Wedding and event venues in Cape Town’s Gardens suburb are epitomised by Auslese, a boutique function space located at 115 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape. Owned and managed by Sharon Levin, Auslese has operated as a dedicated private event venue since 2012, specialising in intimate celebrations, corporate functions, and weddings in a restored Victorian villa setting.

Historic Victorian Villa Setting

Auslese occupies a beautifully restored Victorian house in the heart of Gardens, one of Cape Town’s most historic and leafy suburbs. The venue preserves the character of its original architecture, featuring high ceilings, ornate cornicing, and original wooden flooring throughout. The building’s heritage features blend with contemporary event infrastructure to create a distinctive Cape Town event space. Gardens is positioned at the foot of Table Mountain, providing guests with easy access to central Cape Town while offering a peaceful, tree-lined setting away from the bustle of the city centre.

Venue Spaces and Capacity

Auslese provides multiple interconnected spaces within the Victorian house, allowing for flexible event configurations. The main reception room accommodates up to 60 seated guests for formal dining and up to 80 guests for cocktail-style events. The venue features a separate bridal suite where wedding parties can prepare before ceremonies, as well as an outdoor courtyard area that serves as a ceremony space or pre-function gathering area. The intimate scale of Auslese makes it particularly suited to weddings, engagement parties, milestone birthday celebrations, and corporate dinners where a personal atmosphere is desired rather than large-scale banqueting.

Catering and Culinary Services

Auslese operates with a selection of approved catering partners who understand the venue’s layout and service requirements. Sharon Levin works closely with caterers to ensure menus complement the style and scale of each event. The venue’s kitchen facilities support full on-site food preparation, allowing for hot plated meals and elaborate multi-course dining. Auslese is licensed for the service of alcohol, and clients can arrange for beverage packages through the venue or bring their own wine. The culinary approach at Auslese emphasises quality over volume, with catering designed for intimate gatherings where attention to detail matters.

Wedding Services and Packages

Auslese specialises in small to medium weddings, typically hosting ceremonies and receptions on the same property. The venue provides ceremony seating, a sound system for music and speeches, and event coordination on the day. Sharon Levin and her team offer guidance through the planning process, from initial site visits to final timeline confirmation. The venue’s wedding packages include venue hire, tables, chairs, linen, glassware, and basic décor elements. Couples can personalise the Victorian interiors with their own styling, or work with recommended décor suppliers familiar with the space. The intimate size of Auslese allows for a more personalised service than larger commercial venues, with Sharon often personally overseeing events.

Corporate and Private Events

Beyond weddings, Auslese hosts corporate functions, product launches, team-building dinners, and private celebrations. The venue’s professional yet relaxed atmosphere suits client entertainment, milestone celebrations, and business dinners where a restaurant setting might be too public. Auslese provides audiovisual equipment for presentations, including a projector and sound system. The venue’s central Gardens location makes it accessible for corporate clients based in the Cape Town CBD, with ample street parking available on Hope Street and surrounding roads. Private events at Auslese benefit from exclusive use of the entire property, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted service.

Practical Information and Contact

Auslese is located at 115 Hope Street in Gardens, Cape Town, within walking distance of Kloof Street and approximately 2 kilometres from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The venue is accessible from the Cape Town CBD via Buitengracht Street or via Long Street and Orange Street. Street parking is available in the residential area surrounding the venue. For bookings and site visits, prospective clients can contact Auslese directly on 021 465 0000 or visit the venue’s website at www.auslese.co.za. Sharon Levin and her team conduct venue viewings by appointment, allowing potential clients to tour the spaces and discuss their event requirements in detail.

Reviews and Guest Feedback

Auslese has earned positive feedback from past clients for its intimate atmosphere and personalised service. Reviews on wedding platforms and Google highlight the venue’s charm, with guests noting the historic character of the building and the attentiveness of Sharon and her team. One reviewer described Auslese as “a hidden gem in Gardens,” praising the flexibility of the space and the quality of service. Clients have specifically commended the venue for accommodating smaller guest lists without making the space feel empty, and for the ease of working with Sharon throughout the planning process. The venue maintains strong relationships with local suppliers, which past clients have found helpful in coordinating décor, photography, and entertainment.

Décor and Styling Flexibility

The Victorian architecture of Auslese provides a characterful backdrop that requires minimal additional styling, though the venue welcomes personalisation. High ceilings and neutral wall tones allow for a range of décor themes, from classic elegance to contemporary minimalism. The venue’s manageable size means styling budgets can be focused effectively, with floral arrangements, lighting, and table settings making a strong visual impact. Auslese works with a network of trusted décor suppliers and florists who are familiar with the space and can advise on installations that complement the heritage features. Clients are permitted to bring their own décor items, and the venue allows setup time on the day of the event or the evening before for larger weddings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum guest capacity at Auslese?
A: Auslese accommodates up to 60 guests for seated dining and up to 80 guests for cocktail-style events. The venue is best suited to intimate gatherings where a personal atmosphere is desired.

Q: Does Auslese provide in-house catering?
A: Auslese works with a selection of approved catering partners rather than providing in-house catering. Sharon Levin can recommend caterers experienced with the venue’s facilities and service style.

Q: Can wedding ceremonies be held at Auslese?
A: Yes, Auslese hosts both ceremonies and receptions. The outdoor courtyard area is typically used for ceremonies, with the reception following in the main indoor spaces.

Q: Is Auslese available for corporate events?
A: Yes, Auslese hosts corporate functions, product launches, and business dinners. The venue provides audiovisual equipment and exclusive use of the property for corporate clients.

Q: Where is parking available at Auslese?
A: Street parking is available on Hope Street and in the surrounding residential streets of Gardens. The venue is located in a quiet neighbourhood with generally good parking availability.

Q: Who manages Auslese?
A: Auslese is owned and managed by Sharon Levin, who has operated the venue since 2012 and personally oversees many events held at the property.

Q: What is included in Auslese’s venue hire?
A: Venue hire includes tables, chairs, linen, glassware, basic décor elements, ceremony seating, and a sound system. Event coordination on the day is also provided.

Q: How far in advance should I book Auslese?
A: For weddings, booking 6 to 12 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular dates during the summer wedding season. Corporate events often have more flexible availability.

Explore more event spaces on the Cape Town event venues directory and Western Cape event venue listings.