We’ve had the pleasure of writing about some incredible performances coming to Wakefield in 2025, but let’s take a moment for those venues loved and lost over time.
Westgate still remains a hub of clubs and bars, but over time names such as Casanova’s and Havana have made way for Kindred Spirit, Club Nocturno and many more; still going strong as of writing but perhaps still tinged with nostalgia for many long-time locals in the area.
We’ve taken a look back at 11 establishments considered the social hubs for a night out in the city, including the ever evolving list of establishments that frequented the old Picture House on Westgate ; do you have any memories of visiting one of these places and are you hoping to see perhaps a return of one or two franchises in the near future?
7. Koco Bongo
House in what used to be the Yorkshire Penny Bank, the location played home to several clubs including Koco Bongo, which would close in 2019 - as of writing, it's currently the home of Counting House. | Google Maps
8. Wakefield Theatre Club/Pussycats
Doncaster Road once housed both Wakefield Theatre Club, which would become Pussycats later in life. After being turned into Superbowl, the building was demolished sometime between 2014 and 2015. | Wakefield Express
9. Havana Club
The sprawling location of Havana Club was a popular destination for Wakefield locals - the location turned into Kindred Spirit after it's closure. | Google Maps
10. Rocco
Meanwhile just next door, Rocco's took over from Pitchers sports bar, only to find life in recent years as the location for Lala's Restaurant and Bar. | Google Maps
11. Tiffany's
Originally residing on Southgate, Tiffany's would morph into various establishments throughout the years, more recently becoming Mecca. | Yorkshire Evening Post