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.

Their 122 bedrooms, which include 14 lavish suites, 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. Most of them have fantastic views of River Tyne and the spacious suites on the Chateau floor have personal lounges and little touches like wine and nibbles. The Ark Royal suite, named after the huge aircraft carrier, exemplifies sheer indulgence with twin baths and two flat screen TVs.

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, 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 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 warm grilled Fort William smoked salmon. That very brasserie dish, eggs Florentine, has staged a comeback, and can be taken here as a starter. Jerusalem artichoke soup seldom fails to please, and a game terrine is served with homemade pickles and sour dough.

An inspired choice is the herb crusted scallops with cauliflower purée, with roast loin of Scottish venison for those seeking by this time a slightly more carnivoristic approach. Which leads us neatly to the, wait for it, Mal burger, a 250 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.

Heading the puddings is the vanilla crème caramel, a triumph of timing and co-ordination, supported by other choices amongst which expect to find pumpkin bakewell tart or a splendid chocolate truffle cake with pistachio ice cream. 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.

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.