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?
5. Flares
Flares on Silver Street was one of many disco-themed clubs and bars of the same name that permeated the UK across the late '90s and early '00s. The location would become Icon years later. | Google Maps
6. Warehouse 23
The chic warehouse-turned-venue/cocktail bar had a host of huge names perform throughout it's history - one of note being Echo and The Bunnymen in 2019. It would be renamed Venue 23 in October 2021. | Google Maps
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