Photo of
Deborah Martin
October 12, 2018
There's a lot more fun to be had in autumn than shopping for that perfect burnt orange scarf, you know.

Such as sampling the autumn menus at restaurants. That's because October brings its own unmissable flavours, like the nutty sweetness of squash, the spicy warmth of cinnamon and the savoury earthiness of mushrooms.

So when we heard that Chez Mal at Malmaison had launched its new seasonal menu, we hopped into our pumpkin coach and made our way straight there...

Bistro-style autumn cuisine

Taking a step away from the Asian and American flavours that defined its summer menu, Chez Mal's latest dishes have a cosy bistro-style feel that's perfect for chillier weather.

We began with a selection of starters that included creamy fresh burrata with roast squash and a radicchio & pomegranate salad...

As well as a game croquette of venison, guinea fowl, duck and pheasant with an apricot, apple & cranberry salad...

And whole tiger prawns alla busara with chilli, garlic, tomato sauce and grilled sourdough.

Hearty mains

Our mouths now bursting with autumn flavours, we moved onto a main of crisp West Country lamb, chickpea, roast pepper, apricot tagine and harissa mayonnaise...

And a richly flavoured Portobello mushroom penne pasta with grain mustard, lemon & tarragon...

As well as coq au vin with creamed mash, pancetta, sautéed mushrooms and red wine sauce.

Seasonal sweets

Autumn desserts should be rich, comforting and showcase the season's best flavours.

This hot chocolate pudding with baked Valrhona chocolate, peanut butter and salted caramel ice cream certainly put a smile on our faces....

As did this baked pumpkin pie with maple cream...

But it goes without saying that we still had room for this rich spiced pineapple tarte tatin with classic rum & raisin ice cream...

Halloween parties, crackling sparklers, weekend walks in the park — autumn is full of loveliness. But you're not really embracing the season if you're not embracing its flavours. Thankfully, this new menu from Chez Mal showcases everything that's wonderful about harvest time.


Want to sample Chez Mal's new autumn menu for yourself? Take a look at our Big Deal on a two-course meal for two with a glass of Prosecco or cocktail each.