Wakefield to host first restaurant week

Wakefield City Centre Restaurant Week will run from Saturday, September 1 to Friday, September 7.

And it is hoped that the week of culinary celebrations, organised by Wakefield BID, will encourage people to explore and experience the huge variety of new and long-standing restaurants across Wakefield.

It will see restaurants offering a number of deals, including a £5 lunch taster menu and a £10 two course dinner, giving new customers the chance to sample food and encouraging regulars to try something new.

The week has been organised by Elizabeth Murphy, Manager of Wakefield BID, and Liam Duffy, who owns British brasserie-style restaurant Iris.

Ten restaurants have signed up so far, including Iris, Latin inspired Qubana, Mexican restaurant Casa Loca, Pacific-themed Robatary and The Chinese Buffet.

Mr Duffy said: “It’s all about just showcasing what we do to people who might not generally think about coming to us, who might go to Leeds.

“I think it’s good for people to come and try us and see everything that’s on offer.”

He promised visitors a chance to try the restaurant’s most popular dishes, including their infamous take on millionaire shortbread.

Ms Murphy believes that a restaurant week will help place Wakefield on the map and urged everyone to take part. She said: “Meal deals are almost the same price as the lunch menu. You can go into any town or city and get the same restaurants providing the same food. This is your chance to try something different.

“Treat your friends and your family and your colleagues, and then why not come back?

“We want to invite people to try the restaurants, to have your business meetings to your team building sessions. We’ve got a fantastic range of restaurants that you will only find in the heart of Wakefield.”

Each restaurant will develop its own specialised menu For more information, visit www.wakefieldbid.co.uk

The Express is backing BID to improve the city centre.