The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers

Pancake Race Shrove Tuesday 2026

It was particularly fortunate that the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race, held in the Courtyard of the Guildhall and organised by the Poulters, coincided with a very rare day of fine weather. This brought out a large quantity of Livery Companies enjoyed the fun. The outfits were a highlight in themselves with London Bridge winning the Novelty costume first prize, with a particularly eye-catching penguin waddling its way around the course. The cannon (provided by the Gunmakers) firing to signal the start of each race added to the excitement and ceremony of the occasion.

The running team (pulled together by Alison Lovejoy) all enjoyed their races but, alas, did not get through their heats. However, all had good reason not to do quite as well as they might! The Master, Matthew Peppit, was unfortunate (unlike most of the other runners) in that he did not come prepared with duct tape to stick his chef’s hat to his head and lost his hat on the turn around the traffic cones half way through the race and lost to much time retrieving it. Next, our Renter Warden, Michael Ashdown, despite having some trouble with his pancake, came second in his heat but this was not enough to make the finals. Karen Nally, as our Lady Runner, flew around the course flipping the pancake at the right moment and made it safely back to the stand with pan in hand. However, she too did not make the final. The last runner – but certainly not the least – was John Manning, who looked very grand in his suit adorned head to toe (tie included) with playing cards and casino chips – representing the £4bn collected in various betting levies. He caused quite a stir with the paparazzi and was frequently mistaken for the Playing Cards Company. In the race, John crossed the line in a dead heat with the Tallow Chandlers but his frying pan and pancake flew off the table, and he picked up penalty points to finish second. So, he too, did not make the final!

Our runners were cheered on by several supporters from the Company which made a contingent of 11. A table was found together in the Crypt where all enjoyed lunch (provided by the Clink) and pancakes (provided by the Poulters). Everyone went home with their free mug and happy memories of the 2026 Pancake Race.