With no explicit signs to guide the way, discovering this clandestine gem is reserved for those in the know. A discrete entrance beckons patrons to step into the past and experience the intrigue of a bygone era. Ladies and gents, it’s time to enter the magic that is the Morges Cocktail Club.
In the heart of the charming historic center of Morges, hidden in a passageway adjacent to the recently refreshed and oh-so-charming family-run Hotel La Couronne, lies a surreptitious haven for cocktail enthusiasts. This speakeasy, a sister bar to the well-loved Lausanne Cocktail Club, has made a buzz in all the right ways to those seeking an escape into the golden age, one sumptuous sip at a time.
As you pass through the unassuming doorway, the transition is immediate and captivating. The ambiance is a harmonious blend of low lighting, flickering candles, and rustic brick and stone ceilings that date back to the 16th century. A captivating mixed media al fresco of Morges’ local celebrity Audrey Hepburn (more on that in another article), brought to life by talented local artist Kim Straehler, casts an assured glance onto patrons as they sip and nibble and converse, evoking the spirit of a time when indulging in a well-crafted cocktail was an art form.
But who is behind this cozy and intimate speakeasy? You may not know their name, but you’ve certainly heard of their establishments. Morges Cocktail Club is a brainchild of the Fine Artisans Group, a Lausanne-based investment firm specifically in the hospitality industry known for the Lausanne Cocktail Club and most recently l’Appart. The Fine Artisans Group partnered with none other than local badass restauranteur and creative director Jasmine Gfeller, who knows a thing or two about opening the hottest establishments in town (Un Po’ di Più, TicTok St. Prex, La Parada). We’ve always joked that everything Jasmine touches turns to gold, but the joke has now become a confident statement. The attention to detail is impeccable - the décor alone is a result of months of Jasmine scouring brocantes and collecting unique antique items, many of which come from the ‘20s. The ambiance feels seamlessly on point, but as most of us know, this results from experience, expertise, and perhaps a bit of that ‘Midas touch’ too.
And to add the crowning touch, we must delve into the true essence of the MCC: the meticulously crafted cocktails adorning its menu. Under the guidance of Bertrand Tessier, who leads the way with expertise, and the talented Cosette Baudet as the head mixologist, it’s a journey brimming with innovation and flavor. While the classics find their place, we advise you to venture into the extraordinary with concoctions like the Strawberry & Peanut Butter Old Fashioned, served in an antique cigar box infused with smoky allure. For those seeking a lighter, more refreshing option, indulge in the From Morges to Asia, featuring green Shiso and Chasselas, accompanied by a grapefruit bubble awaiting your personal pop (IYKYK). In essence, no matter your choice, rest assured that each cocktail is a masterpiece – expertly crafted and undeniably delicious.
In an era where authenticity is often eclipsed by mass-produced trends, the Morges Cocktail Club stands as a beacon of individuality and craftsmanship, offering an intimate haven for those who seek a genuine and personalized cocktail experience. So now the only task left for you is to find it…because once you do, rewards await.
Passage de la Couronne 2
1110 Morges
Open from after-work till late
Photography by Etienne of PicSeed Agency
