Rhubarb Festival: On the trail of exotic dishes and artistic delights
Rhubarb cocktails, cakes and even pizzas are set to tempt the tastebuds as one of Wakefield’s favourite festivals returns this weekend.
Around 40 cafes, restaurants and bars have added some rhubarb themed dishes to their menus for a limited period, making for a Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail.
The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail comes as part of the Rhubarb Festival, which has been celebrating one of West Yorkshire’s most famous exports for more than 20 years.
Last year the Rhubarb Festival welcomed in the region of 40,000 visitors and once again they can expect a food and drink market, chef demos, music, crafts and family activities.
Coun Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “I’m excited the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is back for 2026. It’s a great opportunity for local businesses to get creative and invent rhubarb-themed menu items.
“With such a wide variety of food and drink to try, you can go back to your favourite places whilst discovering new spots as you work your way through the trail.”
Maps are available throughout the weekend showcasing the venues taking part and their rhubarb-themed offerings.
For example, visitors can sip rhubarb sours and royales at The Black Horse or indulge in rhubarb fizzes and martinis at The Distillery Bar.
For foodies, Qubana offers rhubarb bruschetta while Robatary will be creating king prawn yakitori marinated in rhubarb and ginger.
Head to Marmalade on the Square for rhubarb cakes and scones, or Cafe 19 for rhubarb crumbles and milkshakes.
At Wakefield Exchange, La Chingada has plenty of rhubarb specials including salsa and churros with rhubarb compote dip.
The Rhubarb Food & Drink trail is run in partnership with Wakefield BID, which says as well as promoting a part of the city’s heritage, the event is also a boost to footfall and spend for local businesses.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said: “The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is a fantastic showcase for Wakefield’s independent and city centre businesses.
"By working in partnership on the trail, we’re helping drive footfall, encouraging people to try something new, and putting a real spotlight on the city’s vibrant food and drink offer during the festival weekend.
“It’s great to see so many venues getting involved and celebrating Wakefield’s unique rhubarb heritage in creative ways.”
In addition to the main Rhubarb Festival and the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail, there are a series of fringe events lined up for this weekend.
They include ceramic making sessions and screen printing using rhubarb roots at The Art House; supper club and afternoon tea as well as a House of Makers fair at The Hepworth, featuring jewellery, prints and textiles; and poetry, music and comedy at the Soul Shed (known for the weekend as the Rhubarb Shed) at WX Wakefield Exchange.
The Rhubarb Festival began yesterday and continues today and tomorrow (Feb 21 and 22).