There are still a few weeks left to go until you can get your frying pans at the ready and invent delicious concoctions in your kitchens yet... But it's nearly time to head to the shops for supplies. That's right, Shrove Tuesday, aka Pancake Day , is nearly on the horizon.

This year, Pancake Day will fall on Tuesday February 9 .

It precedes Ash Wednesday, which falls the day after on Wednesday February 10.

What is Pancake Day?

Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent, which is the period of 40 days leading up to Easter.

Traditionally a period of abstinence, Pancake Day was associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats and eggs before undertaking the fast.

Nowadays, some people give up a "luxury" vice for the 40 days of Lent, such as chocolate or cigarettes.

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the day Christians confess their sins before Lent commences the next day, Ash Wednesday.

A bit of history...

The pancake has a very long history and featured in cookery books as far back as 1439.

Before Christianity, Pancake Day was a pagan festival. The Slavs believed the changing of the seasons was the struggle between Jarilo, the god of springtime and vegetations, and the evil spirits of cold and darkness. In order to help Jarilo fight off the evil winter spirits, they made and ate pancakes which were supposed to symbolise the sun.

There - now you know.

Perfect Pancake Recipe by Tesco (serves 12)

Ingredients

150g of plain flour

Two medium eggs

300ml of semi-skimmed milk

One and a half tablespoons of olive oil

Method

1) Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack the eggs into the well and whisk, drawing in the flour from the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the milk and continue whisking, until you have a smooth batter. Leave to stand for 30 minutes.

2) Meanwhile, line a baking tray with nonstick baking paper. Preheat the oven to gas 1/4, 110°C, 90°C fan.

3) Brush a 20cm frying pan with a little oil and warm on the hob, over medium heat. Add a tbsp of the batter to the pan, tipping gently until it coats the base in a thin layer. Cook for one to two minutes, or until golden, then carefully flip the pancake over and cook the underside for one minute more.

4) Transfer to the prepared baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Repeat to make 12 pancakes, adding a little more oil to the pan before each addition.

5) Serve with your favourite topping.

Here's our guide to the best places to pick up a pancake in west London.