Hotel bars and restaurants were for a long time somewhere to avoid, unless you were staying in the actual hotel, of course. There were a few notable exceptions, always at the rosetted and starred end of the culinary scale, but generally the hotel restaurant was the domain of the table-for-one business person and the octogenarian coach holiday party, unless it was a Sunday lunchtime when the place would be stowed.
But times change, hotels recognise the benefits of livening up their food offerings and being genuinely attractive to folk who want a meal rather than a bed. The result is exciting new places to visit, and unsurprisingly Malmaison, the iconic and innovative boutique hotel brand, is keen to show off their brand spanking new Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Glasgow. There is plenty going on at this end of the town at the moment so Chez Mal is going to need to be pretty special to pull in the punters. We secured an invite to the launch party to have a good look at what Malmaison hope will achieve just that.
First impressions are good, just about the right amount of understated opulence from the outside, but a big chunk of fun inside with colourful balloons and the name spelled out in three foot high light up letters.
“We’re proud to have the Chez Mal Brasserie here at Malmaison Glasgow. We’ve returned to our roots with everything that comes with Chez Mal: a lively atmosphere, delicious food and superb service.”
There was a host of food on offer, from uber-posh scallops on tiny black pudding cushions, to beef sliders and pigs-in-blanket hot dogs demonstrating the quirkier side of the kitchens outputs. Chez Mal offers a fresh mix of contemporary styled dishes in the relaxed but vibrant setting. Food and drink lovers can look forward to mouth-watering menus, bursting with bold flavours and fresh ingredients, all complemented with craft beers, Champagnes and expertly crafted Mal cocktails. The decor shouts about Glasgow’s ship-building heritage and the wooden parquet flooring and glittering domed ceilings emphasises a laid-back luxury.
“It’s great to be getting my teeth into another new project with Chez Mal, Glasgow. Dishes on the menu will vary throughout the year on the A La Carte, alongside a seasonal Prix Fixe featuring modern French, Asian and Mal Classics such as the Mal Burger, Fishcakes, four styles of steaks from our Grille, and the famous Chateaubriand for two.”
Mal Bar brings you cold beers, crisp bubbly and a creative array of inventive cocktails, all in a cool and colourful setting with an electric atmosphere. Pull up a blue pew amongst the pop art and peruse the majestic menu of wines, ales, cocktails and spirits. Watch mixologists work their magic alongside the beats of the resident DJ on Friday nights. The inside out feel of the atrium, the neons and the big red pipework all add to a fun and funky feeling that is just that bit more relaxed than you’d expect from an upmarket hotel bar. The perfect venue for a pre-theatre Prosecco? You bet it is! They will be offering £5 cocktails and great music Wednesday – Friday, so you don’t need to wait for the weekend.
Set behind the Mal Bar are three private dining rooms, which share the intimate atmosphere and are the perfect setting for a family get-together, a meal with friends or a celebration without any interruptions.
Chez Mal looks amazing, the staff were lovely and the food and drinks we tried were excellent. This is not simply a hotel restaurant, Chez Mal is a destination in it’s own right, and if this evening was anything to go by, it’s going to be very successful!
CURRENT MENUS
A La Carte - British ingredients with balance and panache. Beautifully-balanced flair dishes and perfectly seared steaks.
Sunday Brunch - £19.95 - Experience the ultimate Sunday lunch at Malmaison with our endless Chef’s Table, your choice of superb main courses including traditional roasts.
OPENING TIMES
Lunch
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm to 2.30pm
Sunday lunch
Sunday only (obvs...) 12.30pm to 4pm
Dinner
Monday to Thursday 5.30pm to 10pm
Friday to Saturday 5pm to 10pm
Sunday 6pm to 10pm
CONTACT DETAILS
https://www.malmaison.com/locations/glasgow/chez-mal-brasserie
O141 572 1001
Brasserie.glasgow@malmaison.com
Malmaison Glasgow - 278 West George Street, Glasgow G2 4LL