Cranks for the Memory! (Bills Produce Store and Cafe (Brighton))

Member Name: dee778

Product:	Bills Produce Store and Cafe (Brighton)
Date:	24/08/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fresh, tasty food in a great atmosphere

Disadvantages: There are only 2 in the country

On a recent daytrip to Brighton, I remembered one person after another saying "haven't you been to Bill's yet? You must try it". So I wandered down to the old bus depot to see what everybody was talking about, and ate the nicest, freshest lunch that I have had in a long time!

~~the depot~~

Bill's reminds me of the type of wholefood restaurant that was popular during the 80s. This is NOT a criticism - I loved those Cranks-type restaurants and miss them! Brighton's old bus depot has been turned into a café that is full of character and has a real buzz. The restaurant specialises in fresh, organic produce that is mostly sourced locally, and the shop section is a mixture of deli and grocer that provides a unique choice of irresistible food.

The walls are lined with produce: shelves of it, from floor to ceiling, surround a fairly industrial backdrop of metal spiral staircases and steel ventilation ducts. Along the left hand side is the takeaway counter, mainly noticeable for the fantastic collection of cakes -amazingly decorated with flowers to make them especially attractive. All around the café hang brightly coloured raffia strips and paper (old fashioned wraps and ties for produce), together with equally brightly coloured organic string bags. The tables are wooden and bare - either long (a la Wagamama) or individual. The chairs are old church chairs. I loved it!

~~the meal~~

Bill's was instantly recognisable, as we walked down the street because of the brightly coloured display of flowers, fruit and vegetables that was outside. When we entered we were at first put off by two very long queues - the first was for takeaways and the second was for tables. Joining the tables queue, the waiting staff were incredibly friendly - they immediately greeted us and reassured us that we would not be waiting longer than 5 mintues. True to their word, we were quickly seated on the balcony, where we could view the buzzy restaurant below while enjoying our food.

The standard menu consists of basic, but freshly cooked favourites such as the vegetarian breakfast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, buck rarebit and buttermilk pancakes. Although the menu is not exclusively vegetarian, it has little meat on it - and this tends to be bacon or sausage. There is beef chilli or peppered steak sandwich for the carnivores amongst us.

Both my friend and I chose from the specials menu. I had the haddock, prawn and pea pie for £8.80, and my friend had the quiche for £7.80. Both of these tasted very home cooked, and were packed with ingredients. The quiche in particular was one of the tastiest that I had ever bought. The price included two salads: I had potato plus tomato, and my friend had coleslaw plus tomato. The salads had really unusual dressings, and by the end of the meal we were both completely full. I had a smoothie to drink and my friend had a pink lemonade, complete with bobbing fresh strawberries. Amazingly, we managed to resist the glorious selection of gateaux and cakes in front of us.

We both agreed that the food was fresh and very tasty. The whole meal cost under a tenner each, which was very good value for such a quality selection.

Bill's also offers a child's menu which provides a smaller main course for under £3.

The restaurant is licenced, and offers a much more substantial menu in the evenings.

Bill's also sells picnic baskets for £12. These include pizza or quiche with salads, a drink and a flapjack.

~~the shop~~

The produce for sale in Bill's was very enticing. The food for sale is beautifully presented in baskets, trugs and bowls, making them even more attractive. I was tempted by the fresh bread and the olives, but the oils, vinegars and jams were also very unusual looking.

~~conclusion~~

On its website, Bill's claims to be " a unique cafe and produce store". I wouldn't agree that it is unique - I have visited similar places in the past - but it is definitely unusual to find such a place today, especially in Brighton. Its strengths are the quality of its food, and the unusual recipes that it uses. The food is very good value and packed with ingredients. The restaurant's greatest strength is its ambience - it is buzzy and friendly, and the service is excellent.

~~
There are two Bill's restaurants - one in Brighton and one in Lewes. Contact details are:

Brighton
The Depot
100 North Road, Brighton
BN1 1YE
Tel: +44 (0)1273
~~
Lewes
Bill's Produce Store
56 Cliffe High Street
Lewes, East Sussex
BN7 2AN
Tel: +44 (0)1273 476 918
Email: duncan@billsproducestore.co.uk

Summary: A restaurant with principles