Malmaison Hotel,
1 Swinegate,
Leeds,
LS1 4AG
(0113) 398 1000
The ViewLeeds Review
Malmaison doesn't have the swankiest decor but here it's all about the food and drink.
The Venue
The Malmaison hotel, part of a chain, oozes elegant luxury so when you walk into the bar it's a bit disappointing compared to the cream and purple chequered carpets and benches of the reception area.
This dark cellar bar, located in the basement of a former bus company office, is furnished with purple chairs, a semicircular booth and long wall benches with comfy back cushions. The purple lights of the bar create a bit of atmosphere but they can't mask the fact that there's nothing truly spectacular about the interior design. It's a pity as Malmaison has lashings of personality and this bar should have been designed with a more daring mind.
The People
The hotel reception looks so chic you imagine that it's a celeb hangout. But the boring truth is that most hotel guests are regular Joes who are often in their forties. The atmosphere is upmarket but an allure of cool is still present and one softly spoken barman has purple and green hair.
The Food
The dishes sound uncomplicated but with local ingredients, beautiful presentation and great flavours the Malmaison menu is something special. You can pick from a few starters like the Bleikers oak smoked salmon (£6) and progress to a main course (£12) like egg Benedict, the Mal burger (gruyere, bacon, relish and fries) or the simple soft herb and cheese omelette.
The Malmaison club is also worth trying with chargrilled chicken, crispy bacon, plum tomatoes, omelette and salad leaves in avocado mayonnaise. Other tasty options are Yorkshire lamb shank, shepherd’s pie, grilled fish of the day or lemon and thyme chicken with chargrilled vegetables. To make things lighter on the wallet opt for the lunch deal where you can get one course, a glass of house wine and coffee or tea for £10.
The Drink
Malmaision caters to any drinking tastes without complicating things. They have a good selection of gin, rum and vodka and an extraordinary list of whiskies. Below the spirits you'll find the cocktails based on that ingredient. Shots are on average £3 to £6 with peaks of £20 for the rarest bottles. Cocktails are £7.50 to £13 which is higher than the Leeds' average. The most expensive is the Simply Beautiful (£13) which mixes vodka, elderflower, lemon grass and Champagne. For something cheaper you can choose from a few beers at £3.50.
Wine is not skimped on either and every Malmaison makes a feature of their cellar and it's stocked with the help for a world class sommelier. You can sample most bottles by the glass and prices start an affordable £5. Or for £13 you can have the divine Chateau Ponte Fumee Gran Cru Classe Saint Emillion which is one of the Holy Grails of French wines.
The Last Word
Malmaison gets close to perfection it just needs to be as swanky as you imagine it to be. Otherwise this bar is very easy to enjoy.
Mal Bar has been reviewed by 1 users