Uncover the Sweet History of a British Icon: Inside the Home of a Beloved Candy

In West Yorkshire, there lies a charming little town, a birthplace of one of Britain’s oldest and beloved confections—a sweet treat simply known as liquorice cake. Now, before your eyebrows arch in skepticism, let me assure you, it’s not a cake in the traditional sense. Pontefract, with its historical charm and, let’s be honest, an unshakeable liquorice legacy, promises a delightful day out for families eager for a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of sweetness.

Picture this: medieval England, monks in frocks, and the introduction of a plant from sunny Spain. Enter the Black Friars, a group who, in their quest to spread the good word and perhaps counter a bit of heresy, decided to grow liquorice. They were the first purveyors of this medicinal root, handing it out like candy—and who could blame them? By 1614, the illustrious Sir George Saville had the brilliant idea to stamp this root into neat little disks. Fast forward 150 years, and George Dunhill added sugar, transforming these discs into the Pontefract Cakes we know and love today. Once upon a time, 17 factories churned out an astonishing 25,000 sweets per day! Sadly, that number has dwindled, but we still have Haribo to thank for keeping the spirit alive—producing a jaw-dropping 48,000 tonnes of sweets a year, all from a state-of-the-art facility which somehow wound up in Pontefract after the Germans decided they couldn’t resist a good cake.

Now, whether you’re a liquorice lover or a self-proclaimed skeptic (I mean, who doesn’t have a friend that swears by the medicinal power of sweets?), Pontefract offers a smorgasbord of sights and activities that will leave any visitor enchanted. First on the list is the iconic Pontefract Castle, once upon a time a royal fortress replete with dramatic battles, betrayals, and—oh yes—King Richard II's very own imprisonment. Today, visitors can bask in panoramic views, while the daring might just catch a feisty re-enactment which brings history to life. Just beware of rogue knights; they can be quite the drama queens.

If your heart isn’t racing yet, perhaps the thrill of horse racing at Pontefract Racecourse will do the trick. Love a good bet? This course, one of the longest flat tracks in Europe, hosts numerous events throughout the year—and let’s face it, nothing says excitement like cheering for a horse you just met five minutes ago. And if you fancy a taste of Pontefract's sweet heritage, don’t you dare miss the annual Liquorice Festival. A euphoric celebration of all things liquorice, it blesses visitors with street performances, live music, and enough liquorice-infused treats to satisfy even the most fervent confectionery enthusiast.

And when your sweet tooth turns into an urge for more greenery, make your way to Friarwood Valley Gardens. Here, amidst floral displays and exquisitely tended lawns, you'll find the perfect sanctuary for a quiet nature escape. Oh, and be sure to hunt for the Friary ruins that are sneakily tucked away in the park—because what's a historic town without a few remnants of its glorious past?

For those who can’t get enough of the liquorice-themed offerings, there’s a charming pub just steps away from Pontefract Castle called The Liquorice Bush. This place takes traditional pub fare and serves it with a hearty dash of local charm. However, if you're in the mood for something a tad more refined, The Kings Croft Hotel Restaurant is housed within an elegant Georgian mansion and dabbles in both British and European cuisine, all made from locally sourced ingredients. Just remember, they change their menu seasonally, so don’t get too attached to that one dish you adore!

And for a more relaxed atmosphere, let me introduce you to The Moo Café, nestled within Farmer Copley’s farm shop. Here, every meal feels like a gift from the farm gods, with fresh, handmade options that could tempt even the staunchest of food critics. After gorging on quiches and hearty breakfasts, go on and indulge your inner foodie in their farm shop, brimming with local ingredients and artisanal treats. Honestly, it’s like a culinary treasure hunt!

Rounding out your cozy getaway, why not consider a stay at the Barley Mow Hotel? Nestled in Pontefract’s historic market district, it merges comfort with traditional charm, perfect for when the exploration fatigue kicks in. With a delightful pub on-site, you can drowse off after a long day of wandering and a hearty dinner, all while soaking in the ambiance of this lovely town.

So, whether you have a penchant for liquorice, a thirst for history, or simply a heart that beats for adorable towns, Pontefract will charm its way into your heart (and your stomach). Now, isn’t that a treat worth savoring?