The Terrace
Conference in Bloemfontein

Superiour Bloemfontein Weddings, Conferences & Catering Services, with Delicious Food and Professional Service.

The Terrace Restaurant is nestled in the most magnificent garden in Bloemfontein, a large section of which is natural vegetation bordering the grounds. A real oasis of calm in the heart of the city, unique in its own way. The Terrace is a distinctive coffee shop and restaurant which caters for a wide spectrum of the community and out of town visitors. A place where guests are able to experience the same peace that only undisturbed nature could offer and where staffs’ expertise and their passion for their work flow together creating a relaxed, peaceful and enjoyable experience. The Terrace Restaurant & Coffee Shop is to be found at Oliewenhuis which is a Neo-Dutch style mansion located on Grant’s Hill. In 1961 Oliewenhuis became the official residence for the State Presidents of South Africa during their visits to Bloemfontein and in 1972 the building was formally named Oliewenhuis. The name was derived from the abundance of wild olive trees growing on the surrounding hills and in 1089 it was publicly opened as an Art Museum. The Terrace Restaurant & Coffee Shop is the ideal place to break away from everyday reality and stress. In 1994 during the planning phase of the African Carousel at Oliewenhuis Art Museum an underground reservoir was discovered, which contained approximately half a metre of water. Send us an enquiry about your special event and we will kindly send you a quotatation. Pipes leading into the structure and an outlet pipe dated back to 1902 are situated at its southern corner which indicated that it was probably built as a catchment basin for the surrounding area. As far as can be determined the Reservoir was built in about 1904 and was excavated out of almost solid granite. The structure is supported by two rows of five dolerite pillars supporting two concrete beams on which a vaulted roof rest. The cast concrete allowed water to seep through and collect in the reservoir, therefore the most important aspect that needed to be considered during the transformation of the reservoir into an exhibition space was to make it completely waterproof. Brick walls were built on the inside of the existing concrete walls and a concrete floor was cast. Pressurised air drills were used to remove the solid rock manually. The Resevoir is a unique venue for any type of event as it is in a class of its own.