Try something different this summer and explore the rich world of food and drink that earned Wakefield the title of ‘Merrie City’.
With a host of unique food-focused celebrations and enviable local produce, as the district continues its year-long celebration of culture with Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, there’s never been a better time to sample what Wakefield has to offer.
Sweet party
Famous for its rhubarb festival in February, Wakefield loves a quirky food festival! And if one crazy food party wasn’t enough, July 14th is also the Pontefract Licorice Festival. Sponsored by HARIBO, kids and adults alike will love this sweet-themed festival celebrating Pontefract’s historic licorice links.
Enjoy delicious street food at a specialty market filled with “all kinds” of locally made licorice-flavored products. This year’s festival sees the return of the much-loved HARIBO-themed parade, taking place at 11.30am and 2.30pm in the Corn Market and at 1.30pm at Pontefract Castle. Plus, kids will love the Cornmarket’s brand new kids’ area with exciting workshops, face painting and crafts.
Unnecessary markets
The region doesn’t only celebrate its delicious food on special occasions. Every third Friday and Saturday in alternating months, Wakefield hosts the Peddler Market, one of the country’s leading street food events, synonymous with award-winning cuisine, independent craft brews and live music. Held at Wakefield’s Tileyard North, the market is the place to be if you’re in the mood for a foodie weekend. The next weekend is Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17.
Also, with traditional market towns in the area, why not explore further? Check out Ossett Market every Tuesday and Friday, or visit Pontefract’s indoor and outdoor market for fresh handmade produce, open six days a week. Or if you’re looking for foodies this August bank holiday weekend, visit the Continental Street Food Market, where Carlton Street in Castleford comes alive with the irresistible aromas and flavors of over 25 different street food vendors, open from 10am to 6pm. from Friday the 23rdrd until Monday the 26thth August.
Global food in the heart of the city
With numerous independent restaurants, Wakefield offers a wide range of international food options. Enjoy vegan-friendly gluten-free options at Corarima and experience the sensational, authentic taste of Abyssinia from the restaurant’s West Yorkshire home. Inside Wakefield’s Trinity Walk shopping center there is also Portuguese inspiration Casa Per Peri, featuring dishes designed and prepared by MasterChef contestant and internationally awarded chef Bobby Geetha.
And why not check out some incredible contemporary Thai and Vietnamese cuisine at Tet? Located in the heart of Wakefield, Tet offers excellent flavors using only the finest ingredients. From dark, moody lighting to blooming flowering trees, Tet has decor to rival some of the best restaurants in Leeds and Manchester.
Delicious drinks
From coffee beans hand-roasted to order at the Queens Mill roastery, expertly distilled spirits from the Forged Spirits Distillery and fresh pints from Ossett Brewery, Wakefield is a proud producer of top quality drinks enjoyed nationally. You can watch the magic for yourself and enjoy the freshest pints during the Ossett Brewery tour and tasting.
Or if spirits are more your thing, visit the home of Forged Spirit in Tileyard North, where Gary (Forged’s founder and distiller) will tell you about the Forged Spirits journey and how they make gin, vodka and rum. And of course, you get to enjoy a selection of different drinks. Bookable online, what better way to wash away the joys of ‘Merrie City’!
Nurturing community
And it’s not all eating out and cafe culture, Wakefield’s passion for food runs deep into the community and shines brightly in many local initiatives as part of the area’s year-long festive programme. Our 2024 Nurture and Nourish activity brings people together through a shared love of food at events such as The Big Family Picnic at Pontefract Castle on the 14th.th July.
See the full Our Year program of cultural events and celebrations, and to find out more about the Wakefield area and its attractions, visit https://experiencewakefield.co.uk.
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