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.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
1st February 2022 
