Review: Malmaison’s Spring Menu

I have been fortunate enough to dine at Chez Mal Brasserie at Birmingham’s Malmaison. Back in 2016, I tried the Sunday dinner, but this time was going to be completely different. A Saturday night with a brand-new menu…

It is safe to say that the atmosphere in the Malmaison is completely different on a Saturday night to any other time of the week. Walking in, music was pumping, the bar was packed with couples and groups of friends enjoying cocktails and it felt like a feel-good night.

At 7.30pm, the restaurant itself was fairly empty, but by the time me and my guest left at around 10pm, it was very busy. Because of its location in The Mailbox, it is a great place to go to before heading on a night out.

After ordering a bottle of Le Troubadour wine, we chose our starters. The staff were incredibly friendly and informative, knowing the menu very well. The spring menu, which does offer much lighter choices compared to the Sunday lunch menu I tried last year, offers two courses for £19.95, or three for £24.95.

I went for the Spiced Lamb Benedict, which was like eating a mini breakfast, but it was still very enjoyable, with the American glaze making it much classier than a greasy fry up down at the local café. My guest went for the Grilled Masala Spiced Mackerel, which was also delicious.

For the main show, I chose the Chicken Milanese, which was a large portion of chicken breast, topped with a fried egg alongside truffle mayonnaise and rainbow chard. It was beautiful, but very filling and I struggled to eat it all. However, my guest managed to enjoy all their meal, which was the Pan-fried River Trout.

We also ordered sides of Mixed Spring Greens and Anya Potatoes. However, the sides are only needed if you’re very hungry!

Although we were both stuffed, we couldn’t turn down a dessert. I went for the Warm Valrhona Caramel Chocolate Brownie, which came with incredibly pecan ice cream, and my guest chose the Rhubard Trifle, which came with a gorgeous ginger crumble topping.

We ended our evening with a cocktail each, after all, it was a Saturday night. I enjoyed a ‘Bad Boy Good Girl’ fizz cocktail and my guest sipped on a Gin Gin Mule, both of which were wonderful.

The spring menu at Chez Mal Brasserie is available every day from 6pm. Other options on the menu include pork belly, risotto, iced coffees and even a seasonal fromage slate, if you like to end the evening with a cheese board.

For me, what makes the Chez Mal Brasserie such a great place to head to is that it is not your typical hotel restaurant; it has class and it has become a real destination to start your night in. Saying that, the Mal Bar is open until late, and with cool music and comfy seating, it could also be the perfect place to end your Saturday night.

Chez Mal Brasserie rating: 9/10