18-21 Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6AH malmaison.com
The Malmaison London may not seem like the most obvious place for Sunday luncheon; however the restaurant of this boutique hotel has introduced a new three course menu to tickle the taste buds each and every Sunday. The hotel is situated in a beautiful square in Clerkenwell, a central location that is eerily quiet on a weekend.
As you enter from the hotel reception, down a spiral staircase to a basement restaurant, the dining room is unashamedly dark. The windows that sit at the side of the restaurant seem too small for this overtly large dining room. Adding to this, the expensive but dated decor of black and white, the room comes across plain and impersonal. The only colours to be seen, are the purple light fixture that cover the back bar and the red glass around the wood burning fire place.
Already on the table awaits a menu; made to replicate a Sunday broadsheet with the title’Mal on Sunday‘ – a clever play on words taken from the Daily Mail’s Mail on Sunday. The tabloid theme is continued with a sensationalised news story underneath with a headline ‘ Man Explodes in Malmaison’ this spoof story based on a Monty Python sketch, sets a cheerful tone for the dining experience ahead.
Inside the broadsheet menu is a list of options for the three courses, served at a reasonable £19.95 per person. The starters consist of either soup of the day or hors d’oeurves – which are served straight from the’Chef’s Table.’ This buffet style starter offers a wide selection of tasty nibbles, from smoked salmon, cheeses, omelette, salads and bread to an array of sweet options such as pancakes and waffles – all served by the chef – and with the option of revisiting for seconds.
The main courses have a bit of something for everyone, for a traditional roast there is the option of Normandy chicken with sage and all the trimmings or prime rib of beef – served with a generous side of vegetables. Cooked medium rare as requested, the portion of beef was good sized but slightly fatty. Along with the traditional roasts the menu has two vegetarian options and a sirloin steak.
Feeling slightly full after two large courses dessert was difficult for us to resist. The crème brulee was slightly rich but satisfying whilst the sweet and light combination of mango, strawberry and lemon sorbet balanced out a heavy meal. For those with a sweet tooth, there is also the option of sticky toffee with pecan and caramel sauce or hotel chocolate with marshmallows and vanilla ice cream.
In comparison to the average gastro pub lunch, The Mal on Sunday’s menu is a great value for money with generous portion sizes, whilst the waiting staffs are attentive and pleasant. Drinks are not included with the food, but on offer is an assortment of Bloody Marys, champagne cocktails and wines – perfect for a sociable and relaxing Sunday.
Available Sunday’s 12-4