Always a warm welcome and great food at Bill’s

BY PALOMA LACY

York may well be the jewel in North Yorkshire’s crown.

This pretty and historic city has everything at its fingertips for a family to enjoy this Easter.

History buffs will love the ancient city sights, including a visit to York Minster.

Retail therapy options abound from the winding streets, with all the big names and even those that have been lost from other high streets, to the quirky Shambles Market.

Not forgetting the music quarter for those on the lookout for sheet music, musical instruments and everything in-between.

Looking for a way to while away a few hours, while getting to know the city better?

Hop on the city sightseeing tour bus and sit back on what can be a whistle stop tour or a more leisurely affair lasting all day.

You’ll be spoilt for family-friendly restaurants.

As out-of-towners, my family and I headed for Bill’s – a brand we know and love but I’m pleased to say, presented us with a fair few surprises.

On a cold afternoon, the warmth of Bill’s was not lost on us.

The décor has been changed throughout its restaurants and is thoroughly inviting – lots of tropical prints, it feels like lunching in one of the hot houses at Kew Gardens.

The ambiance is always as warm as the welcome you receive, which can be hit and miss when travelling as a family group. Thanks so much for this, Bill’s.

The menu is always bang on, an eclectic mix of classics that keep customers coming back time and again and seasonal changes added for difference and good measure.

We like to share starters, talking about dishes and encouraging less reluctant participants to try new food and Bill’s Sharing Plate – devilled chicken skewers, crispy calamari, lime aioli, spiced tortillas, avocado, tzatziki, red pepper dip and olives – was just perfect.

A great sharer for three people and so plentiful that I didn’t have a main course but watched as the other two tucked into steak and egg and chips.

The journey from London had obviously left some people particularly hungry.

I’d go as far as to say that I love the Bill’s menu – it’s most certainly right up my culinary street. Chicken and sesame dumplings, fried halloumi cheese, drizzled with chilli honey, and spiced crab cakes.

If I’d closed my eyes and pointed a finger at any of the dishes, I’d have been perfectly happy and very well fed.

Bill’s, 12 Coney Street, York, YO1 9NA