All Hail Hanky Panky Pancakes

I may have said this before, things don't move particularly quickly in Chester and anything evenly mildly alternative is either a raging success or a tragic flop so when Hanky Panky Pancakes opened it's doors a couple of years ago it could have easily tipped in either direction. 

However, I am delighted to say that success was all that awaited this little eatery.

Situated on Commonhall Street, in the heart of the city centre, Hanky Panky Pancakes serves that and only that, pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes. Everything from your sweet, thick American style to thin and crispy crepes; you can have the savoury variety made with buckwheat flour or construct your own from a plethora of topping choices...

...this can make for tricky decision making.

^^^the choice of toppings to go on the American style "stacks"^^^

The variety of drinks on offer is also staggering with everything from alcoholic options to twelve varieties of loose leaf tea. I went for my usual of Moroccan Mint as it tends to aid with the digestion of all the carbs I'm about to shovel in although, the flat whites are also incredibly good.

Once we had ordered we sat back and chatted away whilst the venue filled up around us. People began queuing and clamouring for any available seat in order to get their fill of pancakes. 

When the pancakes arrived they were crispy parcels of loveliness, all full of ham and molten cheese.

Max and I both chose the Gigolo with brie cheese (yes, you even get a choice of cheese), Kirsty went for the Little Casanova, and Ted chose the savoury breakfast special which is the traditional American breakfast combination of sweet batter pancakes topped with bacon, maple syrup and a poached egg...

...he was damn happy with his choice, although trying to finish all of it nearly killed him - 

these things are deceptively filling so remember to pace yourself!

With the savouries polished off the boys chickened out, saying that they couldn't eat another bite, leaving us girls to soldier on and really take one for the team by ordering a sweet option for dessert. 

Oh isn't life just so difficult at times...

...yep, so difficult.

We both decided to build our own stacks. Kirsty chose to top hers with fudge pieces, whisky & ginger ice cream finished with chocolate sauce. 

I went for a topping of blueberries, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream on the side rather than on top.

And, of course, the boys both decided we needed some help so gallantly leant a hand (with spoon attached).

Hanky Panky's has fast become one of my favourite places to eat in Chester due to it's super relaxed atmosphere, quirky style and, although it's all pancakes, their ability to offer both exceptionally healthy and exceptionally sinful food options all for incredibly reasonable prices. 
Long may it remain and be a landmark for Chester's slow embrace of the alternative!

By Evangeline Oliver.

To view Hanky Panky Pancakes' full menu click here.