PROMOTION
ONCE upon a time there was a greengrocer named Bill who owned a little shed in Lewes, East Sussex where he and his dad sold fresh fruit and veg. The stall became very popular with the locals resulting in a bigger shed opening on the High Street. Then in the year 2000, a big flood hit the town destroying the stall and all its produce. This, in fact, was the beginning.
Bill's Liverpool looks colourful and inviting, exuberant yet homely
In 2001 Bill Collison opened his first sit-down food place, selling breakfast, lunch and tea plus produce to buy and take home to cook yourself. Fast forward thirteen years and a few awards, and Bill's has made quite the name for itself with a hugely loyal following, a further 43 restaurants, and five more on the way. The latest opening is in Liverpool ONE.
Bill's Liverpool looks colourful and inviting, exuberant yet homely. Baskets of apples are perched on the tables outside for hungry lunch explorers to grab as they hurry by. There's seating on the terrace and inside there’s plenty of space with more seats and an indoor shop. In the day, sugar and cutlery sits on the tables, but as dinner approaches they're quickly swapped for Candelabras and wine glasses.
The menu reads well; not too fussy with a good selection from brekkie to tea, including a specials and kids menu. I was lucky enough to take a look at Bill's on its opening day and although the food won't be reviewed, it's hard not to comment on how great it was.
We had the Chicken in a jar (£5.85) and the Crab, chilli and prawn cakes (£5.85). Now it's not unusual to see parfait and fishcakes on a menu, but it is unusual to see them done exceptionally well. The highlights being Bill's Chutney, that fresh mango, and the contents of those fishcakes (they’re oceans away from the usual fishcake consistency of 80% potato mush and 20% fish mush).
For mains the modestly named Duck pie (£11.95) and Bill's fish pie (£12.95) arrived, both of which were bursting with flavour and felt like a warm hug on a cold summer's day in Liverpool. There's plenty of choice for desserts too which we were told are made fresh on the premises. Pecan pie with malted banana ice cream (£5.50) and the Buttermilk and vanilla panna cotta (£4.25) were tasty and at those prices, great value too.
Wine starts with Bill's own brand at £14.75 a pop and finishes with champagne at £35. There is also a wide range of juices, smoothies and milkshakes.
Bill's has taken up residence in the former Carragher's Bar which is within close reach of Liverpool ONE's shops and restaurant district. Perfect for couples, families with children or groups after work, its aim is "to serve really good food, to make sure every customer has a good time, and go that bit further to make sure Bill's is always somewhere people want to come back to".
Judging by its previous successes, I'm sure all this won't be a problem.
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Bill’s Liverpool is now open at 10 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE, Merseyside, L1 8LW.
