The Challenge

Honouring a 35-year legacy while carving a new era of premium dining.

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The site at 81–85 The Esplanade was home to the legendary Coco’s for over three decades—a gaping void in the hearts of locals. Our challenge was to transform this beloved waterside dwelling into a flagship destination that respected its history while introducing the bold, South African-inspired narrative of The Meat & Wine Co.

We had to leverage the enviable views of the Perth CBD skyline and the Swan River to create a 200-seat space that felt entirely new, yet instinctively familiar and welcoming to the South Perth community.

Our Approach

A Narrative of Connection: The Fire and the Cape.

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Aptly dubbed "Cape Point," the design draws inspiration from the rugged southern tip of Africa where two mighty oceans meet. We used this geographical metaphor to fuse the Australian spirit of modern dining with South African soul.

• The Communal Fire Circle: Centred by a massive communal fire pit, the venue anchors itself in the ancient tradition of gathering. This feature serves as a "behavioural hub," paying homage to the earliest human spaces where stories were shared and social bonds were forged.

• Refined Refurbishment: We executed a full refurbishment of the iconic site, leanings into rich timber finishes and ambient lighting to set a tone of luxurious ease. The space is articulated to maximise the panoramic river views, ensuring the "outdoors" is invited into every dining experience.

• The King Shaka Room: For enhanced exclusivity, we introduced a 12-seat private dining room. This space is a dedicated sanctuary for storytelling, named after the legendary Zulu monarch, providing a heightened level of intimacy and prestige.

• Sensory Authenticity: The design supports a narrative-led culinary journey. From the "Safari Menu" to the premium aged steak offerings, the environment was built to complement bold flavours like Lamb Potjie and Bunny Chow, ensuring the aesthetic energy matches the "food from the home" philosophy.

"The venue pays homage to the earliest communal hubs where people came together to share stories, pass on knowledge, and build social bonds. Anchored by a central fire circle, it is a space crafted for connection." — Callie van der Merwe