It might be the most depressing month of year, but at least there's Shrove Tuesday to look forward to. Why not start the day with American-style pancakes with maple syrup, and end it with a crˆpe suzette after dinner.

The reason for all this pancake consumption is because Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent, when Christians would aim to use up the things they wanted to deprive themselves of for the next 40 days. The name comes from the ritual of shriving - confessing sins and receiving absolution - that Christians used to undergo in the past.



Where to eat pancakes

H My Old Dutch in the King's Road, Holborn and Ealing Broadway are restaurants dedicated almost solely to pancakes. They range from savoury meat and vegetarian options to sweet.

Tel: 020 7376 5650 (King's Road).

H Chez Lindsay, Richmond: Serves up a selection of unfussy Breton fare, but specialises in galettes, the crisp buckwheat pancakes of the region. There is an array of tempting fillings like smoked salmon, Roquefort or the traditional "Complet" choice of ham and eggs. You can also drink cider and not feel embarrassed.

Tel: 020 8948 7473.

H The New Angel, Dartmouth:

For Michelin-starred crˆpes, Mr Burton-Race will sort you out. Tel: 01803 839425.

H The Pear Tree Crˆperie, Swinfen, near Lichfield, Staffordshire:

Reckons a visit through its doors is "like taking the ferry to France, without the inconvenience of unpredictable weather or traffic jams". What more could you ask?

Tel: 01543 481807.