The countdown is on for Wakefield’s much-loved Rhubarb Festival, returning from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February 2026 – and with it, the much-anticipated Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail.
Delivered in partnership with Wakefield BID, the trail once again puts the spotlight on Wakefield city centre’s vibrant food and drink scene, encouraging visitors to explore local cafés, restaurants and bars while enjoying creative rhubarb-themed treats throughout the festival weekend.
With more than 30 city centre businesses taking part, the trail celebrates Wakefield’s unique rhubarb heritage while supporting local venues and driving footfall during one of the city’s busiest and most popular weekends.
Celebrating creativity and local flavour
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, added:
“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 shining a real spotlight on the city’s food and drink offer during the festival weekend.
It’s great to see so many venues getting involved and celebrating Wakefield’s rhubarb heritage in creative ways.”
Councillor Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Wakefield Council, said:
“I’m excited that 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 revisit your favourite places whilst discovering new spots as you work your way through the trail.”
What’s on the menu?
Visitors can expect a wide range of rhubarb-inspired food and drink across the city centre, from coffees and cakes to cocktails and savoury dishes.
Highlights include:
- Rhubarb sours and royales at The Black Horse
- Rhubarb bruschetta at Qubana
- King prawn yakitori marinated in rhubarb and ginger at Robatary
- Rhubarb cakes and scones at Marmalade on the Square
- Rhubarb crumbles and milkshakes at Café 19
Trail maps will be available during the festival, highlighting participating venues and their rhubarb-themed offerings.
More than food and drink
Alongside the Food & Drink Trail, the Rhubarb Festival features a packed programme of fringe events and activities across the city – from screen printing at The Art House and family-friendly crafts at Wakefield Museum, to The Hepworth Wakefield’s House of Makers showcase and live music from the Wakefield Music Collective.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, the culture or the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Find out more about the Rhubarb Festival:
Experience Wakefield – Rhubarb Festival
Explore the full Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail:
Experience Wakefield – Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail
