The Village: Windhoek's cozy retreat with dining and events

The Village, a vibrant and welcoming community space in the heart of Windhoek, is located in Eros on Liliencron Street and is rapidly becoming a go-to destination for both locals and visitors. Elzana Otto, co-owner of The Village Garden and Speakeasy Bar and Restaurant, said The Village aims to provide an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation, a place where people can feel at home while enjoying an array of activities and services.Otto said: "We always wanted to create a homely, community-based, and relaxed atmosphere. We want people to come here and feel at ease, enjoy themselves, and leave just as comfortable as when they arrived."In terms of seating, the focus remains on maximising space while maintaining comfort. Otto emphasised the importance of accommodating as many guests as possible without compromising the intimate atmosphere that The Village is known for.Wine and dineAs for the menu, Otto revealed that it has been a work in progress, with a focus on platters, starters, and desserts. Exciting changes are on the horizon, as The Village is currently revamping its dinner menu. “We’re busy redoing our dinner menu and changing it up a bit, so I can’t give too much away – you’ll have to come and experience it for yourself,” she teased. Adding to the excitement, the restaurant is set to launch 25 new cocktails as the first step in refining their offerings.Speakeasy Bar Recently, The Village expanded its offerings with the addition of the Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant, a move that Otto believes was essential to meet the growing demand for evening services. “We’ve always had the dream to open at night, and with the events we host in the evenings, it made sense to open a nighttime restaurant as well,” she explained. The expansion has effectively doubled the size of the restaurant, adding a new dimension to The Village's already thriving ecosystem.The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant offers a contrast to the lighter, greener atmosphere of the main Village restaurant. Otto described the new space as “dark, red, moody, with touches of pink,” aiming for a more intense and romantic ambiance. The interior design, with its warm and inviting colours, is meant to evoke a feminine touch, offering a unique experience compared to the rest of The Village.Dean Spall, co-owner of The Village Garden and Speakeasy Bar and Restaurant, shared insights into the concept of the Speakeasy and its services. The Speakeasy, named after the secretive bars of the 1920s prohibition era in America, aims to offer a classy, intimate environment where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. “We’re predominantly a cocktail bar, and we recently launched our official cocktail menu with over 25 cocktails.”A vibrant epicentre for events and experiencesThe Village is not just about food and drink; it’s also a hub for various events and activities. The Opera House, a multifunctional venue within The Village, hosts a wide range of events, from film screenings and art exhibitions to weddings and corporate functions. With a seating capacity of up to 100 people, it is a versatile space that can cater to both intimate and large gatherings.The Village also boasts beautiful outdoor spaces that are available for private events. “One of the unique selling features we have here is the fact that we are under these huge, beautiful trees. We have multiple spaces available to host functions, and for those with the budget, they can even rent out the entire venue,” Spall said.The Village has a full calendar of events. The weekly Sunday market, packed with local vendors and live music, is a staple, and the Good Food Market, held once a month, is another highlight. Some other events include networking sessions, cocktail-making classes, and themed markets.Luxurious stays For those looking to stay longer, The Village Suites offer recently renovated accommodations, perfect for short-term or extended stays. “We have rooms that can accommodate anything from a short-term stay to longer trips. We’ve had diplomats and businesspeople staying for up to three months,” Spall noted. With six different restaurants within the complex, guests are truly spoiled for choice.Operating hours The Village Garden is open seven days a week, from 07:30 to 15:00. The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 15:00 until late. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind, enjoy a meal, or host an event, The Village offers a welcoming space that feels like home.

The Village: Windhoek's cozy retreat with dining and events

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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The Village: Windhoek's cozy retreat with dining and events

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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