My First Latte Art Throw Down & The Dawn of New Nights Out in Wakefield (I Hope)

A new gem has arrived on Northgate in Wakefield: Haus. A pleasingly pink, comfortably cosy, fabulously fun and not to mention indie, coffee and plant shop. Two of the best things. After being open just six weeks they’ve already hosted pumpkin painting (I threw my pumpkin down myself, so sadly no pictures (he was turning out nice before that too 🙄)) and tonight, marking that 6 week milestone, a latte art throw down.

Now I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to pumpkin painting but a latte art throw down; that’s completely new and let me say, it was absolutely thriving.

With free pizza hand delivered by the guys at Pizza Yard, coffee beans supplied by Recent Coffee, enough oat milk to keep an army going thanks to Happy Happy Oat Oat Oat, espresso martinis on demand and of course coffee, cakes, sweets and treats (no tricks) from Haus, it was a brilliant coming together of what for me, is some of Wakefield best independent businesses. 

And that only brings us to the start of the latte art throw down.

Knockout style, three rounds, whittling the contestants down from eight, to four, before a final head to head battle for the grand prize. I’ve forgotten what that prize was 🤦🏼‍♀️ but I remember it retailed at £50 so certainly worth battling for!

Round one was fought over latte art hearts. Round two was fought over phoenixes (I’m no latte art expert here but that seemed like quite the step up). Then last but by no means least, the final head to head, thrashed out over a design of the competitors choice.

After the formal competition, the pros stepped aside and let some of us mere mortals have a go. I didn’t volunteer on account of having no idea where to start and a track record of excessive clumsiness (remember the pumpkin?!), but I’ve gotta say, I loved the fun of it. 

The key takeaway from all of this for me though, is that often trying something new, and of course supporting local, really pays off. It was a joy to see Haus so full. I’m talking standing room only. With people turning up not just from Wakefield, but London, Hull and longtime leisure and culture rivals; Leeds. 

Here’s to what I hope is just the start of many more successful events. And being selfish, what I hope are lots more alternative Friday nights out I can enjoy. For all I love Wakefield, the quintessential Westgate run hasn’t been my weekend activity of choice for a long time. 

Thank the stars for the businesses bringing us something new.

Thank the stars for Haus!