Malmaison Birmingham

Who knew a Royal Mail sorting office could look this good? Well, it doesn't sort post anymore, but The Mailbox development is home to designer shops galore along with the city's outpost of the Malmaison group, with all its flair for contemporary design. Pictures of Birmingham's canals in their industrial heyday adorn the walls of the first-floor brasserie, which has the group's trademark French brasserie vibe (banquette seating, darkwood tables topped with flickering candles). The menu plays the brasserie game, too, so you might start with wild mushrooms on a toasted bloomer with Madeira and garlic butter, or mussel and saffron soup served with cheese straws. There's steak cooked on the grill or salads such as a classic Caesar, and main courses along the lines of roast cod with chorizo and butterbean stew. Finish with a Valrhona chocolate fondant soufflé with milk ice cream.