Nice To Meat You Kempton Park is one of Gauteng’s most beloved hidden gems — a family-run rustic events and wedding venue at 49 Fried Street in Kempton Park, operated by husband-and-wife team Katryn and Roux, where exposed brick walls, wooden beam ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, an antique furniture collection, massive oak trees, a lush garden courtyard, a dedicated chapel, and a kitchen that sends out what guests consistently describe as “out of this world food” combine to create a venue experience that reviewers call “a step back into the past” in the very best sense. A family-run venue where delicious food, a warm and cosy atmosphere, and excellent service is the main aim — Nice To Meat You hosts private events, weddings, conferences, Sunday lunches, braai nights, cinema evenings, wine tastings, live music nights, and family brunches from a property that one Africa Biz reviewer described simply as “the best venue I’ve seen thus far.” With 100% recommendation across 210 Facebook reviews and a TripAdvisor ranking in the top 30 of 157 Kempton Park restaurants, this venue punches well above its weight.

The Setting: Rustic Charm Meets Natural Splendour

The character of Nice To Meat You begins with its physical environment. The renovated industrial building has been transformed into something that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, past and present. Inside, exposed brick walls, wooden beam ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the venue with natural light. Outside, massive oak trees, a safe playground for children, and a rustic hidden gem atmosphere define the garden experience — a space that lush gardens, the tree canopy overhead, and the carefully cultivated country atmosphere make feel “transported to another world,” as the venue itself describes it.

The décor is distinctively eclectic — a beautiful assortment of old furniture that makes you feel like a step back into the past, combined with couches spread throughout both indoor and outdoor areas to create a relaxed, living-room quality. Reviewers describe it as having “a carnival look,” “rustic charm,” and “a warm cosy atmosphere” — a venue that photographs beautifully and feels even better in person.

The Kitchen: Meat-Forward, Flame and Smoke

The name is a clue and a promise. Nice To Meat You specialises in sophisticated meat-forward menus that celebrate the art of flame and smoke — from perfectly seared prime cuts to slow-roasted specialties. The kitchen’s menu extends to Greek and Italian influences, with pizza options and broader barbecue fare, but prime cuts and slow-roasted meats are the heart of the offering. A Sunday rib eye roast has been specifically highlighted in guest posts as a standout dish; a chicken pie has been called “the best I have ever eaten”; and the broader menu across braai nights and Sunday lunches is consistently rated as “superb,” “fantastic,” and “out of this world.”

For events, the kitchen crafts personalised dining experiences — from wedding menus that reflect the couple’s unique story, to birthday menus built around the guest of honour’s favourite dishes, to conference catering that makes delegates feel like anything but a captive audience.

Events: Weddings, Private Parties, Conferences, and More

Nice To Meat You covers the full event spectrum from its Fried Street address:

Weddings — intimate weddings for a maximum of 100 guests, with a choice of either indoor or outdoor ceremony. The venue’s chapel — described on Facebook as “a chapel that feels as special as the promise made inside it” — provides a dedicated ceremony space, while the lush garden courtyard handles outdoor ceremonies. Wedding coordinators work closely with each couple from venue tour to last dance.

Private Events — birthdays, baby showers, kitchen teas, and milestone celebrations are hosted with the same personalised care as weddings. One couple who hosted a joint 60th birthday celebration for 30 guests reported that every one of their guests raved about the safe and tranquil setting, rustic look and feel, warm and cosy atmosphere, superb food, and excellent and caring service — specifically thanking Roux and Katryn for making the day so memorable.

Conferences — full-day and half-day conference options in a beautiful setting where the hustle and bustle fade among the tree leaves in the wind.

Sunday Lunches — a beloved regular public event where tables are laden with seasonal fare and bookings are essential. Past Sunday menus have included rib eye roasts, crackling pork, and Bartho Eksteen wine tastings paired with food.

Braai Nights — outdoor evening events showcasing the kitchen’s fire skills.

Cinema Evenings — outdoor or indoor film screenings for groups.

Live Music Nights — a popular recurring public event format hosting “talented performers from across the country.” One reviewer called it an “excellent venue for live music.”

Wine Tastings — the venue has hosted curated wine evenings including a Bartho Eksteen wine selection paired with food — a format that draws the broader East Rand wine-curious community.

Katryn and Roux: The Hosts Behind the Experience

Katryn and Roux run a unique rustic venue which you will not find anywhere else — described by reviewers as stunning hosts, cooks, and coordinators. Their family-run philosophy shapes every aspect of the venue — the food is made with love, the service is personal, and the tagline “Come as a guest, leave as a friend” is not aspirational language but an accurate description of what guests report experiencing. A TripAdvisor reviewer who held a company event at the venue in 2016 described it as a find — noting that words couldn’t adequately express their satisfaction with the hosting, service, ambience, and food, and the attention to their specific requests.

Accommodation

Nice To Meat You also offers on-site overnight accommodation — guests can stay on the property for small to medium private events, making it possible to extend a celebration without anyone needing to drive home. This accommodation option is specifically noted in Africa Biz reviews.

Kids’ Play Area

A safe, dedicated kids’ play area is on the property, making Nice To Meat You genuinely family-friendly and suited for multi-generational events where children are present alongside adults.

Location and Getting There

Nice To Meat You is at 49 Fried Street, Kempton Park AH, Kempton Park, Gauteng, 1619 — in the agricultural holdings area of Kempton Park, approximately 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and within easy reach of the East Rand’s major residential suburbs.

Tel: 071 883 0147
Alt. Tel: 082 773 6408
Email: info@nicetomeatyou.co.za

For event bookings, Sunday lunch reservations, and wedding enquiries, visit Nice To Meat You’s official website.

Explore more wedding and event venues in Kempton Park through our Kempton Park event venues directory, or browse all Gauteng event venue listings for venues across the province.