Sophisticated, swish and self-consciously cool, the Malmaison concept of boutique chic began in Edinburgh, and has made solid progress across the UK ever since. Each location looks the business, and the chain matches swanky accommodation with a promising line in food and drink.
Malmaison’s restaurant Chez Mal is a stylish brasserie serving British and French inspired dishes with a creative twist. Executive chef John Woodward is at the helm of the kitchen, and he and his team have created a menu that aims to surprise and entertain with updated takes on classic ideas and a daily plat du jour. The restaurant is open all day and serves everything from hearty breakfasts through to light lunches and indulgent dinners.
Interiors blend art-deco features with a modern aesthetic, from blue banquet seating and glittering chandeliers to contemporary artworks mounted on red brick walls.
All its menus are focused around fresh produce and constantly change to reflect the seasons. For dinner, you’ll find a range of dishes for every mood and appetite, from burgers and steaks to salads and soups. Eclectic starters include buffalo chicken karaage with hot sauce, celery and blue cheese dip, and tuna tartare with avocado, mango salsa, black sesame, soy, wasabi and avocado. While mains include smoky baby back ribs, grilled black bream with cherry tomatoes and samphire and spring greens mac & cheese. A range of meaty grills are there for the red-blooded business trippers, while desserts feature calorific treats such as a s’mores sundae, New York cheesecake and hot chocolate molten pudding.
The drinks list is curated with the same creativity as the food, with a ‘Malchemy’ cocktail menu featuring classics, signatures and refreshing ‘Maltonicals’. Elsewhere, a decent selection of spirits, draught beers, aperitifs, sparkling, port, liqueurs and a lengthy wine list will satisfy every type of drinker.