Cake or Pancake

Oatcakes at Cafe 80

CAKE, OR PANCAKE?
NEITHER – IT’S AN
OATCAKE!

Some people go “potty” for oatcakes from the Potteries. But what’s so special about Staffordshire Oatcakes? In fact, what is a Staffordshire Oatcake?

If you don’t already know, you could whet your appetite for this unique food at this week’s Audlem Probus Club presentation (Thurs, March 12) when our guest speaker will shed light on “The History of Staffordshire Oatcakes”.

Not only will Steve Booth reflect on their origins and historic links with Staffordshire and the Derbyshire Moorlands, he’ll look at how the popularity of savoury oatcakes spread westwards into North Staffordshire and how they came to be produced in specially-designed shops – especially after 1945.

Steve has a family connection with this versatile delicacy. He says: “My father-in-law was a master oatcake baker. I’m a retired teacher and taught history and other subjects throughout Staffordshire for 40 years. I became acquainted with a lot of local history, and as a result I have been giving many local history talks in retirement.”

So, how do you like your oatcakes served up? Traditionally, singly or in pairs, perhaps with cheese? Folded, or rolled? As a full-English breakfast, or a hearty lunch, with bangers and bacon? Or in more modern styles with sweet fillings such as jam?

Whatever your favoured flavour, Steve’s talk will take us from past to present with his stories of this adaptable dish.

“The History of Staffordshire Oatcakes”

Visitors & guests welcome this Thursday, March 12, from

10am, Audlem Public Hall.