Just a stone’s throw away from Call Lane and a five-minute walk from Leeds Railway Station, Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar at Malmaison is housed in a characterful, historic Victorian building.
Having undergone a strategic overhaul, the restaurant is making a comeback with a revamped interior and menu, and enticing offers every day of the week. I paid them a visit on Steak Night – every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, when guests can enjoy 50% off premium steaks when ordering two courses.
Upon entry, I was invited to make a quick stop at the bar for a pre-dinner drink, before heading to the adjoining restaurant area.
Torn between a classic Old Fashioned, a fresh G&T and a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini that piqued my interest, among a lineup of inventive cocktails, I swiftly took the bartender’s recommendation and went for the Rhubarb Triangle (a gin and tonic with a sweet rhubarb liqueur twist). First introduced as a limited-time special, the Rhubarb Triangle quickly became a staple. Perfectly-balanced (neither too sweet, nor bitter), light and refreshing, Chez Mal’s signature cocktail with a decade-long history was an excellent choice on a warm May evening.
As we moved from the bar to the restaurant area, we were immersed in the stylish, warm atmosphere of the venue. The new décor felt organic and well-thought-out, with attention to every detail, from floor to ceiling. Elegant abstract-patterned carpets had replaced the old, tiled floors and combined with quirky ceiling lights and wall art to give the place a darker, funky look and feel. The new sultry aesthetic would certainly appeal to those with a flair for the unusual.
The food itself was yet another pleasant surprise. We tried the fried calamari with charcoal aioli and the sourdough bread with whipped smoked butter from the starters’ menu, followed by delicious fillet steaks with sides of crispy fries and green beans with feta.
All were expertly prepared, inventive and beautifully presented. The generous portion sizes meant we barely had space for dessert… barely. It was at this point that my companion noticed the calorie estimates on the menu, which tilted the scales in favour of a strawberry cheesecake. Fortunately, it proved to be a fantastic choice and there were no regrets over crème brûlée not had.
Jade deserves special credit for the attentive service, excellent menu recommendations and enthusiasm to share her knowledge about Chez Mal’s history and future aspirations.
To sum things up, you can’t go wrong with Steak Night at Chez Mal. But don’t take my word for it – try it yourself!
Chez Mal is open seven days a week from 7am until 9pm and welcomes visitors warmly, locals and corporate guests alike.
Steak night is every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm. To explore all offers, browse the menu and book a table, visit the Chez Mal website.
