Chez Mal, the restaurant at the Malmaison London hotel is a smart choice for a good meal and fine cocktail.
Sitting pretty in quiet and historic Charterhouse Square, Malmaison is something of an oasis of calm amid the bluster that surrounds. Between Barbican and Farringdon, the hotel is ideally situated for romps around London, particularly for guests most interested in discovering London’s more gourmet delights. But guests – and indeed locals too – would be wise to spend at least a bit of time staying in and enjoying what’s offered from the kitchen and behind the bar at Mal.
I had a lovely meal (surprisingly yummier than expected to be honest) at the hotel’s restaurant, Chez Mal, recently. I wouldn’t be against paying another visit and would have no qualms recommending it to friends. It’s an especially top choice to keep in mind when you’re out and about and find the area’s more celebrated restaurants are heaving with long waits or no availability.
Highlights from my dinner were the fresh handpicked Devon crab (with apple, cucumber and brown crab mayonnaise, £10.50) for my starter and an extra tender Rose County English beef fillet steak cooked rare (200g, £30).
There’s a good range of sides (pommes frites, sautéed field mushrooms, green salad are a few of several) but with most priced around £6, they ain’t cheap. I sampled a couple of desserts – pretty tasty but by no means did they match my starter and main.
There’s a fine wine list but I was happy keeping to cocktails during my dine. I tried – and loved – two drinks: the Tawny Manhattan (Woodford Reserve with tawny port, Maraschino cherry syrup and whisky barrel-aged bitters, £9) and the Smoked Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve, Demerara sugar, and whisky barrel-aged bitters – presented with a vial of smoke poured into the drink when served, £9). Unlike the sides, I thought the cocktails were nicely priced.
Service was swift, pleasant and helpful. The dining area is comfortable with moody lighting; the atmosphere isn’t too ‘hotel chain-y.
Malmaison London is located at 18-21 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6AH. Find out more at malmaison.com.
