When Napoleon was victorious in his invasion of Egypt in 1798, his wife decided to buy him a welcome home present.

But the French leader was less than impressed when he discovered Josephine's surprise.

She had bought him a country pad called Chateau de Malmaison near Paris - spending all his recently-acquired fortune on a lavish makeover.

It is Josephine's spectacular style that is said to have inspired the Malmaison hotel chain.

I stayed at the four-star Malmaison London, a grand white-fronted Victorian building that exudes luxury.

Set in leafy Charterhouse Square on the edge of the City of London, Malmaison is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the West End.

It is a meatball's throw from Smithfield Market, busy with butchers every weekday morning, and close to the Barbican centre.

The landmark Fox and Anchor pub, known for its style and jazz evenings, is a few doors away.

But there's no need to go any further than the Malmaison brasserie for food.

The building's original vaults have been opened up to create intimate dining spaces.

It is not somewhere you would necessarily walk in off the street for a meal, but it does offer excellent food in a warm, relaxed environment.

Main meals cost about £17 each, but a special Three Tenners offer is great value for money - offering diners a two-course meal with wine for two for just £30.

But as you eat, drink and be merry during a stay at Malmaison, spare a thought for Napoleon.

Malmaison London, 18-21 Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AH

Standard double rooms start from £235 plus VAT.

For details or to book, phone 0845365 4247, visit www.malmaison.com or email reservations.london@malmaison.com.