Paris might have the Olympics, but London, we are proud to say, is home to the Scotch Egg Race.
In a summery twist on Leadenhall Market's annual Pancake Day Race, this Thursday 25 July sees the launch of an eccentric dash in which contestants — who must wear bowler hats — sprint a short distance through the Victorian market, balancing a scotch egg on a spoon.
Anyone can take part in the races — happening between 1pm and 3pm — the winner receiving a £100 tab for either the Lamb Tavern or Old Tom's Bar, both in Leadenhall Market. But all competitors are winners really; everyone gets a scotch egg on the house. That's Thursday's lunch sorted, anyway.
Despite its name, the scotch egg as we know it was actually invented for the posh London department store, Fortnum & Mason in 1738.
Oh, and if you time it well, you can get involved in Paddington's Rubber Duck Race — happening on the same day — before hotfooting it over to the City, for a double dose of wacky races.
Scotch Egg Race, Leadenhall Market, 25 July, 1pm-3pm, free. To take part, register on the Lamb Tavern's website or email [email protected]
