A 76-year-old Grande Dame, the Wits Club and Barns Complex - comprised of whitewashed Cape Dutch-style buildings nestled amongst ancient Oak trees, a fishpond and manicured gardens - has had a face-lift, hoisted her petticoat and stepped out prettily as the Wits Alumni Complex, incorporating a restaurant, club-pub, conference centre and Alumni House. The Grande Dame awaits the return of her alumni to their alma mater.

After a three-year renovation hiatus, the complex now provides a home for Wits alumni. Witsies can enjoy a meal in the Wits Club restaurant or outside beneath brollies in the scenic and tranquil exterior. The merry sound of laughter, socialising and clinking cutlery on fine bone china while tasteful music drifts on the air already resonates.

The restaurant is ideal for alumni weddings, 21^sts and birthday gatherings. Indeed, the old chapel that witnessed many weddings endures on the grounds, all of which now provide a charming, upmarket ambiance in which alumni can socialise, network, dine or recline.

Early in 2013, alumni can network, mingle, relax and enjoy sundowners at the soon-to-be-licensed Wits Alumni Pub. This exclusive pub boasts a big screen for sports extravaganzas, an elegant bar for comfortable socialising, and an array of liquor and spirits for the discerning alumni palate.

The barns, which once stabled ponies, is now a stylish and elegant conference centre. The complex is under new management, the Wits-based catering company, Olives & Plates. The caterers offer an impressive menu laden with everyday favourites with a healthy twist. 

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where you can get away from the rest of the campus and bring your guests,” says Jimmy Neophytou of Olives & Plates. “We have a menu, and there’s also an a la carte selection which can be made according to your specifications. We look forward to hosting the Wits community here on a daily basis.”

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