The rhubarb festival is a Wakefield favouriteand it's back for 2022.
There was once a time when West Yorkshire once produced 90% of the world's winter forced rhubarb after we cleverly constructed dedicated forcing sheds.
Today, Yorkshire is still world renowned for its rhubarb, but we celebrate it slightly differently: with a festival.
The city of Wakefield have confirmed that their annual rhubarb festival will return for the 2022 and is set to include some of the most exciting rhubarb-related activities to date.
From Friday 25 February - Sunday 27 February, Wakefield will be painted pink in anticipation of a full city-wide festival. There will be a food and drink market with over 50 chalets, where members of the public can sample and purchase local and regional delights: lively street entertainment and music, and plenty of workshops to get involved in too.
A programme of chef demos will bring the best of their knowledge to the city too. From 10am - 3pm each day, guests likes food writer Sabrina Ghayour and Great British Bake Off 2021 vegan baker Freya Cox; Featherstone-born GBBO contestant Karen Wright will take to the stage whilst local restaurants like Iris and Fino who will showcase their most mouth-watering rhubarb inspired recipes.
If you're not as obsessed with rhubarb as the rest of us, you can find plenty of non-rhubarb treats too. There's everything from steamed puddings from Little Box Kitchen, gourmet marshmallows from Malvavisco, artisan brownies from The Gourmet Brownie Company and cheeseboards inspired by cheeses from all over the world to choose from.
Image: Wakefield Council
Even plant-based eaters don't have to miss out: vegan street food traders Simply Cheesecake, MoodyMare Patisserie and Really Indian will all be on hand to ensure you have enough rhubarb-based food to keep you going throughout the day.
At the drink's market, let the likes of Rhucello, Howey Nichols and Retro Shots tempt you with their selection of heavenly liqueurs or Then there's cider from Gwatkins, rum from Two Lasses Spirits and Beckford's Rum.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
1st February 2022 
