Bill's

A nice atmosphere, but we went on Saturday morning (early). The staff were friendly but seemed to forget we were even there for about 25 minutes, and then got our drinks wrong. The coffee was good, and the food was fine when it arrived. 

I have quite mixed feelings about Bills’ … having “discovered” the original Bill’s in Brighton quite a few years back I wasn’t sure whether I should be happy to have one closer to home.
What seems to come natural in Brighton somehow feels a bit forced in Covent Garden.
St Martin’s Courtyard is a new shopping development and the industrial style interior just doesn’t quite ring true here. Especially as the interior designers at Jamie’s next door seem to have followed a similar strategy.
Still, the atmosphere is casual and comforting – especially on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon like today’s. We popped in for a coffee and just couldn’t resist the cakes. The vanilla cheesecake was one of the best I’ve had since visiting my friend Greg who makes an even better one.
You can book online for the evening slots only while brunch/lunch operates on a first come first served basis.

I am a big fan of Bill’s in Brighton, and was looking forward to being able to eat the same food in my home city. But it’s just not the same.
Maybe it’s the building, the menu seems smaller, and the staff less enthused.
Whatever it is, think I’ll just wait till I’m next in Brighton.

A place I discovered a month ago or so when I decided to find a new place in Covent Garden as I was a bit bored of the places I know. So I walked through St Martin's Courtyard and saw a nice casual place right next to Jamie Oliver's restaurant, which was busy as usual.

So I decided to go in this place and I loved it from the moment I entered. I probably wasn't objective as I entered I saw the very tall wall on the left, with all the produce displayed delicatessen style and I just fell in love with it.

I didn't experience the slow service that the reviews below describe, as I was seated straightaway although they were pretty busy. There was a couple of tables available inside and in the terrace. The glass doors were fully open as it was quite warm so being inside was very pleasant too, so we stayed in and enjoy the place's atmosphere.

On that occassion I wasn't really hungry so we shared a mezze board. The food served was really taste and it had all been done in-house, which was noticeable. However, its size was not generous, so it was a good thing that we weren't too hungry that day. I then had a hot choc and a brownie and both were yummy (and I am a choc expert, me ;)

I then have been back for a full English breakfast, which was really lovely. I sat outside that day, on one of these gorgeous sunny days we have had recently, and it really is a very enjoyable terrace right next to Picadillly and Covent Garden, as there is not a road in sight and you feel quite away from the hustle and bustle (except for the traffic noise, unfortunately)

I have been back another couple of times for a coffee and a cake, and it is definitely a good option for this too to take a break from a shopping trip in Covent Garden.

Finally, I went last Saturday night and I was quite hungry this time. I had the chicken, chorizo and butterbean stew, and it was delish! Plus the portion was generous too, which helps :) Oh, and it was good quality chorizo too, which was appreciated.

Next time I will go and explore the produce they sell more and will probably buy a couple.

I have taken a few different people here and everyone really liked it and found it different and a great option to know of in the Covent Garden area.

Oh, the service has been always friendly. Another plus point.

If there was one negative thing that I should say is that I find some dishes a bit overpriced, but overall it is ok.

Visited on 29th March 2011 for our breakfast, about 0900. Breakfast was "pretty" enough on the plate - I had a full english and my wife had scrambled eggs on toast, but it was only luke warm at best. Service was slow and inefficient even though there were only about half a dozen people in, including us, and loads of staff. It's a wee bit out of the way, not being on a main road and I'm not sure if it was really worth the effort. Plently of other place every bit as good, (but not so "posh"), in the area at almost half the price. Certainly not worth the hype, nor the money.

Bill's has a great vibe and is located in the 'hip' new St Martin's Courtyard development in Covent Garden. Despite being ever so slightly off the tourist trail, Bill's has a prime spot right next to the (mentally) popular Jamie's Italian (people were queuing for a table at Jamie's at 5pm on a Sunday evening). If you can't get in at Jamie's, give Bill's a go instead.

This is the first Bill's in London, and it's a cafe-cum-grocery-store-cum bar-cum-restaurant type of place. I went here today for hot chocolate and cakes after a "strenuous" afternoon of shopping, and felt very much at home, with jars of yummy preserves adorning the walls, cute candles on the stripped wooden tables and gentle soul music wafting around the colourful room. Nice.

Service was a perhaps a little laid back for my liking, and it took a while to be seated, even though there were a few tables available. And the hot chocolate, yet again, WASN'T HOT ENOUGH, despite having requested it to be extra hot. Still, it came with a mound of whipped cream and a flake on top, so musn't grumble. But unfortunately I've minused a star for these factors (yeah, I know I could've sent the hot choc back, but - hey - I'm English). The scones were immense and the jam was so tasty that I shamelessly polished it off with my knife. Oops.

You can browse through the grocery list on your table, choose what you want, and the servers will do your shopping for you as you eat and package it all up in a lovely paper bag with hessian ribbon etc etc. Perhaps a bit 'rah' for everyday bits and bobs, but would make a nice present for someone I guess.

When I got home an hour or so after leaving Bill's I had chocolate brownie all over my face, which - in my books at least - is a very good sign indeed. JUST MAKE YOUR HOT CHOCOLATE HOTTER!! Even so, I'll definitely be paying Bill's another visit.