Profile
The Lawns at the Roundhouse Cape Town is one of the Mother City’s most celebrated and historically significant dining, wedding, and event destinations — a National Monument property set on the historic Roundhouse estate in Camps Bay, originally built as a hunting lodge for Lord Charles Somerset over 300 years ago. Situated on Round House Road between Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, the venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and rugged mountain peaks in the other — a setting of extraordinary natural beauty that makes it one of Cape Town’s most photographed and sought-after event locations.
Ranked among the #4 most reviewed wedding venues in Cape Town, The Lawns at the Roundhouse has built a devoted following of 37,000+ Instagram followers and consistently five-star reviews for its combination of historic charm, spectacular views, relaxed all-day dining, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere for families, couples, and event groups alike.
Why The Lawns at the Roundhouse Cape Town Is Utterly Unique
The Roundhouse estate tells a story that spans three centuries. Ancient pomegranate trees dot the expansive grounds — silent witnesses to hundreds of years of Cape history. The property is a declared National Monument, giving it a heritage significance that elevates every event hosted here beyond the ordinary. Guests arrive through the mountain, descend to expansive green lawns between Lion’s Head and the sea, and immediately understand why this place has captivated Capetonians and visitors for generations.
The venue occupies the sweet spot between relaxed outdoor dining and refined event hosting — equally at home for a casual family lunch on the grass, a romantic sundowner cocktail overlooking the Atlantic, a pre-ordered picnic basket under a cabana, or a carefully coordinated wedding reception. And it is genuinely dog-friendly and family-friendly, with a dedicated children’s play area on the lawns.
Dining at The Lawns
The Lawns at the Roundhouse Cape Town serves an all-day menu rooted in contemporary European cuisine with South African coastal influences, using fresh, seasonal ingredients:
- Wood-fired pizzas and pastas — a perennial crowd favourite
- Burgers and salads — relaxed, satisfying options for casual dining
- Seafood dishes — including standout options like Thai Green Curry Mussels
- Full breakfast — served from morning through to brunch hours
- Sundowners — the late afternoon light over the Atlantic is extraordinary
- Pre-ordered picnic baskets — available for groups on the picnic lawn under cabanas
- Full cocktail and bar menu — praised for fresh, vibrant, well-crafted drinks
The culinary programme is complemented by Salsify at the Roundhouse — the acclaimed fine dining restaurant by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts, also situated on the same historic property, offering an elevated tasting menu experience for special occasions.
Weddings and Private Events
The Lawns at the Roundhouse Cape Town is one of Cape Town’s most distinctive wedding and private event venues, offering multiple spaces that can be configured for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations:
- Exclusive use of the restaurant, terraces, and lawns — or any combination
- Indoor restaurant spaces — for more formal dinners and seated receptions
- Outdoor lawn and deck areas — spectacular for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail receptions
- Mountain and ocean views in every direction — unmatched photographic backdrops
- Events management team — consult to tailor the venue, menu, and ambiance to your event
- Contemporary French-inspired cuisine — from the main Roundhouse kitchen (uncomplicated, seasonal, paired with a boutique wine collection)
Events hosted: Weddings, birthday celebrations, baby showers, anniversary dinners, corporate sundowners, product launches, festive season events (including Silent Disco New Year’s Eve), and milestone celebrations of all kinds.
Location and Setting
The venue is located on Round House Road in Camps Bay, positioned between Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. This exceptional location delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged mountain peaks, creating one of Cape Town’s most photographed settings. The historic 300-year-old estate features expansive green lawns dotted with ancient pomegranate trees, providing a sense of timeless natural beauty.
Guests arrive through the mountain and descend to the lawns, experiencing the extraordinary interplay of ocean and mountain that defines this corner of the Cape. The setting works equally well for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail receptions on the terraces, or intimate dinners with a view.
Heritage and History
The Roundhouse estate is a declared National Monument with a heritage spanning over 300 years. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Lord Charles Somerset, the property carries a historical significance that elevates every gathering. Ancient pomegranate trees on the grounds stand as silent witnesses to centuries of Cape history, connecting modern celebrations to the deep roots of the region.
This combination of natural beauty and historical depth makes The Lawns at the Roundhouse far more than just another event venue — it is a living piece of Cape Town’s story.
Family and Dog-Friendly Features
The Lawns at the Roundhouse welcomes families and their four-legged companions. A dedicated children’s play area on the lawns ensures young guests are entertained, while the dog-friendly policy means your pets can join you for a meal or celebration on the expansive grounds.
The relaxed atmosphere and outdoor setting make it ideal for multi-generational gatherings, from casual Sunday lunches to milestone family celebrations.
Practical Visitor Information
- Address: Round House Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, Western Cape
- Phone: +27 21 438 4347
- Website: thelawnsct.com
- Instagram: @thelawns_ct (37K followers)
- Heritage: National Monument — 300-year-old estate, originally Lord Charles Somerset’s hunting lodge
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Family-friendly: Yes — dedicated children’s play area
- Weather note: An outdoor venue — check the weather before visiting; blankets and umbrellas provided during inclement weather
- Parking: Ample on-site parking available
- Access: Via lower Kloof Road / Round House Road (accessible from both entrances)
- Best for: Weddings, sundowners, family lunches, birthday celebrations, corporate events, picnics, baby showers, milestone dinners, New Year’s Eve events
For private event and wedding enquiries, visit the official Lawns at the Roundhouse website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The Lawns at the Roundhouse dog-friendly?
A: Yes, The Lawns at the Roundhouse welcomes dogs. The outdoor setting and expansive lawns make it an ideal spot to bring your four-legged companion along for a meal or celebration.
Q: What types of events can be hosted at The Lawns at the Roundhouse?
A: The venue hosts weddings, birthday celebrations, baby showers, anniversary dinners, corporate sundowners, product launches, festive season events including Silent Disco New Year’s Eve, and milestone celebrations. Multiple spaces can be configured for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations.
Q: Does The Lawns at the Roundhouse have a children’s play area?
A: Yes, there is a dedicated children’s play area on the lawns. This makes the venue family-friendly and suitable for multi-generational gatherings and casual family lunches.
Q: What kind of food is served at The Lawns at the Roundhouse?
A: The Lawns serves an all-day menu of contemporary European cuisine with South African coastal influences. Popular options include wood-fired pizzas and pastas, burgers and salads, seafood dishes like Thai Green Curry Mussels, full breakfast, and pre-ordered picnic baskets. A full cocktail and bar menu is also available.
Q: What makes The Lawns at the Roundhouse historically significant?
A: The Roundhouse estate is a declared National Monument with over 300 years of history. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for Lord Charles Somerset and features ancient pomegranate trees that are among the oldest on the property, connecting guests to centuries of Cape history.
Q: Where is The Lawns at the Roundhouse located?
A: The venue is located on Round House Road in Camps Bay, Cape Town, positioned between Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains, with ample on-site parking and access via lower Kloof Road or Round House Road.
Q: Can I book The Lawns at the Roundhouse exclusively for a private event?
A: Yes, exclusive use of the restaurant, terraces, and lawns is available for private events. The events management team can tailor the venue, menu, and ambiance to suit your specific celebration, from intimate gatherings to larger receptions.
Q: Is The Lawns at the Roundhouse suitable for outdoor weddings?
A: Yes, it is one of Cape Town’s most distinctive wedding venues, ranked #4 most reviewed. The outdoor lawn and deck areas are spectacular for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail receptions, with mountain and ocean views providing unmatched photographic backdrops. Note that it is an outdoor venue, so weather should be checked before visiting.
Discover more options at the Cape Town event venues directory and Western Cape event venue listings.
