Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar sits inside Malmaison London, a beautifully refurbished Victorian hotel tucked away on Charterhouse Square, just a short walk from the Barbican Centre.
From the outside, you’d probably have little idea there’s a stylish brasserie and bar waiting inside, but that’s exactly what makes it such an interesting spot to discover!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is putting Chez Mal on your radar. It's a place worth knowing about when you’re in the Barbican area and looking for somewhere a little different.
Chez Mal: more than a hotel restaurant
Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar is the on-site restaurant at Malmaison London, set in the basement of the hotel on Charterhouse Square, just a few minutes from Barbican tube station.
The name has gone through a few lives. It started as Brasserie Malmaison, later became Chez Mal, and the current concept effectively brings it full circle: a French-leaning brasserie with a modern British backbone.
The hotel itself is housed in a beautifully refurbished Victorian building, blending historic elegance with contemporary style.
And the square has an intriguing history of its own: beneath it lie the remains of plague burial pits dating back to the 14th century. A rather unexpected detail that makes this place so interesting to discover!
Today, Chez Mal describes itself as a modern British brasserie with a subtle French twist. Expect big flavours, bold combinations and dishes cooked with plenty of fire and flair!
A relaxed take on Brasserie dining
I visited with my husband on a quiet Sunday evening, and it couldn't have been a better way to end the weekend!
From the moment we arrived, we loved the stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. The staff were genuinely attentive without ever feeling intrusive.
The interiors have that warm, contemporary feel with dark lighting, plush leather seating and a laid-back luxe that never tips into pretentious. It's refined without being formal, which makes it a lovely choice for a relaxed date night or a catch-up over dinner.
We enjoyed perfectly cooked fish, wonderfully flavourful mushrooms, and a delicious seafood pasta.
We finished with an indulgent chocolate cake that was impossible to resist!
The cocktails were equally impressive and set the tone for the whole evening.
Why Chez Mal is worth visiting on your next London trip
London has no shortage of restaurants or even hotel restaurants, but few manage to feel this unhurried and unpretentious at the same time.
What stayed with me most wasn't one specific dish, it was how easy the whole evening felt: nothing rushed, nothing showy, just genuinely good food and warm service.
Its location, only around ten minutes from the Barbican Centre, and the Barbican conservatory, makes it an easy stop before or after a show, an exhibition, or a wander through the Barbican's brutalist walkways.
It's the kind of place I'd suggest to a friend visiting London who wants a proper sit-down dinner without the fuss of central London prices or crowds.
Feeling inspired? If you're planning a visit to Chez Mal, I'd love to hear about your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? DISCOVER MY LONDON RESTAURANT PICKS HERE!
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INSPIRATION!
Everything you need to know about Chez Mal:
Address: 18-21 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AH
Tickets: No entry fee — reservations recommended, especially for dinner
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 7am–9pm, Fri 7am–9:30pm, Sat 8am–9:30pm, Sun 7am–9pm
Website: malmaison.com
Chez Mal | Chez Mal London | Malmaison London Hotel | Barbican restaurants | Brasserie in London | French brasserie London | Charterhouse Square | London date night restaurant | Malmaison Barbican | Restaurants near Barbican Centre.
