A relaxing getaway in the heart of the city, this loft-style hotel cocktail bar is a cosy haven for city dwellers eager to escape the thoroughfare of Swanston Street.
Cocoon is the exclusive restaurant bar for guests of The Swanston Hotel, The Grand Mercure, but fortunately for Melbourne locals it has decided to open its doors to the general public as well. The venue has an intimate, cosy feel, evoked with riverstone and raw bluestone walls, wicker-style woven lamps, low pouffes and deep armchair seating in soft natural tones. Large plasma screens play anything from classic vintage movies to major sporting events, while a fine selection of bar snacks offers everything from the standard bread and dips to lemongrass chicken and lime spring rolls with namjin sauce.
Its association with the hotel lends Cocoon an air of sophistication, as does the dimly lit, stained wooden bar and the tealight candles on low cocktail tables that host a mixed and interesting crowd. Travellers are made at home here with a selection of international vodkas and imported beers such as Staropramen from the Czech Republic, Kirin Ichiban of Japan and the cloudy Belgian Hoegaarden, while adventurous drinkers can set about sampling the cocktail list. This designer menu tempts with exotic treats like the fragrant Blueberry Vanilla Mojito, with spiced rum, Galliano, Chambord, blueberries, mint and lime); the creamy signature Cocoon featuring vodka, milk, passionfruit, Cointreau and orange juice; and fruity Butterfly cocktail of vanilla vodka, raspberry, banana and soda.
Maya Linden
