Forum Topic

Bill's

You've got to love big business corporate marketing spin:  "Bill's is the brainchild of Bill Collinson, who grew up in Lewes and started by running a greengrocer shop..."No mention that Bill's is now just a brand of the major restaurant group Cote.  Hence the sudden rapid growth throughout London.I wish Bill's every success in Ealing, but like Harris and Hoole (Tesco) it lacks a bit on honesty.

Paul Scullion ● 4404d32 Comments

I'm another one who thinks Bill's is overpriced considering the fairly basic menu and somewhat stingy portion sizes. What bugged me was that they added 12.5% service for what is basically pub grub. I can't imagine going there for an evening meal again. The staff were friendly though and were very apologetic that they'd run out both the items my wife wanted to order. She had a face like a busted muffin :-)Maggie's across the road and Piccolo Italia are far better additions to Ealing's gastro scene in my humble opinion.

John Walker ● 4351d

If you want value for money try Atlantis Greek restaurant in Pitshanger Lane I went there the other night for the first time under pressure from the good wife as I have tried Greek food before many years ago back in Aus but it never left an impression on me as I had forgotten what it had tasted like. However the Atlantis made me want to go back again soon, as the food was plentiful and delicious. For two starters two mains with a bottle of pleasant wine the bill was only £40 and some change. The meals were served in good time but the service was a little slow but polite I think this is due to the staff knowing most of their customers and are always stopping for a chat. I would give them 9/10 because it was a pleasant experience I would give Bills 7.5/10 only because their portions are quite small.To give you an idea of value. Starter Kalamari  and Greek wine sausages with garlic bread.Mains.  Kleftiko and  Yiouvetsi sorry can’t remember the name of the wineHalf price Sunday to Thursday

Tony Maxey ● 4352d

I went a few weeks ago with a friend and whilst we enjoyed the food and atmosphere we felt that it was a bit pricey for what you got. portions yes a bits small.

Peter Chadburn ● 4352d

I have been to Bill's twice now.  The portion sizes are ridiculously small.  I ordered the chicken pie with mash, the first occasion and it would have suited my 7 year old son! I thought the prices were quite high bearing in mind the size of the portions. The service was good though and friendly. On another visit I just had a cup of tea which arrived in a massive pot! I looked aorund to see if the order was just for me. I like the atmosphere too but I think going forward it'll be a place to vist over a lunch time rather than evening meal.

Diane Gill ● 4352d

We went last night and I thought service, food and atmosphere were all great. It hs probably just taken a little bedding in to find it's feet. The place was very busy (around 7:30pm) so they must be doing something right. I have bee to Maggies twice now (Breakfast & dinner) and have to say the food was a bit disappointing and the place feels a bit 'empty', the feel of Bills was far more to my taste.

Bob Knight ● 4352d

The classey restaurant in The Grove was called Naughts and Crosses iirc. It was good, but portions were rather on the small side - refined atmosphere as I recall, with quality white table linen and designer glasses - pity its gone.

Gerry Tan ● 4376d

Tony you must've touched lucky when you went, we were a touch disappointed when we went on SundayThe service was very friendly but far from efficient - a definite lack of experience which is fine as you've gotta start somewhere; but an older head running the floor neededThe mini Cumberland sausage starter was okay but a little bit boringMy main course burger was equally boring and one of the smallest portions I've ever had. The other half had the chicken pie from the specials which was far from special; again not very plentiful, served in a metal puppy's dinner bowl and with a side accompaniment of a Petri dish of mashThe food was quite bland and we left feeling hungry!!!Best success of the night was the amaretto sour cocktail which was lovelyI may pop back to try there drop in brekkie or lunch but certainly leave it a good while before returning for dinnerAnyone tried Maggies over the road?

Colin Goodman ● 4376d

Very popular for all ages. Need to book. Ask for a quieter table if that's what you like. Sort of helps. Fresh well cooked food and excellent service. Feels like the other Bills - fairly French and slightly 1960's Kings Road, although it you know it is not.http://bills-website.co.uk/menu/Will go again for a local evening out, but Ealing does not do topnotch eateries.One day perhaps we shall get a top class French restaurant again. I don't particularly rate Charlottes. Anyone remember the restaurant in the Grove (?) during the 80s and 90s. That was really good.

George Knox ● 4376d

Now that was an excellent review Tony - thanks for being detailed. We haven't been yet, but a restaurant that has the Cote ethic can't be bad - watch this space 'cos we're trying it out soon. Thanks again.

Gerry Tan ● 4376d

Went to Bills restaurant last night had to use my complimentary wine voucher before expiry.The food was quite good my wife started with the crispy duck salad which she said was nice and fresh I had the crispy lemon squid and I must say it was some of the best I’ve had in awhile the batter actually stayed on the squid and was firm and crunchy mostly I have found the batter is very soft and peels away easily.Main course was roast line-caught cod again my wife liked this and she would know as she was raised in a fishing town. I had the 10oz sirloin steak it was cooked very well I asked for medium rare and that’s what I received the down side was no vegetables of any kind just water cress and chips. Would have been nice to get a couple of veggies.Puddings (love that word) Bill’s sticky toffee pudding and crème brûlée again both very nice.I thought the atmosphere was nice and family friendly the service was very good the waiting staff are all young friendly and busy. The portions were not large but we left feeling full not over stuffed which would suit Gerry’s diet. Food on plate was very well presented. All in all a very nice experience but I would advise to book as they are very busy we were walk ins and very lucky to get a table as they were turning couples away behind us.

Tony Maxey ● 4376d

Here's the menu page young Gerryhttp://bills-website.co.uk/menu/

Nigel Brooks ● 4400d

Ha ha - to heck with the diet.

Gerry Tan ● 4400d

Thanks Andy and Nigel, can't wait. Please give me a link to Bill's proposed menu - I've tried but can't get to see a menu.

Gerry Tan ● 4400d

My mistake, when I saw the 'opening next week' sign....oops.Busy when I went past this afternoon.

Nigel Brooks ● 4400d

Bill's opened on Monday!

Andy Vaughan ● 4400d

We've asked them not to let you in Gerry as you are on a diet. :-)I believe it is next week.

Nigel Brooks ● 4400d

When is the opening please?

Gerry Tan ● 4400d

Whole heartedly agree with Diane, Bill's is a great brand and delivers delicious, quality food with excellent customer service. It is exactly the type of thing Ealing needs more of.  I personally couldnt care which larger chain it is part of, that is part of life in general nowadays, as long as they deliver on their promises - hats off to them. I will be visiting as soon as I am in Ealing Broadway next.  Good luck with the opening if anyone from Bill's is reading..

Ian Jones ● 4401d

I welcome Bill's with open arms and think that despite their ownership, they are a great little chain that does tasty food in cosy and unique surroundings.  I first went to Bill's in Covent Garden about 3 or 4 years ago when I think there were only a couple about, and I have since been to the one in Richmond, Putney, Soho, Westfield and Brighton.  Whilst I do miss Tuk Cho, I would much rather have Bill's or Maggie's than a grotty old Pizza Hut.  I think it will be great for Ealing and we need a few more places like this instead of being swamped by pound shops and other grotty facades. I hope it survives and I'll be visiting v v soon to show my support :)

Daniele Humphreys ● 4401d

I took my parents to the Bill's in Hammersmith this Monday lunchtime - is a big restaurant & we got the last un-booked table! On a Monday. At lunchtime. In January! Business is obviously good for some places.

Philip Slater ● 4401d

To answer on Diane's behalf --- no, Goodmans purely City and West End based(Unless of course I throw the doors open to my gaff. The missus does a mean bit of rib eye TBF!!)Goodmans is, as noted, top end pricey. However it's probably 2nd or 3rd in Londons top grill steakhouses. The Hawksmoor in Covent Garden still number 1 in my eyes I'd love a proper grill / chophouse with a bar in Ealing

Colin Goodman ● 4401d

There seems to be a lot of activity in Ealing lately, Maggie's, Bill's the American diner and milkshake bar by Hamptons, called something daft like Tinseltown? Angela Malik is opening up on the Green soon- lots of new places to try, it's nice to see new businesses moving in, let's hope they can make a go of it.

M Vincic ● 4401d

Diane,  Are Goodman restaurants now in Ealing or anywhere local?

Philip Coe ● 4401d

If it as busy as the one in Hammersmith (packed yesterday when I drove past) they will be fine.Ealing Broadway though is packed with eateries so 'times is hard' is apposite.

Nigel Brooks ● 4401d

Times is hard, times is hard (as mrs Lovett says)Best wishes to Bills

David P Archer ● 4403d

It went went.Difficult to say really. I thought that they has=d a few outlets but all of the tuktuks now listed seem to be one site independents.

Nigel Brooks ● 4403d

What happened to the Tuk Tuk?

David P Archer ● 4403d

I went to Goodman just after Xmas. The meal was great but it came to £200 for two people!  Not exactly a weekly experience for me however nice it was!

Diane Gill ● 4403d

We'll go when Bill's opens. If its as good as its parent company Cote, we'll be pleased. It should be 'cos Cote is a credit to any High Street - they seem to have a good attitude to staff and importantly their customers.

Gerry Tan ● 4403d

It doesn't bother me - I'm only concerned with the quality of fayre and the bigger the steak the better!Ealings been crying out for a cracking grill based eatery for decades. I'm sure Hawksmoor, Goodmans (no relation) or Gaucho will be a long time coming to the borough which is a shame!Will give this place a go

Colin Goodman ● 4403d

I guess they want to be seen as a funky, independant small business and not a giant multi-national.

Paul Scullion ● 4403d

I'm sometimes puzzled to know why businesses aren't open about their associates. Some of my favoured brands like Guiness, Gordon's Gin, all the labels of Johnnie Walker, Moet Chandon and dozens more belong to Diageo and that two Acton grocers called Rose and Waite(their names) are part of John Lewis and Co.

Gerry Tan ● 4403d