Chez Mal Brasserie MALMAISON BRIGHTON The beautifully designed space with food and ambience to match.
The brasserie at Malmaison.
Brighton can probably boast the best dining experience of any city in the country right now. None more so than the newly opened Chez Mal Brasserie, at Malmaison. The hotel has enjoyed a recent refurbishment in the Marina.
The Brasserie serves classic Mal dishes with flair and skill, mixing French style with generous British portion sizes and modern American and Asian influences. It sits perfectly within the hotel and features a subdued, long hallway running down the side. It’s quite a statement. Upon greeting the maître d’ ushers you down the swish hallway to your seating area.
The ambience of this chic, contemporary and stylish space has a warming welcoming feel. Post punk images sit in frames throughout, creating a perfect backdrop to the considered interior design of the space. There are areas which are subtly screened for mild privacy and are perfect for party gatherings or special occasions. Before you sit down your senses are prepared for a delicious dining experience.
We were invited one Friday evening and we opted to take our two young children. After superb starter cocktails in the Chez Mal Bar, we were guided to our table. We were given a choice of tables which made for a nice change. It was quite busy but the staff were very accommodating. Our appointed waitress Clarice, made very pleasant conversation and talked us through the menu. We have very fussy children and she made some suggestions. She assured us they would love the fries and green beans. They did not disappoint. I decided to take a glass of Chenin-Sauvignon Blanc, Brut, Marquis de la Tour, France. It was a superb meal starter choice. The glass of Australian Sauvignon Blanc that followed was equally fine.
Rather than taking a starter, we opted for the Artisan stone baked bread with melting garlic butter. This arrived and was duly torn and shared. It was the perfect size as to what followed was more than satisfying.
The main meal arrived on a large tray carried to the table and served by two waitresses. The presentation was quite elegant and efficient. I had ordered the Grilled catch of the day, Sea Bass. For sides, I chose buttered green beans and Glazed truffle mash. My partner opted for Steak Frites, a Marinated 250gm dry aged rump, and served with confit tomato, watercress & Pommes frites. My fish was full of flavour. It had been peppered and was simply perfect. The truffle mash was my choice addition and tasted even better with the Sauvignon. I helped my partner finish her steak off course. This was as good as it looked and the peppercorn sauce was quite morish. The children devoured their burger, Pommes frites and greens, so no complaints there.
We had a little room for dessert so we went for the Sticky toffee pudding. This came covered with Pecan caramel sauce & vanilla ice cream. Worth every calorie and simply perfect.
Chez Mal Brasserie promises a steady schedule of seasonal menus and with a summer fixed price menu running there can’t be a better time to visit. From crunchy Thai salad and char-grilled chicken to slow-roasted brisket with blackened sweet potatoes priced at only £19.95 or three courses for only £24.95. They offer a contemporary collection of dishes and have a distinct Chez Mal style.
The new A La Carte Menu includes delights such as Seared Cornish sea scallops – and beautifully-balanced flair dishes such as Yorkshire Dales lamb cutlet. There are signature steaks plus Chez Mal sharing stands. Not forgetting, of course, the Malchemy Cocktails of fizz and dessert.
Sunday lunch is a great British tradition of course, Chez Mal features the famous Chef’s Table of unlimited hors d’oeuvres, monstrous main courses and delicious desserts from only £19.95 (£9.95 for children), served from 12.30pm to 4 pm on Sundays. There can’t be a better experience to visit than on a sunny day. The balcony overlooking the Marina is very much part of the afternoon experience. After lunch the oversized couches on the ship shaped balcony await your leisure.
Malmaison Brighton features elegant and stylish spaces big enough for the largest of parties, whilst able to accommodate intimate private dining groups made up of your nearest and dearest.
Head Chef Pete Martin, has created a fine menu using fine fresh ingredients and has harnessed a team that deliver wonderful meals. He has a fine touch that is evident across the food I saw being served. The Al La Carte menu is full of bold colour and flavours. We will be returning to this brasserie as regulars for sure. Highly recommended.
Pete Hayward
Chez Mal Brasserie,
Waterfront, Brighton Marina Village, Brighton, BN2 5WA
www.malmaison.com