A fresh taste of Summer at Bill's restaurant in Peterborough - review
At long last the clouds have parted and the sun has come out, so what better time to try some of the new dishes on the new Summer menu at Bill's.
When we arrived at the restaurant on Friday night, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd actually arrived in a Mediterranean destination instead of the Bill's branch in Church Street, Peterborough.
It was 7.30pm but the tables outside the restaurant overlooking the cathedral and The Guildhall were packed with people enjoying one of the refreshing cocktails from the new Summer menu and basking in the evening sunshine.
So my friend Becki and I headed inside and were warmly greeted by one of the waiting staff and shown to a cosy little booth, where, inspired by the diners outside, we eagerly ordered a cocktail each. Recommended by our waiter, Becki selected a Frozen Watermelon Margarita - perfect for cooling down on a hot day - and accompanied by a generous slice of the fruit on the glass. Meanwhile, I chose a Pimm's Spritz - the sun was out and for me, sun equals Pimm's.
Our friendly waiter (who was also only too happy to take an Instagram worthy photo) directed us to the new seasonal dishes and Becki selected Crab and Courgette Risotto, while I went for the Paprika, Garlic and Chilli Roasted Half Chicken with sweet potato fries. I wouldn't normally select chicken on the bone - pure laziness - but the waiter highly recommended it and I'm glad. It was moist and moorish and with a side of pea shoots in addition to my fries, at least there was greenery on my plate. A delicious and not too spicy, spicy mayo was a good accompaniment to my fries but not really needed with the beautifully flavoured chicken.
Becki also rated her crab and courgette risotto, declaring it "fishy but in a good way".
For dessert, we ummed and ahhed over the menu with nearly everything appealing to our sweet tooth. In the end, Becki opted for Bill's Chocolate and Hazelnut Praline Sphere, which was appropriately described as "indulgent" on the menu. I opted for a light and fruity Mango and Passion Fruit Eton Mess - of course all washed down with another cocktail. After all, it was the end of the long week and Summer has finally arrived.
Just before we left the restaurant, I went upstairs to use the ladies and on my return, I met a fellow diner on the stairs. As he passed, he commented with a smile: "I wish they wouldn't put the toilets at the top of the stairs but the food is so good here, it's worth it." And if that's the only bad thing there is to say, why wouldn't you want to pay Bill's a visit? I will be popping by again in the very near future.
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