Pure Café UP Pretoria is the University of Pretoria’s most popular campus coffee shop, café, and conference facility — located in the Old Club Hall on Ring Road, Hatfield Campus, where a “serene and inviting oasis” on the Aula grass delivers aromatic coffees, invigorating teas, refreshing smoothies, the campus-famous Chai Milkshake, hearty meals, and a conference and event venue that serves students, staff, visitors, alumni, and the broader Pretoria community. Rated 4.1 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru across 294 reviews, with credit card payments, takeaway, and wheelchair accessibility all confirmed, Pure Café UP fills an important gap in the UP Hatfield campus hospitality ecosystem — a proper sit-down café and event space with genuine food quality at campus-accessible prices. The Old Club Hall itself spans approximately 1,306 m² of restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities, making it one of the larger event spaces available at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield campus.

The Setting: Old Club Hall on the UP Hatfield Campus

Ring Road, Old Club Hall, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria is one of the more characterful addresses on campus. The Old Club Hall is a heritage building on the Hatfield campus, positioned near the Aula — the university’s grand assembly hall — with the Aula grass providing an open green setting that makes the Club Hall feel embedded in the campus landscape rather than a standalone commercial operation. Nearby landmarks include the Edoardo Villa Museum and the Engineering Building 1 on Ring Road West.

The building itself hosts both the Pure Café café and restaurant operation and the banquet and meeting facilities that make it a conference venue in the University’s hospitality infrastructure.

Food and Coffee: From Chai Milkshakes to Hokey Pokey Salad

Pure Café UP’s menu spans the range from quick coffee breaks to full sit-down lunches:

The Chai Milkshake — Pure Café’s most beloved and frequently mentioned offering. One reviewer described the Chai Milkshake as “probably one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had.” It is the item most consistently recommended by first-time visitors.

The Hokey Pokey Salad — recommended by Wanderlog for generous portions of delicious meals, alongside the Pasta Pronto as a go-to lunch option.

White Chocolate Freezo — a specific frozen coffee/dessert drink that Wanderlog specifically recommends pairing with a chai and your favourite wrap.

Coffee — reviewers consistently note that coffee at Pure Café UP is great, with the baristas providing knowledgeable and friendly service.

Smoothies and specialty beverages — invigorating teas and refreshing smoothies round out the drinks menu.

Sandwiches and wraps — a grab-and-go option for busy students and staff. Some reviewers have noted variability in the panini offerings, so the hot meals and salads are the stronger recommendations.

Gluten-free and dairy-free options — specifically available at Pure Café, making it more inclusive than many campus dining options.

Omelettes — noted by a reviewer as “actually good” — a solid hot breakfast option during morning service.

Waffles, cheese toasts, and kacamak (cornmeal porridge) also feature in the Restaurant Guru menu profile.

Conference and Banquet Facilities: 1,306 m² of Event Space

Pure Café UP is classified as both a café and a conference facility — and the Old Club Hall’s infrastructure supports this dual identity. The UP Club Hall restaurant and bar, including banquet and meeting facilities, covers approximately 1,306 m², making it a significant event space within the university campus.

The venue serves the University of Pretoria’s event needs including:

• Banquet dinners for staff, alumni, and visiting academic groups
• Meeting and conference rooms for campus functions
• Academic and corporate events for the broader Hatfield and Pretoria East community
• Private celebrations for the university community

The primary objective of the venue is to offer vibrant, trendy, and inclusive food services that cater to the diverse needs of students, staff, visitors, alumni, and the broader university community, enhancing the campus experience and supporting the university’s public relations and advancement strategies.

The Campus Context: University of Pretoria Hatfield

The University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus is one of South Africa’s largest and most active university campuses — a self-contained academic city with approximately 50,000 students and thousands of staff. The campus is in the heart of Hatfield, one of Pretoria’s most vibrant suburbs, close to the Gautrain Hatfield Station, the Hatfield Plaza, and the broader embassy and government district corridor.

Pure Café UP serves both the campus community (students, academics, administrative staff) and outside visitors who come to the campus for events, the museum, or simply to use the café as a working space. The venue is described as a great place for a quick coffee meeting or a short study session.

Practical Details

• Google Rating: 4.1 stars
• Credit cards: Accepted
• Takeaway: Available
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes
• Outdoor seating: Available
• Typical visit duration: 10 minutes (quick coffee break) to a full lunch hour

Location and Getting There

Pure Café UP is at the Old Club Hall, Ring Road, University of Pretoria Hatfield Campus, Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0084 — on Ring Road between the Aula and the Lunnon Road gate, near the Edoardo Villa Museum. Parking is available at the university’s student and visitor parking areas adjacent to Ring Road.

Tel: 063 350 3552
Instagram: @purecafeup

For menu information, conference bookings, and event hire, visit Pure Café UP’s official website.

Explore more cafés and conference venues at the University of Pretoria and in Hatfield through our Pretoria event venues directory, or browse all Gauteng event venue listings for venues across the province.