MALONE LODGE

THIS REVIEW TAKES US BACK to the Malone Lodge, a lot has changed from our last review, seems like a 2 years ago though on investigation it was back in January of 2016 therefore a long overdue return.

During the covid closure the 4-star luxury hotel has had a fashionable facelift and exciting rebrand of both the Bar and Restaurant so it’s all pretty fresh and exciting for guests and staff alike.

We arrived at the Gallery Restaurant as planned at 7pm, first impression I was super surprised at how modern and inviting the place was and by the number of diners eating on a Tuesday which would typically be a quieter day.

Daryl the restaurant Manager escorted us to a table by the window, perfectly positioned for the likes of me who likes to get a good view of the entire place. After bringing us water, telling us about soup specials and getting us a cheeky vino, he gave us time to ponder over the menu. I didn’t order it as my starter though as I type

I wish I had asked for a taste of the soup, Coriander and Apple, sounds odd though I bet it would have been amazing. For me I opted for the Scallops, these were served with black pudding, peas, and little sprigs of Samphire if I’m not mistaken, those who regularly read my reviews will know I don’t usually order Scallops, tahis is not down to a dislike as I love seafood, I’m guessing they are maybe not always on the menu, possible out of season, anyway they did not disappoint, perfectly fresh and cooked to perfection, great seer outside and super juicy just as they should be, bravo.

My guest Julie ordered the Bushmills Glazed Pork Belly, she assures me it was delicious and going by what was left on the plate (nothing lol) this was definitely the case.

Bar the soup the other starter option was the Goats Cheese which I am a real fan of, on my return I will be trying it.

Starter size was ample, perfect warm up to the main event which we were both ready for, this was tough for me as so many

options were right up my street, after allot of deliberation I settled on the Beef Shin and I am super glad I did, have honestly never tasted anything like it, slow cooked over many hours it was falling apart, this came with a reduction that can take days to make as explained by Daryl, it was served with creamy mash and pickled shallots which for me really made the dish sing, I could eat a bowl of them alone lol. I ordered a side of Tender stem Broccoli and roast almonds. I practically cleaned the plate, left a little veg though all else was devoured. Cannot fault anything about my main, I will be talking about it for some time to come.

With no surprise my guest ordered the steak, it is somewhat of a go to for Julie, cooked to her liking with the side and sauce of her choice, the size/weight wasn’t on the menu though from sight id say it was 12oz though don’t quote me, I could polish this easily myself though for Julie it was to much to finish which by no means is a bad complaint, also she wanted to leave a little room for a sweet. While letting things digest, we chatted to Daryl for a good 15 minutes which doesn’t usually happen, he was so lovely and super attentive – give that man a raise lol.

For dessert I went for the most decadent option, the chocolate delice, omg WOW, it was sweet, rich, and moreish at the same time, alone maybe too rich though it was served with Raspberry sorbet which cut though the dark chocolate, I was in heaven, not something you would eat everyday though we all are allowed to indulge. Julie ordered the Panna cotta, it looked divine it was topped with Rhubarb and an amaretti crumb, I asked her to score the desert out of ten she gave it a solid 8 not being a massive fan of Rhubarb though this is personal choice.

In all we had such a wonderful evening, I am finding it hard to think of any negatives which is not like me lol, thank you so much to the management, Daryl, Chef, and servers for looking after us

Average cost of 3 course meal comes to a pocket pleasing £28, I urge all our readers to check it out and you must order the Beef Shin, you will thank me later