Food Experiences

Are you looking for fabulous food experiences in Wakefield? We’ve got you covered! Autumn, the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, is synonymous with the bounties of the harvest, good food, and plentiful drink to wash it down. So it’s no surprise that the Merrie City of Wakefield – and our bounteous district – has an abundance of tasty treats to tempt you in your autumn staycation!

Merrie City

In the city centre itself, it’s a bumper crop. The Hepworth Wakefield’s Harvest Festival (21-22 September) invites visitors to celebrate the start of autumn in the company of some of the UK’s finest independent designers, makers and artisans, with over 60 stalls selling delectable food and drink as well as plants, homewares, textiles, vintage items and more. Plus, enjoy street food, live music, family activities and discounted exhibition entry.

The Hepworth’s next-door neighbour, Tileyard North, hosts the return of award-winning Peddler Market on 18-19 October. One of the UK’s best street food events, Peddler Market represents an abundance of culinary talent, diverse cuisines, proud heritage, and the best quality produce. Expect mouth-watering food, independent craft drinks, live music, entertainment and more.

Over at Wakefield Cathedral take part in Afternoon Tea with Flap Cap Three (5 October). Enjoy a delicious Yorkshire-inspired afternoon tea, alongside nostalgic music from Flat Cap Three, who will perform songs from years gone by (singing along encouraged!), plus arts and crafts, board games, and historical pictures of Wakefield. The event is part of Our Year’s Nurture and Nourish, a recognition of the ways in which food and creativity bring our communities together.

Have a go heroes

If you’d like to get hands-on, head to The Distillery bar – also at Tileyard – whose Distillery Tour takes you behind the scenes to find out how the magic happens. Visitors who are feeling a little bolder should consider the Gin School, which offers visitors the chance to create and distil their very own botanically-infused bottle. 

And if you love creating your own culinary creations, the workshops at microbakery Crow’s Rest Bakehouse will teach you how to produce your own loaves, buns, bagels and more.

Meanwhile, espresso aficionados can create their own freshly roasted speciality coffee on Recent Beans’ Coffee Roasting Experience at their roastery in Castleford’s Queen’s Mill.

Fancy a little something stronger? The Mad Ox in Pontefract is holding their first ever Cocktail Class on 5 September where they’ll help you make 2 of their fabulous cocktails. You will shake, stir and garnish then sample your own makes, finishing off with a cocktail creation of your own!