The former Coco's site has been transformed into The Meat & Wine Co's newest venue.
The man responsible for The Meat & Wine Co’s succession of Coco’s beloved South Perth location has unveiled the strategic maneuvers that secured the coveted space, setting the stage for the upmarket steakhouse’s grand opening on Friday. This move marks a significant shift in the local dining landscape, as Coco’s, a renowned playground for local powerbrokers and international stars, shuttered its doors on January 19 after 35 years due to lease extension challenges.
Laurie Thorpe, the State Manager WA for Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group (BHG), the Sydney-based entity overseeing The Meat & Wine Co, revealed how his team had long been eyeing an expansion beyond their St Georges Terrace location. The allure of South Perth, with its proximity to the city and a high percentage of retired residents, presented an ideal opportunity.
The Strategic Acquisition
Thorpe explained, “We’d been working behind the scenes for quite a long period of time, looking for a location in South Perth for one of our brands, and obviously the location that stood out in that area was where Rambla (On Swan) and Coco’s were positioned.” The experienced restaurateur noted that acquiring the desirable lease did not proceed as smoothly as anticipated.
“We knew that after Covid, Coco’s was probably struggling a little bit to fulfill the needs of the space, and so we actually approached the Hardie group in regards to whether they were going to extend Coco’s lease,” he said. Despite their efforts, the space went to market, but Thorpe’s team was ready to negotiate a positive outcome with the Hardie group.
A New Chapter for South Perth Dining
Diners will soon experience a dramatic African-inspired transformation of the site, now dubbed Cape Point, which will seat 200 guests and aims to blend modern Australian dining with South African soul. Thorpe invites local residents and CBD workers to rediscover the venue, acknowledging the legacy Coco’s left behind.
“We understand the success and history of Coco’s. We know what it means to West Australians at large, and what it did over its tenure for 35 years,” Thorpe said. He anticipates some resistance to the change but is confident that the revamped space and investment will win over skeptics.
Design and Culinary Offerings
Capitalizing on the breathtaking river and city skyline views, the restaurant’s design ensures each guest can enjoy the outlook, a feature that was not always possible at Coco’s. The Meat & Wine Co will showcase its signature African-inspired a la carte menu, along with the brand’s AGED premium steak experience and a curated selection of weekday lunch options. Nostalgic flavors crafted by South African Head of Culinary, Sean Hall, will also be featured.
“The one thing we want to maintain, that’s really important for me, is that history of that long lunch that Coco’s had,” Thorpe emphasized.
Looking Ahead
The transition from Coco’s to The Meat & Wine Co represents a significant evolution in South Perth’s dining scene. While the nostalgia for Coco’s remains strong, the new establishment promises a fresh and exciting experience that honors the past while looking to the future.
As the grand opening approaches, the community waits with anticipation to see if the new venue can capture the charm and spirit that Coco’s embodied for over three decades. Thorpe remains optimistic, believing that the combination of a stunning location, innovative design, and a diverse menu will make The Meat & Wine Co a staple in South Perth’s culinary landscape.
