The Inspector checks into Malmaison Newcastle (above)
There are 16 Mals (as they like to be known) in the UK, most operating from converted historic buildings such as this seven-storey one in Newcastle, once the Co-operative Society’s warehouse, built in 1902.
It stands imperiously by the arched Millennium Bridge on bustling Quayside.
You pay extra for a room overlooking the River Tyne, but it’s worth doing so.
On the opposite bank is the magnificent Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Malmaison has always chased a young market. The decor is dark and moody; the welcome bright and cheerful.
The hotel is housed in a historic seven-storey building that once served as the Co-operative Society’s warehouse
‘The decor is dark and moody; the welcome bright and cheerful,’ writes the Inspector. Above is the hotel’s bar
My room has a cosy sitting area with its own TV, a proper desk, another TV near the bed. Purple is the primary colour.
‘Dare to be different’ is the motto I remember from past Mal visits — for example ‘Get an earful of these little beauties’ on a packet of ear cotton buds.
Here, there’s one by the shower that says: ‘Too hot to handle?’
You pay extra for a room overlooking the River Tyne, but it’s worth doing so, the Inspector reveals
At Chez Mal Brasserie (above), the Inspector dines on a ‘delicious’ serving of lamb shank pie
The hotel stands imperiously by the arched Millennium Bridge on bustling Quayside
Chez Mal Brasserie is darker still, but with the help of a candle I can read the menu. I go for three big scallops in their shells and the lamb shank pie, both delicious.
A waiter tells me the mood is good in Newcastle. Why? ‘Because we’ve got a decent football team at last,’ he says.
And a decent, affordable hotel. Not quite top of the league, but impressive none the less.
On the opposite bank of the river is the magnificent Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (above)