Fork & Bottle at The Desmond, Malvern PA

What happened to the brunch at The Desmond Hotel? Our family used to enjoy amazing brunches here complete with carving stations, omelettes to order, a chocolate fountain with many varieties of fresh fruit, cookies and marshmallows for dipping. A sea of fresh, high-quality baked goods and desserts stretched on many tables. There were platters of smoked fish and shrimp cocktail along with row after row of piping hot silver-domed containers filled with delicious and often unusual brunch options.

Fast forward to today’s Sunday brunch under a different “chef” and how things have changed. Gone are the platters of shrimp and seafood, ditto the carving stations and all the wonderful desserts. Instead there are a few tables of tired looking pastries and a few dried out, crumbly mini croissants - the types that someone took out of plastic clam shells and put on a few plates and plunked on the table in a small room off of the dining room. Gone were the salad selections but there was a bowl of semi-wilted mixed greens with some gloopy, factory-made dressing. Made to order omelette are still available but made in the kitchen. Smoked salmon is still available too but it’s a special ask that arrives with two tiny, rolled pieces of smoked fish the size of two cigarettes. Everything smacks of cost-cutting, everything seems made in a factory and plated on-site. The one bright spot was our waitress who couldn’t have been nicer but certainly don’t come here for a special or celebratory occasion and definitely don’t come for the food.

Was here for a baptism luncheon. The food, service, and the atmosphere were good! All the employees working there were very helpful.

Server was so delightful. Great place to go with friends. Able to talk and laugh. No rush.

Staff was so accommodating! We planned a team brunch for when we were in town for a youth sports tournament. Carmen was my contact person, and she was fantastic! Very flexible, even with last minute plans and uncertain headcount. Everyone was very happy with the brunch, the facilities, and we had a great time together as a team (17/18 year olds who wanted somewhere nice to go) and parents. Highly recommend for group functions!

We rented out a private room for my birthday party. They hadn’t returned my moms call to discuss the seating arrangement. I had hoped to have several tables pushed together to make one big table, but we arrived to two circle tables. We had three last minute cancellations so we were able to put the two circle tables together to create a figure 8 table. (13 people total) The room was large and airy with lots of windows and tables to put things on. (Coats, hats, cakes, decor, etc.)

Our server was Casey and he was very easy going and helpful with our table reorganization. He took our group picture. He was very good about checking in on us without constantly bothering us. He paid attention to when people’s drinks were running out, and was quick to offer refills. Everyone seemed happy with their food and I enjoyed my chopped salad with chicken. The party went off without a hitch and everyone enjoyed themselves. Casey and other employees were very helpful. I would definitely host a party here again. It was stress free.

I went there for my Great Aunt's funeral. The sitting room was gorgeous with lots of natural light. The food was delicious, especially the mushroom bisque. The staff were all very kind and understanding. Going there seemed to help everyone relax, and connect after the long day we had.

Absolutely loved our wedding reception last night, the food, drinks and staff were amazing, our stay last night was over and beyond. We will definitely be back again real soon, a thousand thank you's to the Desmond hotel.

"I love their food and they have a burger that is absolutely delicious! "
Love it ️ amazing food and nice people

Went to a friend's wedding recently and they did an amazing job with food, facilities, and distancing. I was REALLY IMPRESSED!