Buffalo Club East London is one of the Eastern Cape’s most historically significant, community-loved, and naturally beautiful sports clubs and event venues — the oldest rugby club in East London and the Border Region, and the third-oldest rugby club in South Africa, at 1 Buffalo Park Drive, Quigney, East London, Eastern Cape, 5201. Founded on 2 June 1877 at a meeting at the Buffalo Hotel — “to which gentleman from both sides of the river were invited” — Buffalo Club East London sits alongside the Buffalo Park cricket ground (home of Border cricket), overlooks the East London Golf Course, and offers sweeping views toward the Indian Ocean from its conference and bar facilities.

With a Google rating of 4.4 from 582 reviews and a loyal following captured in the beloved motto “Once a Buff, Always a Buff!” — Buffalo Club East London has been a venue for cricket, rugby, musical festivals, weddings, conferences, and all kinds of community celebrations for generations. “This has been a place for all high quality entertainment be it cricket, musical festivals, weddings, conferences and much more — excellent surroundings with exceptional atmosphere.”

A History Spanning Nearly 150 Years

Buffalo Club East London’s history is inseparable from the story of sport in the Eastern Cape:

• 2 June 1877: The Buffalo Football Club is founded at the Buffalo Hotel in East London — “to which gentleman from both sides of the river were invited”
• The club is the oldest rugby club in East London and the Border Region
• The third-oldest rugby club in South Africa
• In the 1940s and 1950s, the vision for Buffalo Park as a dedicated clubhouse begins to take shape
• 12 May 1960: Brickwork begins on the Buffalo Park clubhouse
• 22 August 1960: The first AGM of the Buffalo Club is held
• 4 January 1961: Ted Allen, president of the Buffalo Football Club, hands the clubhouse over to its first president, Archie Taylor
• Today, Buffalo Club East London continues as a thriving sports and community venue

The Setting — Cricket Ground, Golf Course and Indian Ocean Views

Buffalo Club East London’s location is one of the most picturesque sporting settings on the Eastern Cape coast:

• Situated alongside Buffalo Park cricket ground — home of Border cricket and one of South Africa’s historic cricketing venues
• Overlooking the East London Golf Course
• “Cool sea view of the Indian Ocean” visible from the conference room and bar
• “A picturesque venue — always a picturesque venue” — the consistent verdict of guests and visitors

Venue Hire — Main Hall, Conference Room and Private Hire

Buffalo Club East London offers venue hire for a wide range of occasions:

Main Hall

• Large indoor function space for formal events
• Weddings, award evenings, year-end functions, and large celebrations
• “Great view over the cricket grounds” from the main hall

Conference Room

• “Spacious — could have easily fit over 100 delegates with room to spare”
• Conference room hire with Indian Ocean views
• Suitable for corporate conferences, seminars, and training sessions

Private Bar Tender Hire

• Exclusive venue hire options including a private bar tender
• “Great experience at Buffs Club — hired out a venue with a private bar tender”

Events hosted: Cricket matches, rugby fixtures, musical festivals, weddings, conferences, birthday parties, baby showers, year-end functions, and all kinds of community gatherings.

Booking: Venue hire conditions and booking sheets available via the official website. Bookings remain unconfirmed until a completed signed booking sheet and full payment are received.

The Restaurant and Bar — Good Food, Great Value

Buffalo Club East London’s restaurant and bar is a beloved institution in its own right:

• “One of the best sports clubs to visit — good atmosphere, amazing food”
• Ribs: “Best ribs my mates say they have ever eaten” — a consistent crowd favourite
• Sunday buffet: “Wonderful Sunday buffet lunch with efficient and friendly service — R95 per person is a steal!”
• Bar: full range of draught and bottled beers, spirits, and soft drinks
• “Buffs Club is always good value — the food as always very good”
• Indoor and outdoor seating — large outdoor grassed areas with views

Sports Facilities and Leisure

• Rugby — the founding sport, with a full programme of games
• Squash courts — “Played squash there in the SA Masters IPT last month — great facility”
• Kiddies jungle gym — a popular attraction for families
• Large grass area for children to play
• Adjacent to Buffalo Park cricket ground (Border cricket)
• Proximity to East London Golf Course

Accommodation and Guest House

Buffalo Club East London features on-site guest house accommodation, ideal for visiting sports teams, conference delegates, or guests attending functions at the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Buffalo Club East London founded?
A: Buffalo Club East London was founded on 2 June 1877 at a meeting at the Buffalo Hotel. It is the oldest rugby club in East London and the Border Region, and the third-oldest rugby club in South Africa.

Q: What types of events can be hosted at Buffalo Club East London?
A: The venue hosts cricket matches, rugby fixtures, musical festivals, weddings, conferences, birthday parties, baby showers, year-end functions, and all kinds of community gatherings. The main hall is ideal for formal events while the conference room can accommodate over 100 delegates.

Q: What are the views like from Buffalo Club East London?
A: The venue offers sweeping views of the Buffalo Park cricket ground, the East London Golf Course, and the Indian Ocean. The conference room and bar provide Indian Ocean views, making it a picturesque setting on the Eastern Cape coast.

Q: Does Buffalo Club East London have a restaurant?
A: Yes, the venue has a restaurant and bar serving good food at great value. Highlights include ribs that guests call the best they’ve ever eaten, and a Sunday buffet lunch at R95 per person with efficient and friendly service.

Q: What sports facilities are available at Buffalo Club?
A: The club offers rugby facilities, squash courts, and is adjacent to Buffalo Park cricket ground (home of Border cricket). There is also a kiddies jungle gym and large grass area for children to play.

Q: Where is Buffalo Club East London located?
A: Buffalo Club East London is located at 1 Buffalo Park Drive, Quigney, East London, Eastern Cape, 5201. It sits alongside Buffalo Park cricket ground and overlooks the East London Golf Course.

Q: How do I book venue hire at Buffalo Club East London?
A: Venue hire conditions and booking sheets are available via the official website at buffsclub.com. Bookings remain unconfirmed until a completed signed booking sheet and full payment are received.

Q: What is the capacity of the conference room?
A: The conference room is spacious and can easily accommodate over 100 delegates with room to spare. It features Indian Ocean views and is suitable for corporate conferences, seminars, and training sessions.

For venue hire enquiries, bookings, and event packages, visit the official Buffalo Club website.

Also explore other popular East London event venues directory and Eastern Cape event venue listings.