At the recent roof-wetting ceremony for The Forum Hyde Park, owner Glynis Hyslop shared her vision for the newly launched venue, located on the 7th floor of Hyde Park Shopping Centre in Johannesburg. Known for its distinctive design and multifunctional spaces, The Forum continues to blend intentional aesthetics with practicality, creating a blank-canvas venue tailored for a range of events.
The Forum Hyde Park’s standout features include its panoramic city views, 10 metre-high ceilings and versatile indoor and outdoor spaces that together offer an ideal setting for banquets of up to 400 guests or cocktail gatherings for as many as 600.
Hyslop said her design approach focused on establishing a "sense of place" with a calming atmosphere, especially amid today’s fast-paced lifestyle. “I like calm spaces… and lots of natural light,” she noted.
The Forum Hyde Park enjoys a unique advantage, sharing proximity with the adjacent Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel, Sandton, which is soon to undergo a refurbishment to attain five-star status. Hyslop anticipates the venue will complement the hotel’s business, fostering a synergy not available at the Bryanston location. She also highlighted the ongoing revitalisation of Hyde Park, mentioning developments such as the revamped Workshop 17 (a hot-desk facility) nearby. “Hyde Park is coming back.”
Looking forward, Hyslop outlined a busy festive season with bookings for a variety of events including corporate dinners, private functions and high-profile gatherings like Netflix’s appreciation dinner for the film industry.
Additionally, she introduced their new “First Sundays” brunch concept, which will require advance booking. Reflecting on the venue’s versatility, she remarked: “The venue should be a blank canvas… it’s not about your own identity but about what suits the client.” This positions The Forum Hyde Park as an adaptable space for diverse events from weddings to brand showcases.
