Bill’s restaurant opened in Marlow this week, and of course we got right in to test it out! So, here’s our review – with a full photo gallery and opening times etc at the end.
We were excited about this one – lots of very positive feedback posted on our Facebook page page from visitors to Bill’s other restaurants.
Location and styling
First things – Bill’s isn’t replacing some other much loved restaurant or anything like that – it has been converted from an office building on West Street. They have done a good job too – the interior is typical of their other locations – distressed timber features, chandeliers, a variety of tables and chairs. An eclectic mix -but obviously styled as such.
It’s a large place too, seating 122 inside – I imagine they could squeeze more seats inside if they wanted too, and may well do so, but for now you don’t feel crammed in at all. A pleasant surprise was to find seating for 26 in their small courtyard garden – al-fresco dining is quite limited in town.
Food
If you are skimming this review, cut to the chase – the food is good! A real variety on offer – burgers, grills, steaks, salads – you can find the menu online.
Highlights of our meal included: starter of “Chicken in a jar” (£5.95) – chicken liver parfait, a winner in both presentation and taste. My main course was a tender, tasty and perfectly cooked 10oz sirloin steak (£18.50). It came with fries and watercress but I felt the need to put some proper veg on the plate too and paid extra for the broccoli. Mrs MyMarlow had Beer battered cod and chips (£11.95), which included nods to the chip shop favourites mushy peas and pickled onions, and it must have been good because she “forgot” to leave any for me to try! But… I made sure i saved space for a pudding I had already spotted on the “specials” menu – Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding (£5.95). I guess this won’t stay around for long, so get in quick – a seasonal spin on what is already an awesome pudding of course!
Other Food choices
Worthy of mention, and something we will try on other visits -there is quite a range of other eating options, such as:
– A quite extensive breakfast menu served until noon (1pm weekends)
– Mezze platters at £14.95
– Afternoon tea 2.30-5.30pm (£9.95 or more with champers)
– Candlelit Dinner for Two from 6.30pm – a set 3 course menu at £19.50 per person.
Drink
I chose the Spy Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – an absolute zinger of classic sauvignon goosebury and elderflower flavours. Having said that – it was one of the pricier wines on the list at £6.75, the cheapest being £4.25. There is a good selection of wines, a decent range of bottled beers – and Fullers Frontier on tap. We could have also gone for cider, spirits, cocktails or something from the range of juices and smoothies.
Service
The staff were not aware we were there on “official review business”, so it was pleasing to get a really warm welcome. The place was quite busy, and it was just a day after their opening – but the food came promptly. It was a lovely sunny day, but if the staff are this friendly all the time -that will do just fine!
Kid friendly
In addition to a kids menu at £5.95, they even have a specific kids breakfast menu. We turned up with a double buggy which was easily accommodated – plenty of space, and highchairs were in place as requested!
Shopping
Eh? Shopping? Yes – by the entrance you will see a range of Bill’s branded produce – jams, teas, drinks, sweets and so on. We didn’t come away with anything – let us know if you try and of it.
In Summary
Bill’s should prove popular to a wide range of visitors. A spacious restaurant, with a relaxed design and layout, – it is family friendly, but also ideal for any other group. All the staff we encountered on our visit were cheerful and friendly, and the food was of a high quality – and a good variety of choice. I couldn’t really find fault with the place. It’s part of a chain, and has no doubt come a long way from its original roots – but as long as it ticks all the previous boxes, that doesn’t bother me at all.
So we loved it, and consider it a great addition to the town. Given that it’s not just another pizza place – it’s bringing a new proposition to Marlow, and you should give it a try.
Let us know what you think – comment on this article, via Facebook or pop us a review for the website.
Photo Gallery
Details
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
- Monday to Saturday 8am to 11pm
- Sunday (and Bank Holidays) 9am to 10.30pm
40 West Street, Marlow, SL7 2NB
01628 481 571
marlow@bills-email.co.uk
bills-website.co.uk
