There are so many restaurants to choose from in Nottingham. Do you ever find you go to one, you have a good night, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, but for some reason you just haven't been back?
It was like that with Bill's in Nottingham. It's situated in a beautiful Georgian building. which was a former bank. It's a great location (even being next to my bus stop) close to the theatre and the Cornerhouse, it's clean and modern. It even has some instagramable outdoor seating, yet since I went shortly after it opened I hadn't returned.
For that reason I felt a little sheepish when I was invited to try their new menu, but you know me, I love food, so I went along to see what it was like and also to see if there was any reason I hadn't been back.
Seems I'm not totally alone, on chatting with the staff they admitted they are busy in the day with breakfasts, brunches and lunches, but at night it can be a little quieter. As I said before it is a nice modern venue, the decor is eclectic, It's spacious, with plenty of room for friends or family to meet-up, or cosy booths for couples. I could easily see myself there with 'ladies what lunch' etc, but what about as an evening venue?
Well, there's plenty to choose from on the menu. You can start with a range of nibbles while you wait. Choose from Olives, breads, dips, tortillas and sausages, and that's before you hit the main menu.
To judge a venue based on one dish can be difficult. One bad dish can spoil an evening, not to mention a review, so we opted for a sharer so we could sample a variety of the treats on offer. There is a vegetarian option but we went for Bills Sharing Plate - Tasty devilled chicken skewers, calamari, niçoise olives, toasted focaccia, smashed avocado, hummus, purple basil & pine nut pesto, red pepper tapenade and mixed seeds (13.95) There wasn't one thing on the plate we didn't like, there was a whole host of flavours working together. The dips some of the most flavoursome I've tried. I could eat the red pepper tapenade on its on with a spoon!
Whilst not being strictly vegetarian, I am a big fan of vegetarian food. I will often order a veggie dish on a standard night out, and on a review I always think it's good for one of the party to try a dish. Restaurants are better at vegetarian food nowadays and I always think a good veggie dish is the sign of a good restaurant in that they've taken time to care about the food. Thankfully Bills did not disappoint. I had Bill's Wellington - carrot, cashew nut and mushroom wellington with butter bean mash, tender stem broccoli and rich vegetable gravy. (11.75) a dish packed full of flavour, rather than an afterthought.
My dining partner had the oak smoked ribs - with ginger, lemongrass and sesame dressed coleslaw and fries. There were plenty of the spicy ribs to enjoy too.(15.95)
How can you review a restaurant without trying a dessert? (that's my excuse anyway) I'm so glad I still had space for Bill's chocolate and hazelnut praline sphere, and I would advise any chocoholic to do the same. This has to be one of the best and most indulgent desserts in Nottingham - salted caramel ice cream with chocolate and hazelnut mousse, velvety chocolate sauce and golden pearls.(7.50) I could eat this everyday (my mouth would thoroughly approve, though my waistline might not).
So in all, three excellent courses. Founded by greengrocer Bill Collison, Bill's serves eclectic British dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. I haven't even mentioned the other options such as the dinner specials and healthy salads, steaks, meaning there really is something for everyone in your party.
Bill's also serve a selection of wines, spirits and traditional cocktails, plus a variety of juices and smoothies. I think if there was the option to just pop in for a drink it might lure more people into eating having experienced the ambiance and clocked the menu.
So why hadn't I been back? Absolutely no idea, I definitely won't leave it as long this time.
Love T x
Disclaimer - Our meals were gifted but my views are my own
For more details visit: https://bills-website.co.uk/
For accommodation nearby visit: https://www.booking.com/?aid=355028&auth_success=1
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