"A North Staffordshire oatcake is a type of pancake made from oatmeal, flour and yeast. It is cooked on a griddle or 'baxton'. The oatcake is a local speciality in the North Staffordshire area of England. They are normally referred to as Staffordshire oatcakes or possibly Potteries oatcakes by non-locals, because they were made in this area. In and around Staffordshire and south Cheshire, they are often simply known as oatcakes.
Derbyshire Oatcakes are similar to Staffordshire Oatcakes, but while following a similar (or even the same) recipe are generally larger in diameter, and thicker. For example this recipie suggests it will make 4 Derbyshire or 12 Staffordshire style oatcakes[2]
It was once common throughout the Potteries for oatcakes to be sold directly from the window of a house to customers on the street. Only one producer of this style remains, however, there are now smaller commericial premises who sell oatcakes. Larger commercial enterprises exist who sell oatcakes to supermarkets and other large distribution chains.
When pre-cooked, the oatcake can be a form of fast food. Catering outlets in the area usually offer oatcakes with fillings such as cheese, tomato, onion, bacon, sausage and egg. They can also eaten with sweet fillings such as jam or banana, but this is less common. They are traditionally re-heated by steaming between two plates over a saucepan of water or nowadays by microwave, though some may prefer frying in butter or grilling. Oatcakes can be eaten as part of a healthy meal when used as a more substantial pancake with a healthy filling."