Staying At The Malmaison
Photos by Stephi LaReine & Patrick McGuinness
Just round the corner from the famous Liverpool Liver Buildings its a taste of luxury, ready to soothe the soul with blissful views across the Mersey, and a one minutes away from the Ice Festival on the docks. It’s the centre of everything, from newly established music venues near Bramley docks and in the midst of Beatles culture, surrounded by museums, eateries, galleries and the friendliest people in Europe (yes it’s official now!)
My weekend stay at Malmaison was accompanied with christmas themed cocktails, a three course dinner, with wine and breakfast. Luckily I picked a day that fell on my anniversary so had the pleasure of sharing my luxe stay with my boyfriend of 4 years now. Malmaison do everything in their power to make your stay comfortable, deluxe and unforgettable.
From our room we had gorgeous views over to the Liver Buildings, the river Mersey and surrounding buildings lit up on Albert Dock. Our room was beautifully lit with bespoke architectural lamps for lighting. Snacks and drinks in both the mini bar and fridge are laid out. I fell in love with the gorgeous bathroom – I’m a sucker for big bath tubs and wet room showers. It oozed elegant simplicity. We spent our evening tucked in a cushy bed whilst the weather was cold outside watching TV, lounging around drinking the rest of wine and having a party for two. Malmaison isn’t much of a walk from city centre town, so it makes the perfect night out retreat.
Festive Cocktails
After getting freshened up in our room and enjoying a quick bounce on the bed, we headed down to check out the Brasserie and head to the bar where everything festive was in full swing. The bar staff whipped us up some Christmas cocktails we chose the Festive Flip; Havana Especial, Disaronno, pinot noir, chocolate bitters, sugar and egg. Also the Chocolate Orange Sazerac; Wild Turkey 8yr, Grand Marnier, crème de cacao, Peychauds & chocolate Bitters, Benedictine, Angostura bitters. It literally was Christmas in a drink, and a festive tipple before heading into the Brasserie for our anniversary dinner.
Dinner
We were treated for their newly launched festive menu. I started out with severn and wye smoked salmon, with herb crème fraîche and rye bread, a seasonal favourite of mine that complimented our bottle of wine for our meal. Whilst Patrick went for Chicken Liver Parfait, served with a winter fruit chutney – perfect for festive conserve lovers, it would go hand in hand with a post dinner sweet cheese also!
Followed up with a balloting of free range turkey; prosciutto, cranberry and orange stuffing served with roast potatoes, winter roots, bread sauce and cranberry compôte. A winter warmer, which got me very excited for Christmas. I’ll be heading back for this filling portion!
As well as a Severn and Wye smoked haddock fish cake. Served with spinach, grain mustard sauce and a warm poached egg. A great festive, slightly spiced twist on what would be a festive lunch!
Finally to complete our gorgeous meal in their Brasserie we topped it off with a Valrhona Chocolate Mousse of honeycomb and crème Chantilly. I adore honeycomb so this dessert put a grin on my face, having a spoon or two. As well as a cherry and vanilla Crème brûlée, a perfect end to a beautiful anniversary meal. I was so tempted to try out their selection of artisan cheeses but we were so stuffed up, we retired to our room for a catnap.
Breakfast
After one of the cosiest nights watching tv, having a giggle and waking up to fresh morning coffee we indulged in a beautiful early morning breakfast to get us kick started for a day in town for Christmas shopping.
I went for smoked salmon and creamy scrambled egg with a side of toast. Whilst Patrick had eggs benedict – of course. Sat in the Brasserie under colourful pieces of Beatles artwork. You really need to see it for yourself to grasp how gorgeous the dining setting is by the river Mersey.
Malmaison has a fantastic range for their continental breakfast, but I wholeheartedly would head there for their cooked breakfast. With fresh and delicious coffee, and fresh juices to keep getting a top up on, Malmaison makes a great setting for a get together or lunch meeting, with staff who really do look after you. They even popped us a couple of prosecco vouchers for our anniversary!
I can’t wait to head back with my girls for a night in town.
