immediately after the race. The discount makes the cost of a night's stay in a double room £199.

A little further away is Hilton's Doubletree Hotel, situated next Fenchurch Street Station. According to HotelMap, rooms are available from to £158 per night – a 69% discount on the usual rate. The discounts are not available directly through the hotel. Bookings must be made via HotelMap.com. Visit the site to browse more discounted London hotels. http://www.LondonTown.com

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