Booking Private Dining Events At Malmaison And Hotel du Vin

When is a hotel group not a chain? When each property feels like an independent boutique hotel, of course. There are many who try to pull this off but few who manage it so adeptly as Hotel du Vin and Malmaison. Pretty much unique in the hotel food chain, these brands manage to signify a certain level of comfort and service mixed with individual touches of quirkiness and independence.

It’s an achievement that’s not to be underestimated and can only be enhanced by the massive refurbishment programme that the groups are undergoing, making sure that their bedrooms, lounges and ambience live up to the high standards we’ve grown to know and depend on them for.

Recent Refurbishments

No less than five Malmaison’s are currently under refurbishment – and most will be completed by the spring. The original Mal in Edinburgh has had a full makeover – brasserie, bar, bedrooms, communal areas and all five private rooms – the largest of which can now hold 120 for a standing reception or 32 for a private dinner. The outdoor private terrace can be used privately and is ideal for corporate bbq’s, drinks receptions and parties of up to 40 guests.

Nearby in Glasgow, 60 rooms are getting the once over, as well as the introduction of a new restaurant, ‘The Honours’, which is fronted by Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart. The hotel’s most quirky suite, The Big Yin (named after Glaswegian comedy legend Billy Connolly) now features a roll-top bath in the living room, walk-in monsoon shower in the bathroom and four-poster bed in the bedroom.

Moving down south, the former Royal Mail sorting office that is now Birmingham Mal, is also undergoing a full refurb with bar and brasserie already completed. Similarly, the bedrooms and five private rooms are also being completely overhauled and will be ready for meetings and dinner parties of up to 120 seated by April.

Elsewhere, Manchester is about to start an upgrade to its brasserie and private rooms shortly, while Reading’s bar and brasserie are about to be completed with the restaurant becoming a Chez Mal.

Hotel Du Vin’s are ahead of the game with Tunbridge Wells and Wimbledon properties completing bedroom refurbs back in 2015. Tunbridge Wells will also see its fully overhauled bistro finished this month – complete with a small vineyard, while Wimbledon’s three private dining rooms have been stunningly patriated into the Hotel du Vin mould.

In the Know – The Properties

What makes Malmaison and Hotel du Vin properties so special are their quirky, original touches, so here are our top tips for the best rooms and spaces with their unique brand of je ne sais quoi.

Hotel du Vin Glasgow is made up of 5 townhouses and it’s possible for parties to hire out Townhouse Number 5 in its entirety. With 12 luxurious bedrooms and suites, the ultimate honeymoon suite, four private rooms, original fire places, stained glass windows and sweeping wooden staircases, it even has a secret terraced garden perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies.

Back in the Birmingham Mal, The Penny Black Suite is their most popular guestroom because of its four poster bed, steam room and massage table, monsoon shower, deluxe bath and monstrous flat screen TV and sound system. Perfect for romantic weekends, girlie nights and celebrities.

Originally a sugar factory, Hotel du Vin Bristol’s Janneau Bar and Christie’s Library are cosy spaces with their own private bar overlooking the tranquil courtyard. Perfect for private dining, pre-dinner drinks, afternoon teas or drinks receptions.

The Super Suite at Malmaison Dundee is not to be missed at the top of a stunning ‘re-discovered’ original staircase dating back to 1898 it features a huge sleigh bed amongst other luxuries.

Malmaison Liverpool’s 2^nd Floor Atrium is just fantastic for group bookings or large parties of up to 120, complete with Beatles memorabilia decor, eye catching fish tank and its very own “Yellow Submarine” handing over 10 ft in the air, all accompanied by Beatles’ soundtracks.

The former cells at converted prison Malmaison Oxford can be used for a night’s stay or even hire a cell out for an unforgettable a private dinner or meeting.

The newest addition to Hotel du Vin in Wimbledon features a stunning Orangery with views and access onto Cannizaro Park. Perfect for a small meetings or lunches, it can also be hired out exclusively for drinks receptions, award ceremonies and weddings.

In the Know – The Private Details

All hotels can be hired out exclusively and have wedding licenses.

Private room hire rates vary according to the room, location, time and date of event but range from as little as £75 up to exclusive use of the hotels, which for example in Wimbledon is £32,000.

For wine lovers, La Roche is featured in a number of hotels including Hotel du Vin in Poole, Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and Cambridge. A bespoke feature glass table seats up to 10 for a guided tasting by the head sommelier, perfect for friends, corporate events and celebrations.

Menus are tailored to suit a party’s specific requirements, however set menus for a private dinner start from £32.50 per person for 3 courses.

Tailor made cocktail masterclasses and wine tastings are offered at all hotels designed around a theme, ie new world vs old world wines, Spanish wines or (for cocktails) ‘The Classics’, rum based amongst others.

In the Know – The Offers 

When booking at Hotel du Vin look out for Settle in Sundays deals.