Week 7 - Pancake Day Challenge

A cool atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent food (for the first four pancakes or so) set the scene for this "Man vs. Food" style challenge

This week being something to do with some time vaguely related to the death of the alleged son of a god two thousand odd years ago, it seemed the only natural thing to do in recognition of this fact was gorge myself on pancakes at The Breakfast Club's Pancake Day Challenge.

'Today is going to be a good day' - the words that greet guests upon arrival at The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields, and from the friendly staff to the chilled out atmosphere I really felt it might be, at least until I sat down and ordered my food; then the nerves kicked in.

The challenge consisted of 12 large American-style pancakes, maple syrup, thick cream and a handful of blueberries, strawberries and raspberries to be eaten in 20 minutes or less. If completed by breakfast would be free, if not it would cost the princely sum of £17.50 - with all profits going to charity. 

Even before the challenge I never really fancied my chances having previously had 'all you can eat pancakes' in Denny's in America and only being able to manage about 6, the amount required here being more than double (taking into account the fruit). Still, free breakfast or charitable donation - I figured I couldn't lose... which is just as well as sadly in this edition of Man vs. Food, food won. You can check out my attempt in full below:

I started out strong devouring the first 4 pancakes in around 5 minutes and still managing to conserve my precious maple syrup and cream. However from there I think the doughy, floury pancakes started to expand in my stomach and that really hit my time, I switched to eating large chunks out of multiple pancakes at once in an attempt to get enough down me before too much more expanding happened, however by the time I had finished the 8th pancake I was already beyond comfortably full and staring down a sprint finish. With steely determination I managed another 2 before the clock finally signalled my defeat, and honestly it couldn't have come fast enough in the end. You know when Adam Richmond fails on a similar challenge the odds are stacked against you, but it was great fun regardless. I now only have to go back to try out some of their other dishes in sensible portions under no time restrictions and I have no doubt they will still serve up the same great experience. Check them out sometime http://www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com/