Marmalade on the Square

Marmalade on the Square is a sweet tea room on the corner of Wakefield’s Cross Square and Bull Ring with wide windows and a view of Wakefield Cathedral. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with bunting, assorted tables and chairs, and clusters of teacups hanging decoratively from the ceiling. Marmalade on the Square’s menu is served from vintage mis-matched china, with a choice of homemade scones, cakes, pastries, hearty soups, and sandwiches made with artisan breads plus locally sourced filling ingredients on offer. Afternoon tea is presented on traditional tiered cake stands, with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes making up the layers.

Also for sale are Marmalade on the Square’s award-winning preserves, chutneys and salad dressings, as well as carefully selected gifts, homewares and vintage treasures. The café sources products from companies including Pip Studio, Amsterdam-based purveyors of beautiful homewares, Nkuku, which works directly with craftsmen creating handmade, ethical and eco-friendly homewares and lifestyle products, and One World, a family-run company sourcing furniture and interiors from around the world. There’s also friendly support for up-and-coming businesses in Yorkshire, companies like candle and fragrance company from north Yorkshire, Funky Country – where all of the products are made with all natural waxes, unbleached cotton wicks and essential oils.

Marmalade on the Square is even available to hire, hosting vintage tea parties for special occasions including weddings and christenings, and has, in the past, held arts and crafts workshops – something that the tea room is looking to make a future feature too. These have included creative networking, Spanish language beginner classes and workshops by the Annie Sloan chalk paint company. There’s more than one string to this café’s bow, but it is, at heart, a cosy spot in which to relax with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy some delicious treats.