Review on Malmaison
The Reading outpost of the nationwide Malmaison group occupies a grandiose building designed by Brunel in 1844 and once used as the town's Great Western Rail Hotel. Now it's a stunning boutique venue serving the needs of today's travellers and business crowd.
The hotel's alluring Chez Mal Brasserie has been cleverly designed, putting exposed brickwork alongside rich fabrics and sumptuous furnishings. Local produce and ethical sourcing dictate proceedings in the kitchen, which delivers modern Euro-slanted dishes with care and confidence. Try a plate of Jabu Gran Reserve Iberico ham to start or, perhaps soft-boiled duck egg with asparagus 'soldiers'. Grills and salads supplement main courses of roast rack of Herdwick lamb with young carrots, Madeira and mint jelly, ballottine of rabbit or sea trout with cauliflower cream, warm pea and herb dressing. End with lemon syllabub and Champagne rhubarb or apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream.
In addition to the brasserie, there's Café Mal for healthy take-homes and daytime nibbles; otherwise head for the bar if you fancy exploring the snazzy line-up of cocktails or the carefully chosen international wine list.
Cuisine
Modern European
Chef
Jan Chmelicek
Restaurant Opening Times
Breakfast: 6.30 - 10.00am (8.00 - 11.00am Sat & Sun)
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Mon-Fri (12.30 - 4.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.30pm (6.00 - 10.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express