Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes an exciting wave of new business launches, beautiful store renovations, and expanded wellness spaces across Wakefield and the Five Towns. From hybrid coffee and fitness hubs to farm to table farm dining and curated lifestyle boutiques, here is your edit to the best fresh openings to check out this season.
Food & Drink
Fract | Pontefract
Functioning as a spacious and beautifully designed hybrid social venue, Fract delivers casual luxury vibes right on the high street. By day, it is an excellent lifestyle spot serving up specialty espresso, premium iced coffees, and a great food menu, while splitting its space with an in house reformer pilates studio and acting as the official home base for its own local community run club.
1988 Bar & Kitchen | Hemsworth
A fresh lakeside dining addition situated right within the green surroundings of Hemsworth Water Park. It offers a relaxed setting to enjoy casual mid week meals, hearty plates of food, and refreshing drinks with a scenic waterfront view, making it a handy new pit-stop for families, walkers, and locals enjoying the summer sun.
The Tatie Shed | Horncastle Farm
Horncastle Farm has launched a brand new farm to table dining experience that covers everything from hearty morning breakfasts to relaxed dinners. Focused on celebrating fresh, high quality farm produce in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, it is a brilliant destination to gather with family for a proper meal in the countryside.
Little Bakes | Featherstone
Having officially reopened following a beautiful renovation, this beloved local independent is back with an expanded offering on Station Lane. Alongside their signature homemade bakes, they are serving fresh breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily, plus premium homemade ice cream. You can also head down on Friday and Saturday evenings for dedicated bar snacks and fresh, handmade pizza nights.
20/22 Station Lane, Featherstone
Health & Wellness
The Heat Suite at That Pilates Place | Pontefract
Housed inside the town’s historic Old Court House, this popular studio has expanded its wellness offering with a brand new dedicated hot studio. Offering a varied timetable featuring low impact hot mat Pilates, barre, and specialised method classes, it provides a welcoming environment whether you are a complete beginner or looking for a high temperature fitness challenge.
The Old Court House, Pontefract
Vibe Yoga | Pontefract
Running 45-minute sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, this new studio addition brings another great accessible, full body workout to the town centre. Built to welcome all fitness abilities, the classes offer a unique blend of core flexibility and mindfulness practices paired with quick cardio bursts to leave you feeling thoroughly re-energised.
J’s at Pugneys | Wakefield
Located right in the heart of the country park, this newly expanded cycling and running hub offers a fantastic gateway to get active outdoors. Alongside a full retail space and a versatile bike hire fleet, including electric, gravel, mountain, and kids’ bikes, the store has a brand new running zone equipped with over 100 shoe options and advanced gait analysis. They also host weekly run clubs, community walks, and cycle maintenance workshops for all abilities.
Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield
Shopping & Lifestyle
Twine | Pontefract
This beautiful new boutique has arrived in Ponte town centre, bringing a carefully curated selection of cards, gifts, and unique homeware designed for everyday living. Stocked with plenty of independent items from local makers, the gorgeous new shop front makes it a go to spot to pick up thoughtful gifts for birthdays, baby showers, and special celebrations. A dedicated workshop space is also coming soon.
MOSS by Wild | Featherstone
Founded by Hollie Wild, MOSS by Wild is a new independent venture rooted in nature led rituals and slow living. Operating from a calm, local workshop space, every single product is handmade with care and intention, offering a beautiful range of natural oils, organic teas, aromatherapy blends, and bespoke perfumes designed to ground and soothe the nervous system.
