The Meat & Wine Co: How premium steakhouse labored behind the scenes to safe iconic Coco’s spot | USAEMALL.com

The man responsible for The Meat & Wine Co’s succession of Coco’s beloved South Perth home has revealed how he swooped on the sought-after space ahead of the upmarket steakhouse’s grand opening on December 12.

A playground for local powerbrokers and international entertainment stars during its 35-year residence, Coco’s shuttered on January 19 after being unable to extend its lease due to various factors.

Laurie Thorpe is the State Manager WA for Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group (BHG), a Sydney-based hospitality stable which oversees operations for The Meat & Wine Co nationally, as well as familiar brands 6 Head, and Hunter & Barrel.

He said his team had been eyeing a local expansion for the South African-inspired steakhouse beyond its St Georges Terrace dwelling, and identified potential across the river.

“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,” Mr Thorpe told The West Australian.

The experienced restaurateur explained South Perth’s appeal was in its proximity to the city, as well as the suburb’s high percentage of retired residents who he hopes will fill out the venue for lunch between Monday and Thursday.

Mr Thorpe, who’s headed Seagrass’ WA branch for several years, admitted acquiring the sought-after lease didn’t quite go as planned.

“We knew that after Covid, Coco’s was probably struggling a little bit to fulfil 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.

“And so we were working behind the scenes, hoping not to go to market in regards to the space, and unfortunately, we didn’t achieve that in time — so it did go to market.

“But we had our foot in the door ready, and we worked on a positive outcome between the Hardie group and ourselves to get the result.”

Diners will soon be greeted by a dramatic African-inspired reimagining of the old site, dubbed Cape Point, which has been equipped to seat 200 and aims to fuse the Australian spirit of modern dining with South African soul.

Acutely aware of Coco’s legacy among the community, Mr Thorpe invites local residents and CBD workers to re-discover the venue, and hopes to continue to deliver the warm yet energetic energy that it brought to The Esplanade..

However, he expects not all will be so welcoming to the change.

“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,” Mr Thorpe said.

“We understand that we’ll get some pushback from some people, but I’m sure when they come and see what we’ve done with the space and the amount of money we spent putting into the space, they’ll see it as a really good option for them to dine.”

Hoping to capitalise on the breath-taking river and city skyline views, Mr Thorpe said design choices have made it possible for each guest to enjoy the enviable outlook, whereas at Coco’s, this wasn’t always the case.

Ultimately, an unspoiled riverside view needs a worthy food and beverage pairing to wash it down.

The Meat & Wine Co will showcase its signature African-inspired a la carte menu, alongside the brand’s AGED for a premium steak experience, as well as a curated selection of weekday lunch options.

The restaurant will also offer up nostalgic flavours from home thought-out by South African Head of Culinary, Sean Hall.

For diners still unconvinced, Mr Thorpe had one final pitch.

“The one thing we want to maintain, that’s really important for me, is that history of that long lunch that Coco’s had,” he said.

“And for people to understand that, we know their beloved Coco’s may no longer be there, but what is there is a better offer, and certainly going to be a more enjoyable experience than probably what they’ve had recently there.”