Shall we let you into a secret as to who throws the best parties? The Malmaison of course, especially in Chez Mal, their bar area.
Summer always seems to be The Mal’s favourite season of choice for coming alive. Especially for showcasing an impressive new twist on one of Newcastle’s favourite spots for the coming season. Contracting internationally awarded architect and design studio Dakota House of Design.
Who boasts an impressive portfolio when it comes to creating fabulous spaces in the hospitality and leisure sectors. Including a string of European properties owned by Las Vegas’ Ceasar’s Entertainment, Best Western Hotels and Premium Pubs.
Chez Mal has received a total transformation and sophisticated refurbishment. It’s no surprise that as soon as the invite dropped for their launch event it swiftly became the hottest talk of the town!
With the sunshine beating down on the gorgeous architecture of the buildings that drape the Quayside in Newcastle. As the sun danced on the Tyne, making the Millennium Bridge look as beautiful. As ever, we arrived at The Malmaison to see hoards of revellers having their photos taken with an impressive collection of supercars parked up outside the main entrance.
Greeted with a glass of GH Mumm we were then shown up to the new bar by the ever fabulous and effervescent Kaia. Showing us around the bustling bar which has been stripped back to keep in with the feel of the Georgian exterior. Whilst giving a luxury and relaxed feel.
With leather sofas, upholstered chairs, heavy velvet drapes and an impressive wall of greenery, immediately I felt as if I had been transported to a Manhattan rooftop bar.
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This new level of sophistication makes for a more intimate and enjoyable visit. With the addition of three private booths. They all flow into one larger booth for larger functions. It’s great to see such a great use of such a versatile space.
The order of the evening was for not only Rich and his incredible team to show off their new polished, luxurious and desirable bar area.
It was to also give the hundreds of eager press and corporate clients a taste of what’s to come this Summer with their new food and cocktail menu.
The team at The Mal, really do eat, sleep and breathe the #MalLife which radiates from them all. With the family like feel and their relaxed natures you know you’re in great hands when you choose The Mal.
Heading into the lit room with those 7ft tall letters illuminating the space. They spelt out their hashtag for this Summer MAL LIFE.
Greeted by the friendly faces of the chefs who, incredibly proud of the dishes. They all began to talk passionately about each dish they were serving up from the new menu this Summer.
How does it fair?
Onto our plates went a prawn cocktail from the starters section of the menu. A delicious and refreshing mix of peeled prawns in a light sauce dressed with leafy greens. The famous Mal sliders which, served on a brioche bun. Packed with tomato, lettuce and gherkin over a delicious thick proper beef burger.
The fish curry (which comes highly recommended) in a rich red curry with monkfish, mussels and clams. This was served with fragrant white rice and with a perfect fiery kick for flavour.
Then there was the pièce de résistance. As always The Malmaison have their red meat down to a tee. Serving a medium/rare beef with the choice of garlic, peppercorn or Marmite sauce the cut was exquisite. This was served with polenta chips, which again were delicious. Perfectly cooked and seasoned and a real contender to replace the fries on our next visit.
Of course, no menu is complete without a serving of devilishly sweet puddings and of course. The Mal always delivers! With individual servings of fruity puddings and something for everybody you best save room for dessert! Finally, a cheese board of dreams to conclude. With cheeses from around the globe, there’s an extensive selection hitting the menu this Summer.
Drinking the Chez Mal bar dry
With expert mixologists, the drinks for the evening included Zombies and Strawberry Daiquiris from the cocktail bar whilst Brockmans gin and tonics were served at the Gin Station.
Brewdog for the beer drinkers. Where we found our seat for the evening was in one of the private booths. Which for the launch event was home to the sommelier and a wine tasting experience.
With 4 bottles all hidden in black bottle bags, it was down to the participants to guess the grape and location of the two white and two red.
This interactive experience was a great addition to the evening and with little touches like these, you always know that The Malmaison will truly deliver. Of course, who was going to guess the Pinot Noir from China though…
As the live band played all evening in the background. The atmosphere was electric from start until the finish where the last of the partygoers jumped in their carriages home.
This stunning, relaxed and refreshing area with a mixture of different seating heights really does capture your attention. It certainly is our favourite bar refit to date. We can see ourselves claiming a favourite seat for over the Summer.
The new menu launches across the 15 boutique hotels up and down the country this week. You can check out what’s being served up by your local here. If you’re in Newcastle though, certainly come and live the #MalLife and check out their plush new bar, you’ll certainly fall in love like we have.
Have you been to see the new bar? Would love to know your thoughts below.
As the live band played all evening in the background. The atmosphere was electric from start until the finish where the last of the partygoers jumped in their carriages home.
This stunning, relaxed and refreshing area with a mixture of different seating heights really does capture your attention. It certainly is our favourite bar refit to date. We can see ourselves claiming a favourite seat for over the Summer.
The new menu launches across the 15 boutique hotels up and down the country this week. You can check out what’s being served up by your local here. If you’re in Newcastle though, certainly come and live the #MalLife and check out their plush new bar, you’ll certainly fall in love like we have.
Have you been to see the new bar? Would love to know your thoughts below.
