Erin Ferguson went to the launch of the new Hepworth Cafe, Wakefield.
I have always thought of the Hepworth Gallery Wakefield as one of my favourite outings. It’s a beautifully designed, award-winning gallery on Wakefield’s historic waterfront, boasting 5,000 square metres of modern British art. And now the time has finally come for the resident Hepworth Café to step up and be noticed. Leeds-based independent House of Koko, together with MasterChef finalist Chris Hale and his wife Sophie, make for a dream collaboration responsible for the excellent transformation of this gallery eatery.
When you first enter the café you will notice it has been converted into an effortlessly stylish botanical haven. The laid-back atmosphere combined with open space, bare wood and plant hangers makes for a contemporary vision normally found in the trendiest of hipster venues. London-based Geo-fleur provide the stunning selection of indoor plants that can be bought onsite. The menu is spread across the back wall in large retro lettering and art is hung around keeping a wonderful flow from gallery to eating space.
The diverse menu features existing brunch and lunch favourites from House of Koko, alongside newly designed British classics courtesy of Chef Chris Hale. Upon meeting Chris one thing is clear, he adores what he does, every ingredient is locally sourced and he takes great pride in ensuring every dish finds that perfect balance between fine dining and home comfort.
Chris has stated in the past, “We are passionate about promoting Yorkshire food and drink to the world and helping to put Wakefield firmly on the map. The Hepworth Wakefield has achieved so much in its first six years and we want the food and drink offering to be just as creative and exciting”. This is something he has certainly achieved.
There is an array of meal options alongside several delicious cakes and sweet treats, all of which feel like they have been made with love. More traditional choices are available such as homely steak and ale pie with chips, or buttermilk pancakes with berries and syrup. However, it is the dishes with unique twists that truly make the café stand out, lemon avocado on sourdough with spinach, feta and black pepper is utterly irresistible, likewise sweetcorn fritters with avocado, chilli jam and crispy red onions. The options are endless and with such a variation of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes there really is something for everyone.
The café also offers top quality hot drinks, coffee is supplied by North Star coffee roasters and an impressive selection of loose leaf teas from Nothing But Tea and Birdhouse Tea Company are also available. Whether you have spent a day admiring art in the gallery or are simply looking for refuge from a blustery autumn day, what better way to relax than kicking back in a lovely space with a tasty hot drink?
This evolution of The Hepworth Café is genuinely impressive, regardless of the surrounding gallery, the café itself is most definitely worth a visit. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the standard of what is on offer – there is even a mini shop offering local ingredients so you can attempt to recreate the dishes at home. If you enjoy good food, coffee, art and foliage you must certainly call in.