1988 Bar & Kitchen | Pontefract Wakefield

Coming Full Circle

I grew up in Kinsley and Hemsworth, and like so many people around here, I’ve got memories tied to this place from being a kid. I remember visiting the old Windsurfer with family and friends and later seeing how much Hemsworth Water Park became part of everyday life for local families. The lake, the walks, the boats, the play areas, it’s always been somewhere people come to relax, spend time together and make memories. When the opportunity came up to take on this site, it felt like things had come full circle

Coming Full Circle

I grew up in Kinsley and Hemsworth, and like so many people around here, I’ve got memories tied to this place from being a kid. I remember visiting the old Windsurfer with family and friends and later seeing how much Hemsworth Water Park became part of everyday life for local families. The lake, the walks, the boats, the play areas, it’s always been somewhere people come to relax, spend time together and make memories. When the opportunity came up to take on this site, it felt like things had come full circle

The Story Behind 1988

The name 1988 isn’t just a number to me, it means something. In 1988, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, opened the original venue here, and I loved the idea of honouring that moment in the history of the site. There’s a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this building for so many locals, and I wanted the name to reflect that connection to the past while still moving things forward. It felt right to respect where the venue has come from, rather than trying to erase it.

The Story Behind 1988

The name 1988 isn’t just a number to me, it means something. In 1988, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, opened the original venue here, and I loved the idea of honouring that moment in the history of the site. There’s a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this building for so many locals, and I wanted the name to reflect that connection to the past while still moving things forward. It felt right to respect where the venue has come from, rather than trying to erase it.

A New Chapter Begins

I officially took over the site in January 2025, and from the start I knew I wanted to do something special with it. We began a major refurbishment in March 2025, investing heavily to completely transform the space, not just cosmetically, but in how it feels to be here. By April 2025, 1988 Bar & Kitchen opened its doors, and that was a really proud moment for me. The aim was always to create somewhere people would be excited to come back to, somewhere the community could genuinely be proud of.

A New Chapter Begins

I officially took over the site in January 2025, and from the start I knew I wanted to do something special with it. We began a major refurbishment in March 2025, investing heavily to completely transform the space, not just cosmetically, but in how it feels to be here. By April 2025, 1988 Bar & Kitchen opened its doors, and that was a really proud moment for me. The aim was always to create somewhere people would be excited to come back to, somewhere the community could genuinely be proud of.

Built for Our Community

Everything about 1988 has been designed with families and locals in mind. I wanted to bring back the warmth and quality people remember, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. We serve freshly made food using quality, locally sourced ingredients, and we’ve created spaces for families, including a dedicated room with games and entertainment for kids. Being right here in the Water Park, with the lake, boating, fishing and play areas on our doorstep, makes this a natural place for people to gather. My goal is simple – to make 1988 a true community hub, where people can bring their friends, celebrate special moments, and feel at home.

Built for Our Community

Everything about 1988 has been designed with families and locals in mind. I wanted to bring back the warmth and quality people remember, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. We serve freshly made food using quality, locally sourced ingredients, and we’ve created spaces for families, including a dedicated room with games and entertainment for kids. Being right here in the Water Park, with the lake, boating, fishing and play areas on our doorstep, makes this a natural place for people to gather. My goal is simple – to make 1988 a true community hub, where people can bring their friends, celebrate special moments, and feel at home.