There is a comprehensive wine list and menu offering plenty of choice, and although it largely revolves around meat or fish, specific dietary requirements can be catered for on request. Our meal began with a complimentary appetiser of muffin-shaped Cheddar popovers and soft butter on a wooden board which set the scene nicely before the arrival of our entrées. I opted for the tuna tartare which was constructed from a sumptuous tiered creation of avocado, Ahi tuna and black sesame seeds. Finished with soy sauce as well as tangy pickled ginger and creamy wasabi purée, the result can only be described as spectacular and the only downside was that it was gone too quickly thanks to it being so enjoyable. My partner chose the fruit, goats cheese and walnut salad made up of beautifully-presented slices of pear, apple and raspberries dressed with raspberry sauce and nuts.
As the name of this restaurant suggests, steak is very much this eatery’s speciality, and for the main course, visitors can choose any weight from 250 grams to a massive one kilogramme for those who have a very sizeable appetite to match. My companion selected a mouth-watering medium-sized cut which was cooked exactly as per her request and it’s easy to see why this venue prides itself on this particular dish. I decided to try a ‘special’ in the form of roast halibut and the tender texture of this fish combined seamlessly with the creamy beurre blanc sauce. There is an excellent array of side dishes to pick from with sizeable portions to match, including the ones we sampled which were namely truffle mash, wilted spinach (also available as a gratin), bok choy with ginger and chilli and the all-compulsory skin-on fries.
Dessert is always a difficult choice, and my guest opted for the highly recommended ‘pineapple carpaccio’, another of the Stripbar & Steak’s signature creations. Very original in its composition, it took the form of coconut sorbet which sat on finely cut slices of pineapple infused with miniscule pieces of chilli and a citrus dressing. The contents of the plate disappeared extremely quickly as it was both refreshing and surprisingly addictive. I opted for the raspberry Crème brûlée which was an equally successful choice. From start to finish, the service in the ‘Stripbar & Steak’ proved immaculate and our three course meal was nicely paced, lasting around two and a half hours.
In the morning, once you have enticed yourself out of the extremely comfortable bed, which is dressed in crisp white sheets and pillows as well as a plethora of soft cushions, a continental breakfast buffet awaits back in the Stripbar & Steak eatery. Although quite basic and with cooked options available at an additional cost such as lobster omelette, a full English, or of course, a signature steak, it does set you up nicely for the day ahead. For visitors wishing to spend longer under the covers, there is a more than adequate in-room selection of snacks which go from Yorkshire crisps right up to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Our bedroom aptly sported a picture frame displaying the words ‘Smash Hits’, and this really sums the venue up nicely, because it was without a doubt ‘a big hit’ with us. Whether for a weekend getaway, a special celebration, or simply a break from the daily grind, Malmaison London will not disappoint.
To make a reservation or for the latest offers, visit www.malmaison.com/locations/london