Kilmarnock Asda named 'top place for pancakes' in the UK

An Asda store in Scotland has been named as home to the top-selling pancakes in the UK.

On Shrove Tuesday, the supermarket chain revealed its list of stores for the most pancake sales – and top of the chain was Kilmarnock Asda.

Leading the charge is veteran James ‘Jim’ Smith, who has worked in the bakery for 56 years and spent the last eight years at the Ayrshire store.

The 71-year-old estimates he’s made five million pancakes during his time there.

“I’m lucky to be surrounded by great colleagues who care about what they do”, said James. “They still come to me for advice, and I’m always happy to share my knowledge with them.”

“I’m 71 now, and after 56 years in the bakery trade, I’m not ready to hang up my apron just yet.

“I’ve been around bakeries most of my life, so it’s fair to say I know a thing or two. I’ve been working since I was 14, gaining experience through different roles and stores, but I’m still here because I enjoy it, keeping busy.”

James originally dreamed of becoming a chef, but he began his career as an apprentice in a local family-run bakery instead.

He joined Asda 24 years ago as an assistant bakery manager at the retailer’s Irvine store. Since then, he has worked at around a dozen Asda sites.

His son, Taylor, has even joined the business.

“That’s where he learned his trade”, James said. “It was brilliant watching him grow. Although he’d still come to me to ask for advice. Dad knows best. It all just comes with the years of experience.

“I’ve had a really good career, and I’m not ready for it to be over yet. I don’t actually feel my age – luckily, I don’t look it either. My dad’s still going strong at 91, so hopefully I’ve inherited some good genes.”

The top 11 pancake-selling Asda stores in Scotland are: