Huggamug Cafe
Location - The Huggamug Cafe, Pavilion, Pontefract Park, Park Rd, Pontefract WF8 4QD
Opening times - varies - see Facebook for details (all year)
Points to note -
Dogs are allowed
Accessible for mobility scooters
A wide variety of food available
Accessible toilet
Free parking (note: can be on a hill)
The Huggamug Cafe is a lovely place to visit after a walk around Pontefract Park, whether this be the full racecourse or just around the ‘pond’, it has wonderful access with plenty of space inside to move around. Dogs are welcomed, maybe even encouraged!
Parking is vast, with lots of spaces, however the only downside I noticed was it was on quite a steep hill and so made getting in and out of the car a bit difficult. There are steps up to the front entrance, but also a steady ramp, the floor is flagstones, but these are very sturdy. The door isn’t automatic, but is sometimes left open, otherwise you might need to catch someone’s attention to open.
There are a number of seating options in old fashioned ‘American Diner’ style - which is a personal favourite of mine, there are also a number of outside picnic bench/tables should you want to sit outside, particularly in the summer. We sat at one of the ‘booths’ inside which had two diner style benches and a table, I was in my scooter on the side and Betty was placed on her bed on the bench next to me (we always try and take her bed to keep her off furniture).
There are a wide range of food options including jacket potatoes, sandwiches and more hearty meals like pie and peas - we all went for a panini sandwich - mine being BBQ Philly steak - there was plenty and it came with chips, followed by a cake, we also had a latte. All I would highly recommend. They do seasonal options too e.g. hot chocolates and pork and stuffing sandwiches in the winter, ice creams and slushies in the summer. We didn’t enquire about dietary requirements as they were not needed for us, but the staff are approachable and I’m sure would be happy to help. They also have a selection of dog treats, on this occasion Betty came with her own - a carrot! But they had standard biscuits, along with chicken feet and other animal products. Ordering and paying is at the counter, cash and card accepted, they will then bring food and drinks over to your table. They were friendly towards Betty, even if she did not reciprocate…and she also had to welcome any other customer that came through the door!
We took a visit to the toilet whilst there and the size was suitable for my scooter and myself, it maybe a little tight for any larger mobility device, particularly if you need support whilst in there. They had the usual setup of toilet, sink, mirror etc. something which seems to be a custom in the UK accessible toilets, however the toilet was not suitable as a changing spaces toilet.
When we visited it was relatively quiet, but I am aware Pontefract Park holds occasional fun runs so could possible become quite busy, it might be best to check before visiting.
I would definitely recommend and would go again, the food was lovely, the staff were friendly, the access was great and dogs were definitely welcome.
Tip - check opening times for weekends and don’t visit on race days.