Restaurant Brighton's post on

No Plans, No Problem: A Bank Holiday Treat for the Family at Malmaison

With no plans for bank holiday Monday and back to school looming, we needed a treat to lift the spirits. Our family’s got a teen, a tween and a little one – and my mother in law was staying – so pleasing everyone isn’t always easy. One thing we can agree on, though, is that afternoon tea is always a good idea.

Arriving at Brighton Marina: Views and Vibes

We piled into the family wagon and headed to Brighton Marina on a typically unpredictable bank holiday, the breezy weather unable to make up its mind. After strolling past a parade of restaurants, we reached the Malmaison hotel and took the lift up to Chez Mal – its elevated position offering enviable views of the harbour.

Brighton marina view

A Warm Welcome and High Expectations

A warm welcome from the Malmaison team and our host Ibrahim set the tone. Spirits already improved, we settled at a large table, with reasonable expectations of some serious indulgence. Malmaison serves a ‘reimagined’ afternoon tea which stays true to tradition while adding some bold new twists.

Afternoon tea at Malmaison

Americana Savouries

The tea arrived on elegant tiers – contemporary in style, classic in structure – the bottom tier filled with savouries, the top reserved for the sweet selection.

over head shot of the afternoon tea tray. Family afternoon tea Brighton

Gone were the usual finger sandwiches. Instead, the savoury tier offered crowd-pleasers with an Americana influence. Flavoursome tuna tacos, dressed with guacamole, spring onion, soy, sesame and lime, brought crunch and freshness. Finger-licking buttermilk fried chicken came with steak sauce and roasted garlic aioli – instantly popular.

finger foods on the afternoon tea tray at Malmaison. Family afternoon tea Brighton

Richer snacks followed: a B&G slider topped with Ayrshire bacon and Gruyère, and a beef brisket bite. This afternoon tea meant business.

Mad Hatter-esque

The sweet tier delivered playful indulgence with a Mad Hatter-esque twist. A tiny (and very gourmet) “Fab Lolly” looked authentic but tasted divine. Light-as-air carrot opera cake layered up the loveliness, while a choc chip cookie dough sundae brought ‘happy days’ vibes. A silky vanilla crème brûlée cracked to perfection – so satisfying. We couldn’t agree on a clear winner, but hey, trying was fun.

lolly dessert served on white plate on the window table looking at Brighton Marina. family afternoon tea Brighton

Scones with a Sweet Surprise

Finally, the essential scones made an appearance – though these were sticky toffee flavoured – served with clotted cream and extra toffee sauce. We sipped hot tea at leisure, while the kids enjoyed refreshing lemonade.

sticky toffee flavoured - served with clotted cream and extra toffee sauce. family afternoon tea Brighton

A Perfect End to the Day

A perfect close to the long weekend, we skipped along the dock to soak up the last of the afternoon sun and enjoy a little yacht ‘shopping’. We’ll definitely be back for drinks and BBQ on the gorgeous terrace this summer.

Want to know more about Malmaison Brighton – Malmaison Bar & Grill?
Find Out More
Opening Hours
Breakfast Monday to Friday - 7am to 10am Weekends and Bank Holidays - 8am to 10.30am Lunch Monday to Saturday - 12pm to 2.30pm Sunday - 12.30pm to 2.30pm Dinner Monday to Sunday - 5.30pm to 9.30pm