Malmaison

Some hotel chains are more equal than others. The Malmaison group falls into that category. Though there are a fair few of them scattered across the UK, they have not sacrificed style and charm to the corporate machine, not yet at least. The Birmingham branch is particularly appealing. Housed in the distinctive Mailbox Building, a former sorting office, it boasts a double-height bar with a wonderful snaking staircase. The bar area itself is crimson-walled, bold and bright. Superior cocktails are served and, despite its ‘hotel bar’ status, the place is always pleasantly busy, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.