The Athletic Club & Social
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The Athletic Club & Social is a three-storey bar and restaurant at 35 Buitengracht Street in the Cape Town CBD. South African sporting memorabilia line the walls, there is a terrace for cocktails and cigars, and a hidden basement bar hosts live jazz. Each of its three levels has its own bar, so the venue works equally well for a ten-person lounge booking or a full buy-out.
Spaces and Capacities
- Full venue (all three levels): up to 250 guests.
- The Library Bar: the entire first floor, for up to 180, with its own bar, a DJ booth with CDJs and vinyl, four lounges and a long balcony.
- The Trophy Room: the basement jazz and whisky bar, for up to 50. Live jazz plays Wednesday to Saturday from 20:00 to 22:00, followed by DJs.
- Trapezaria: the ground-floor restaurant, with 40 seats on the kitchen side and 30 on the bar side, serving Mediterranean and Greek dishes à la carte or as a three-course set menu.
- Upstairs lounges: the Spot of Country Lounge (30, or 35 with part of the terrace), the D'Oliveira Lounge (10) and the Bavuma Lounge (8). These are shared spaces.
Private Events
The Athletic Club hosts private events and celebrations of every size, from birthday drinks in a lounge to company year-end parties across the whole building, as well as ticketed Wine & Social evenings. There is no venue hire fee. Instead, a minimum spend on food and drinks applies. A canapé menu is available for functions, alongside the signature cocktails, wines and whiskies.
Opening Hours
The venue is open late on weekends (until 2am Thursday to Saturday) and closed on Sundays. Check current hours with the venue when planning.
Fun Casino Evenings at The Athletic Club
Fun Casino Entertainment has entertained at The Athletic Club & Social since 2019, including year-end functions in the basement Trophy Room. The jazz basement and the Library Bar both suit a casino evening: a couple of tables, a DJ and a full bar make for an easy party.
Location and Contact Details
The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town CBD, 8001. Events: 084 087 5566, events@theathletic.co.za. Website: theathletic.co.za.
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Questions people ask
Is there a venue hire fee at The Athletic Club & Social?
No. There is no venue hire fee, but a minimum spend on food and drinks applies.
How many guests can The Athletic Club host?
Up to 250 guests for the whole venue, 180 in the Library Bar, or 50 in the basement Trophy Room.
Does The Athletic Club have live music?
Yes. The basement Trophy Room has live jazz Wednesday to Saturday from 20:00 to 22:00, followed by DJs.
Is The Athletic Club open on Sundays?
No, it is closed on Sundays.
Can I book a small group area?
Yes. The upstairs lounges take 8 to 35 guests, and the restaurant takes groups on the kitchen or bar side.
Where is The Athletic Club & Social?
At 35 Buitengracht Street in the Cape Town CBD.
