Bill’s Covent Garden

Day to night dining in comfort and style at Bill’s

“Bill’s for breakfast!” is a cry often heard in our house at weekends.  Our local branch has become our go-to-place when the family gathers and no one will take responsibility for producing a breakfast with the required amount of crispy bacon and pancakes, cooked to the standard we’ve become accustomed to at Bill’s.  So when I heard that another member of the London-Unattached team had been along to the relaunch of the Covent Garden Bill’s I was keen to find out more.

Children grow and tastes change and it seems that the team at Bill’s get that.  Recently the Covent Garden branch has undergone a complete refurbishment creating a relaxed yet stylish setting to enjoy a menu offering classic favourites (fish and chips, steak, mac and cheese) and new dishes designed to please whatever the time of day.

Covent Garden is an area rich in its range of bars and restaurants, but arriving for a late lunch, I doubt that many would have been able to create the sense of comfortable dining we experienced in Bill’s tucked away in St Martin’s Courtyard.

Until 11.30 every conceivable shape of breakfast is available.  But don’t despair if you sleep past that, as the lunch plates feature elements from breakfast time and other to lead you through to tea!  Yes, Bill’s Cream Tea is offered from 15.00-17.00 featuring scones and jams and my personal favourite, toasted tea-cake (when did I last see that on a London menu?  Heavenly!) At weekends and public holidays Bill’s extensive Brunch Menu could possibly keep you happily engaged for all the hours it’s offered (between 11.00-16.30).   And if that’s not choice enough, every evening a signature dish is available (we’ll be back on a Thursday for the wild boar and apple sausage & mash) and small plates and snacks are available all day long, perfect for those popping in for a drink in the new bar area, or outside on the terrace watching the world go by.

Treating ourselves after a busy morning’s work my daughter and I relaxed with a classic Bloody Mary (deliciously spiced) and a Bramble Mojito (more-ishly fresh and fruity) whilst we awaited Halloumi Fries (a family favourite) and a portion of very yummy Beetroot and Goats cheese crispy rice balls (with purple basil and pine nut pesto)

Whilst my daughter launched into the classic Bill’s Hamburger (everything a burger should be: big, juicy, with spiced mayo served in a good bun) served with Bill’s tomato chutney and rosemary salted chips, I ignored her comment that I should order the “Ancient Grain Bowl” (evidently it had my name on it…) but then looking at the contents of wild rice, buckwheat, toasted millet and black quinoa, avocado,  red peppers, green beans, roasted cherry tomato, charred broccoli,  mixed seeds, red pepper tapenade and purple pine nut pesto yoghurt, I thought it needed to be experienced so I took a small bowl along with grilled chicken skewers from the set menu.

The cleverly designed dessert menu features everyone’s favourite.  With an afternoon of gallery gazing ahead of us, we felt in need of sugar and decided to order the feast that is Warm Triple Chocolate Brownie, which sat on a milk chocolate mousse, accompanied by vanilla ice cream and topped with a chocolate flake.  We thought it a good idea to have a lemon sorbet “on the side” for good measure.  And actually, it was!  Topped with a Bill’s wafer, what else could it be?

The menu offers great value (set menu of three courses for £14.95; two four £12.95) and the new décor is lovely: reminiscent of a cosy conservatory with green velvets, soft leather seating, well-laid out tables evoking country-house comfort.  And of course, there Bill’s famous collection of clutter which gives that homey feeling guaranteeing there’s no place like it.

Bill’s group of restaurants are currently rolling out their new menu and refurbished interiors.  The first three restaurants to be redesigned are in St Albans, Westfield and here at Covent Garden.  We love the improvements – it’s hard to make an old favourite even more special, but Bill’s have done just that

Jenny was a guest of Bill’s Covent Garden (St Martin’s Courtyard)