Brasserie and Bar at Malmaison - Newcastle

Newcastle has changed, in some places almost beyond recognition, and it is not just the physical aspects of this vibrant city. Down on the riverfront within easy reach of the millennium bridge, Tate of the North, the Sage Music Centre and Baltic Mills contemporary Arts Centre is another major conversion, the award-winning Malmaison.

The Malmaison group of hotels has established throughout Britain a collection of centres of excellence where nothing but the best will do. As a concept alone this is exciting, but the reality is brilliant, so that at last there is a hotel group where uniformity of standards is of the same high calibre.

At the hotel's heart is a lively brasserie with strong French influences at play and a widely spread menu that delivers something for everybody. This brasserie is striking and moody with innovative designs and the use of bold colours and decadent fabrics - seductive and alluring rich leather banquettes and chairs are both comfortable and indulgent, while the solid wood table tops and leather place settings are positioned within discreet bays.

Hand tailored paint work of gold and purple curve theatrically toward the candle lit stairway, and then the top steps lead through a heavy velvet drape of rich crimson and once beyond that you enter the intimate and inviting atmosphere, which is the Brasserie. Amidst these elegant surroundings, with crisp linen, spotless gleaming glassware and shining cutlery an essentially, but not exclusively, brasserie menu is offered.

Lovers of seafood will be delighted to note at once that their particular needs are well heeded, starting with a delightful mussel and saffron chowder or a classic shrimp cocktail. For those looking for the traditional lift in life oysters are served with shallot vinegar, Tabasco or natural.

That very brasserie dish, eggs Benedict, has staged a comeback recently, and can be taken here as a starter or main course. French onion soup seldom fails to please, and a game terrine is served with homemade pickles and sour dough.

An inspired choice is the seared Scottish scallops with black pudding and cauliflower puree, with braised lamb shoulder shepherd's pie for those seeking by this time a slightly more carnivoristic approach. Which leads us neatly to the, wait for it, Malburger, a 225 gram burger made from ground beef tucked into a floured bap to join bacon and Gruyère, served with homemade relish and some fries.

Over the years the number of outriders surrounding a good honest steak on the plate have grown to unacceptable dimensions. At Malmaison the thought and care is centred on the dry-aged on-the-bone Scottish rump and that's it - except for the chips. If you want all the rest go for the side dishes, but steak and real chips on its own takes some beating. Vegetarians are well looked after - the sautéed wild mushroom, poached egg polenta sounded appealing, and there is an excellent House salad.

Heading the puddings is the House crème brûlée, a triumph of timing and co-ordination, supported by other choices amongst which expect to find warm treacle tart, chocolate fondant white chocolate ice cream or a splendid apple and blackberry crumble with custard. Their homemade ice creams and sorbets are dreamy.

Their wine list is a symphony of its kind, clearly compiled by an enthusiast who knows his wines well enough not to disappear into a world of hyperbole when describing them.

Space permits only the briefest of mentions regarding the Sunday brunch - all we afficionados hope that sort of event will turn out to be - and then some. The big mal breakfast, corned beef hash, omelette Arnold Bennett, strawberry and champagne jelly, and the renowned mal cheese trolley, are all there.

The bedrooms are exactly what one would expect from a hotel that has genuine regard for its guests and is concerned with every aspect of their wellbeing.

Their Website is a wealth of information that will, I predict, only serve to increase your resolve to make Malmaison your next stop in Newcastle. It is worth noting that you can also make reservations Online on their Website.