insideKENT Magazine Issue 93 - December 2019 | Page 107

FOOD+DRINK FAMILY FRIENDLY FARE AND A FEEL GOOD VIBE AT… BILL'S RESTAURANT , Bluewater BILL’S BLUEWATER RESTAURANT, LOCATED IN BLUEWATER’S WINTERGARDEN, IS A CALM OASIS FOR SHOPPERS TO TAKE A BREAK AND ENJOY GREAT FOOD AND SERVICE. THIS VIBRANT RESTAURANT IS PERFECT FOR A COSY DINNER FOR TWO OR CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS. PACKED FULL OF COLOUR AND CHARM, WITH PLUSH VELVET ACCENTS AND UNIQUE FINDS FROM BILL HIMSELF, BILL'S BLUEWATER WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL DAY AND INTO THE NIGHT. BY ADAM READY The result of the recent refurbishment, to the very popular Bluewater restaurant this year, is a modern, but homely dining experience with a great ambience. Bill's has a no-nonsense approach to using great produce and serving tasty, hearty meals in a cool and relaxed atmosphere; this is a concept that is instantly demonstrated by the warm, welcoming waiting staff. Having been shown to our cosy table, and with a beverage of a whiskey sour (made with Bill's pink lemonade) and banoffee milkshake in hand, my guests and I checked out the dinner menu. Bill's also offers breakfasts, specials, afternoon tea, and a dedicated kid's menu, alongside its cracking cocktail list! The menu itself is as interesting as it is simple; from starters such as rosemary and butternut squash hummus on toast sourdough; the jackfruit salad bowl with spicy smoked chilli sauce, mixed grains and rice, edamame beans, red cabbage, toasted cashew nuts, lettuce with a mint and lime yoghurt, and the heaving sharing plates. Staple, hearty mains include Bill's classic hamburger, macaroni cheese, steak options, and a selection of delicious sides that had us deliberating for an age! Finally, we followed some good recommendations from our waitress and decided to order some dishes for the table. Our mini Cumberland sausages, glazed with honey and grain mustard, barely touched the sides; and the crispy-crumb fried halloumi sticks with Bill’s chutney, plus some crispy calamari with red chilli and lime aioli, are undoubtedly a must on any visit to Bill’s. Next up, our mains included my delicious mojo- marinated chicken skewers with grains, wild rice, cucumber and red onion salad, tzatziki, and grilled flatbread; along with my guest’s succulent chargrilled 8oz sirloin steak, served with rosemary salt fries and roasted tomatoes with a roasted garlic butter; and, for our youngest diners, the hamburger with fries straight off the kid's menu. We even had to double check this when it arrived as the portion was definitely generous! Like most 5-year-olds, mine considers herself a burger connoisseur and can also be a downright fussy little madam, but she practically licked her plate clean and declared earnestly that hers had been "the best burger I've had in ages – actually maybe ever"; praise indeed. The slightly more grown-up diners were also more than sated with the well-sized portions and tasty offerings; will all dishes set off with clever little touches. Mains done, it was of course time for pudding, and at Bill's all kids get an ice cream as part of their meal. Meanwhile, my guest, having stared long and hard at the menu to decide which one of the nine puddings on offer to go with, was drawn to the warm triple chocolate brownie with warm chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and chocolate flake to top it off!! Whilst I opted for the divine warm apple and salted caramel doughnuts tossed in apple sugar and served with fresh apple slices, fudge pieces and a salted caramel dipping sauce. It's easy to see how Bill's has flourished from its humble roots – the concept, though simple, is brilliantly executed, with good food and a great atmosphere aided by a lovely, friendly team. We always have great dining experience at Bill’s and are very much looking forward to our next visit. Bill’s 100 North Road, Bluewater, DA9 9ST 01322 380 851 [email protected] www.bills-website.co.uk BillsRestaurant billsrestaurants 107