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The 5 Most Recommended Event Spaces in Johannesburg
1. Estia Venue & Events

Website: https://www.estia-events.com/
Address: 62 5th St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 76 777 7777
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Africabz.com reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Total reviews | 3/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 4.3/5 |
Amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Types of events catered | 4/5 |
Pros
- Ample parking
- Also offers event coordination
Cons
- Poor sound system
- Reports on unsatisfactory event execution
Estia Venue & Events is one of the most popular event spaces in JHB. One thing we like about them is their versatility.
The building is a bungalow that can be transformed to cater to different kinds of events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties.
We like that the space has the capacity to hold big occasions and comfortably seat around 150 people. When the space is transformed into a banquet hall with space for a dance floor, it can hold up to 300 guests.
It’s also a plus for us that they have ample secure space for car parking.
Their rates are quite standard too at around R 35,000 for a maximum of 300 guests. Although, this fee can vary depending on what kind of event you’re holding, your add-on services, and the number of guests you want to invite.
Aside from the venue itself, Estia Venue & Events also offers event styling and coordination. We love that you can actually build your event using their website.
However, there are minor complaints about Estia Venue & Events’ disorganised event execution. We’re told they need to improve on their seat plans and programme development and oversight.
Also, some guests weren’t too happy with the venue’s sound system. Apparently, the speakers for their events were faulty and there was a lot of screeching, which was distracting all throughout.
2. The Empire

Website: https://empirevenue.co.za/
Address: 16 Empire Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 60 725 7314
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 5/5 |
Total reviews | 3.5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 4.7/5 |
Amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Types of events catered | 4.7/5 |
Pros
- Has four spaces to choose from
- Longer operational hours
- Also offers services for hybrid and digital events
Cons
- Reports on criticisms of unwelcoming staff
- Event organisation can be improved
The Empire is considered one of the best event spaces in the city primarily because of their catch-all characteristic. The fact that they have long operational hours daily is also one of their strengths.
They have four areas available: the ballroom, the cocktail, the rooftop (which is a crowd favourite), and the hybrid event studio. While each is built differently, they’re all spacious and offer great potential.
The ballroom, which is their biggest room, can hold up to 200 guests.
The Empire also caters to hybrid and digital events, which explain one of the spaces they have. The hybrid event studio is equipped with high-speed internet, an LED screen, great sounds and lighting, and a stage.
This strategy recognises the transition of meetings and events to online platforms because of the pandemic, which is why it’s one of our favourite features of this event space.
Rental fees aren’t available online, but you can easily send a request through their website.
Their management also offers assistance in event planning and execution. However, there are some grumbles regarding the quality of their services, which some clients described to us as chaotic.
We’re told seating arrangements were mismatched, and the programme felt dragging. Guests apparently felt restless and antsy, which is disappointing because preventing these feelings is exactly why people hire event planners.
Previous guests also have minor complaints about The Empire’s staff, who were reportedly unwelcoming and dismissive. It wouldn’t hurt for staff to go through a customer relations retraining.
3. The Venue

Website: https://www.thevenue.co.za/
Address: 17 The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2019, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 11 214 4300
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook reviews score | N/A |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 4.3/5 |
Amenities | 4.5/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Types of events catered | 4.7/5 |
Pros
- Has onsite function coordinators
- Over 30 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry
- State-of-the-art technical equipment
- Also offers catering
Cons
- Challenging location
- Poor customer service
The Venue is one of Johannesburg’s forerunners in the event space rental business. They’re well-established, with over 30 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry.
It’s apparently a popular choice for various events, both big and small. To meet the public’s demand, they built two branches in Johannesburg: one in Melrose and one in Houghton, with two others outside the city.
The Venue is also partnered with banquet managers, waiters, barmen, cleaners, DJs, and in-house technicians. To us, this is a big plus, as you wouldn’t need to find a team for your event.
We tried The Venue’s catering services, and the food served was just excellent. We also appreciate the staff’s friendliness and attentiveness.
If you’re looking to hire event planners, there are onsite function coordinators you could reach out to.
Two other features we love about The Venue are their chic interiors and state-of-the-art technical equipment, which really bring the life to a party.
We’re only iffy about the event space’s customer service. Previous guests complained that The Venue’s representatives were snobbish and unenthusiastic in assisting them.
There are also minor criticisms regarding the event space’s location as it is difficult to spot, especially if you’re not familiar with the place. So we suggest you plan ahead and prepare your maps!
4. Living Room Jozi

Website: https://www.livingroomjozi.co.za/
Address: Living Room, 5th Floor, Main Change Building, 20 Kruger St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 82 370 9284
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4.4/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 3.7/5 |
Amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing | 3.5/5 |
Types of events catered | 3.7/5 |
Pros
- Offers both private and table booking
- Open-air space
- Also offers event planning and styling
- Provides catering services
Cons
- Expensive
- Can only hold small events
If you’re planning to hold an event that’s chill and a bit outdoorsy, Living Room Jozi can be a good option for you.
What sets Living Room Jozi apart from other event spaces is they accommodate even a very small number of guests for table booking.
There are days when they’re open to the public and you can book a table or a small private seating for you or a bunch of friends, while the rest of the venue remains open to other guests too.
We like their open-air space that really brings relaxing and homey vibes, particularly for intimate gatherings.
They offer event planning and styling, and their specialty is Boho-Urban Eco-Style. Guests have high praises for the Living Room Jozi’s event coordination team and describe them as precise and professional.
Living Room Jozi also has an in-house bespoke bar and tapas, and catering services. Their talented chefs can create a custom menu for your event, which is awesome as they’re also quite famous for their delicious food.
Nonetheless, the Living Room Jozi’s rentable space is notably smaller than others on this list and they can only accommodate a maximum number of 100 guests.
Lastly, we’re told Living Room Jozi has higher rent rates for a smaller venue
5. Levelthree Premium Venue

Website: http://www.levelthree.co.za/
Address: 14A Kramer Rd, Kramerville, Johannesburg, 2190, South Africa
Contact Details: +27 83 415 5023
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Capacity | 4.8/5 |
Amenities | 4/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Types of events catered | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- Can accommodate up to 550 guests
- Also has a rooftop deck
- Has accredited Décor specialists
Cons
- Uncomfortable seating
- Faulty lift
Levelthree Premium Venue is popular for its ample space and new-age urban aesthetic. It’s also highly sought after for its magnificent view of the Johannesburg and Sandton skylines.
The first thing that impressed us is Levelthree Premium Venue’s high capacity. Their hall is able to accommodate 250 seated guests and 550 guests in a cocktail setting.
We also love that their rentable area extends up to the building’s rooftop deck. We got to witness the sunset alongside the Levelthree Premium Venue’s rooftop bar and the view was just spectacular.
Aside from event space rental, Levelthree Premium Venue also provides bar and catering services, as well as sound and lighting arrangements.
Levelthree Premium Venue also has accredited Décor specialists to assist clients with their event planning and styling needs. They’re very particular about the qualifications of the coordinators who will be outsourced to work in the venue, too.
If guests choose to hire an event coordinator who is not included in Levelthree Premium Venue’s list of accredited suppliers, management would first need to assess the said coordinator before permitting them to work on-site – a testament to their high standards.
We think they could do better than high metal stools, though. Some guests found the seating uncomfortable, especially for events with longer programmes.
We’re also concerned with the building’s faulty lift. Aside from the inconvenience it causes guests whenever it’s broken, this also poses a safety risk,