When Architecture Becomes Part of the Dining Experience

There is something about dining in an old house that makes you slow down. You notice the high ceilings, pause at a doorway, spend a little longer in the courtyard and, before you know it, the space has become part of the evening. At The Swinton House in Jaipur, that is very much the point. Set within a nearly 150-year-old property, the destination brings together architecture, food, cocktails and nightlife in a way that makes the house as memorable as what happens inside it.

The story goes back to Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the British architect whose work shaped much of Jaipur, including the Albert Hall Museum and Rambagh Palace. His influence can still be felt in the way Indian craftsmanship and British design come together across the city. At The Swinton House, those references have been reworked for today rather than simply recreated.

The Yard opens into a generous courtyard filled with natural light and greenery, making it an easy spot for a long lunch or an unhurried evening. Move into The Albion, and the mood changes. The space is more intimate, with marble, traditional mouldings, rich details and statement lighting setting the scene for Pan-Asian food and cocktails.

Designed by Abhigyan Neogi and Kanika Gupta of Chromed Design Studio, the interiors take cues from the traditional Rajasthani mansion while bringing in a distinctly British influence. It feels rooted in Jaipur, but not stuck in the past.

And this is where the architecture starts doing more than simply looking good.

Where you sit can change the mood of the evening. A courtyard invites you to linger. A quieter room makes dinner feel more intimate. A bar encourages you to stay for one more drink. Even walking from one part of the house to another becomes part of the experience.

The food follows the same spirit of bringing different influences together. The Yard focuses on modern international fusion, while The Albion explores Pan-Asian flavours, with cocktails that add another layer to the evening. The menus feel contemporary, but they sit comfortably within a house that carries so much history.

What makes The Swinton House interesting is this meeting of old and new. The heritage hasn't been put behind glass or treated like a museum piece. It is being lived in over lunch, dinner, drinks, music and long conversations that carry on well after the meal is finished.

Because architecture isn't only about how a place looks. Sometimes, it is about how it makes you feel whether you want to stay for another drink, move to a different table or simply take one last look around before leaving.

At The Swinton House, the meal may end at the table, but the experience doesn't quite end there. You take a little bit of the house with you.

KOKO Goregaon Introduces Tasting Thursdays to Elevate Weekday Dining Experience

KOKO Goregaon unveils Tasting Thursdays - an elevated weekly dining ritual that transforms ordinary weekdays into intimate culinary experiences. Each Thursday presents a thoughtfully rotating tasting menu that evolves across the month, so every visit reveals new flavors. Rooted in KOKO’s modern Asian philosophy, the sequence artfully balances beloved signatures with inventive seasonal dishes. Tasting Thursdays offers a refined, immersive setting perfect for unwinding, connecting, and savoring exceptional cuisine. 

Set within KOKO Goregaon’s contemporary yet inviting ambience, the space brings together sophisticated interiors, ambient lighting, and an energetic atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. The menu begins with comforting soups and vibrant salads before moving into KOKO's standout offerings. A curated selection includes the KOKO Signature Roll, Kappa Avocado Maki, Shishito Tempura Maki, Tuna Truffle Maki, Avocado Black Rice Roll, Grilled Salmon Roll, and California Roll. Together, these showcase the brand’s precision, creativity, and balance of flavours while ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.

The journey continues with an exquisite selection of dim sum and small plates, where dumplings such as the Truffle Water Chestnut & Sweet Pea Dumpling, Truffle Chicken Dumpling, Prawn & Lemongrass Dumpling, and Water Chestnut & King Chilli Dumpling highlight KOKO's signature craftsmanship. Complementing these are flavour-forward small plates, from the indulgent Edamame Truffle Money Bag and Broccoli Creamy Planta with Bird's Eye Chilli to heartier options like Crispy Pork Belly, Chicken with Black Pepper, and Lantern Chicken, bringing both balance and boldness to the experience.

Big Plates like Sliced Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, paired with Butter Garlic Fried Rice, Egg Fried Rice, and Braised Yee Mian Noodles, bring comfort with refinement, while indulgent desserts like the Blueberry Chocolate Gâteau, Twisted Honey Noodles with Ice Cream, and Nutty Caramel Pecan Cake ensure a memorable finish. Jain options are thoughtfully available across a range of dishes, ensuring an inclusive dining experience without compromising on flavour or creativity.

Complementing the menu is a curated cocktail programme, featuring signature serves and tasting flights that elevate the overall experience. Highlights include the bold and aromatic Tom Yum Cup, a layered blend of vodka, madeira, lemongrass, galangal, and Thai chilli syrup balanced with lime and kaffir; the refreshing KOKO Bellini, combining ruby peach purée, white peach, lime, and sparkling wine for a light, fruit-forward finish; and the vibrant KOKO Picante, where tequila meets lime, coriander, and jalapeño with a hint of saline, delivering a perfectly balanced spicy kick. Alongside these signatures, guests can also explore a selection of Oaxaca Sour, Corpse Reviver #2, Konomi, Haiboru, KOKO Master, KOKO Negroni, and The Espresso Tini 2026.

Beyond cocktails, the beverage programme extends into a well-rounded selection of wines, sake, beers, and classic pours, from crisp sparkling labels and elegant whites to robust reds and easy-drinking brews, offering guests a versatile and elevated pairing experience.

Speaking about the concept, Ryan & Keenan Tham share, "Tasting Thursdays is designed to create a sense of discovery and familiarity at the same time. By evolving the menu while retaining our signature KOKO favourites, we aim to offer guests an experience that encourages them to return, rediscover, and indulge week after week."

Tasting Thursdays takes place every Thursday from 7 PM onwards at KOKO Goregaon, making it a must-experience for Mumbai's dining enthusiasts seeking an elevated weekday dining experience.