Foodie Experiences in Wakefield

Eleanor Taylor, Experience Wakefield

There are loads of foodie experiences in Wakefield just waiting to be tried!

The Wakefield district is home to a wide array of quirky food experiences – from unusual restaurants and a thriving craft beer scene to not one but two food-themed annual festivals, the Merrie City (and its wider district) really lives up to its name!

Of course, being a district famed for our creativity, it’s only to be expected that many of our food and drink experiences are all about having a go yourself – including making gin, baking bread and roasting your own coffee.

So whether you’re a foodie looking to create your own masterpiece or a gourmand looking for your next taste sensation, our guide has something for you.

Peddler Market

Peddler Market is one of the country’s leading street food events. Taking place at Tileyard North, this regular two-day festival features award-winning cuisine, independent craft drinks, live music and entertainment. It’s not just street food either. Peddler champion all kinds of makers and creators. From lifestyle brands to fashion, right through to sustainable projects and art – you’ll find a wonderful mix of talent at Peddler Market!

Wakefield, WF1 5FY
3rd Friday and Saturday of every alternate month (next dates 21 and 22 April)
FREE, just drop in
Click here for more information.

Ossett Brewery Tours

If you’re a fan of the amber nectar you’ll love Ossett Brewery Tours. This progressive and passionate independent brewery invites beer-lovers (or anyone interested in the brewing process) to immerse yourself in the world of an award-winning brewery, head behind the scenes and learn about their brewing process and (of course!) sample your favourite Ossett beers with the brewery’s tutored tasting.

In addition, Ossett Brewery hosts regular events including beer festivals, street food and live music. There’s one coming up in May, and not-to-be-missed Osstoberfest in September. We’ll drink to that!

Ossett, WF5 8ND
Various dates, please check EventBrite for details
£11.95 per person (over 18s only), booking essential
Click here for more information.

Coffee Roasting Experience for 2

Discover the magic behind creating freshly roasted speciality coffee with a Recent Beans coffee roasting experience for 2! Taking place at the Recent Beans roastery at Queen’s Mill in Castleford, coffee aficionados begin by cupping (that’s the fancy coffee word for tasting) single origin coffees to find your favourite taste notes and styles. Then, work with the head roaster to create a green bean blend to match your findings, and roast through the commercial-grade Toper drum roaster to your desired roasting profile for the ultimate coffee pairing. You can then take away 1kg of your freshly roasted blend, with your name and tasting notes on there!

Castleford, WF10 1JL
Monday-Wednesday (standard), Friday-Saturday (premium)
£109 (standard)-£130 (premium), booking essential
Click here for more information.

Forged Gin School

Love gin? Would you love the chance to distill your own bottle with a personal blend of aromatics? Then head to The Distillery, at Tileyard North, home of Forged Spirits! Their new Gin School is ideal for gin connoisseurs, and all those looking for a unique experience. During your time at the Forged Gin School you will learn how to make gin and then distill – using one of Forged’s beautiful 2.4L copper stills – and then bottle your very own creation, just the way you like it. Chin chin!

Wakefield, WF1 5FY
Various dates, please check the Forged website
£95 for one person, or £130 for two people
Click here for more information.

Forged Distillery Tours

If you’re not ready to take the culinary plunge just yet, then how about a tour? The Distillery Tours are just as informative as the Gin School – and you don’t have to worry about being in charge of the still! During your time on the Forged distillery tour, Gary (Forged‘s founder and distiller) will talk you through the Forged Spirits journey and how they make gin, vodka and rum. And of course, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of drinks from the Forged Spirits range.

Wakefield, WF1 5FY
Various dates, please check the Forged website
£25 per person, booking essential
Click here for more information.

Bread Making Workshops

Scared by sourdough? Baffled by baguettes? Want to bake but just knead a little help? Never fear – Crow’s Rest Bakehouse have the answer! This microbakery produces mouth-watering loaves, buns, bagels and more – and will teach you how to bake your own. Working in a domestic kitchen, their workshops will give you the skills and the confidence to make your own bread, with classes including an Intro To Sourdough, Artisan Bread and Breadmaking With Gluten-Free Flours.

Wakefield, WF1 5AH
Various dates, please check the Crow’s Rest website
From £90, booking essential
Click here for more information.

Yonder at the Castle

Flower crowns at the ready! Yonder is returning to Pontefract’s most regal landmark, Pontefract Castle, for a summer party. You can expect Yonder’s signature blend of artisan street food and refreshing bar alongside funky music, great disco, fairground performances – all with a festival twist!

Pontefract, WF8 1QH
Saturday 8 June 2024, 4pm-10pm
From £20.21, booking essential (over 18 only; children are not permitted)
Click here for more information.

Yonder at the Mill

Want even more Yonder in your life? Of course you do. How about a hot summer night at Queen’s Mill, Castleford? Yes, please! Once again, look forward to killer street food, decadent drinks, eclectic entertainment, and a collection of vibrant music as you party by the riverside at Yorkshire’s Capital of Sass!

Castleford, WF10 1JL
Saturday 27 July, 4pm-10pm
From £15.34, booking essential
Click here for more information.