Bill's, Cambridge

There's something new on Green St. 

Where the old Slug and Lettuce used to be, there's a new cafe/restaurant/store and it looks a little something like this:

Some cute salt and pepper shakers.

Stumped?

That's one busy interior...

This is the new Bill's restaurant that opened up recently. Actually I blogged about this a while back when I got confused between this Bill (Collison) and a certain Bill Granger of Sydney-egg-fame.

Anyhow, this self-proclaimed 'foodie heaven' has been on my to visit list, as any establishment that takes such a keen interest in food must be a good thing for Cambridge.

The writing is on the wall: a recipe for haloumi burgers, written in that cafe font.

Did we mention we sell stuff?

The first thing you notice about this place is the density and intensity of colours. Jars, cans and bottles lining the walls from top to bottom, large bundles of dried chilli hanging from the ceiling. It's borders on sensory overkill, and is rather heavy on the merchandise, but definitely far far better than the ordinary bland atmosphere of some British cafes. Plus, fantastic for taking photos! Foodie heaven indeed.

Hedgerow fizz: sparkling wine, elderflower cordial and blackberry (£3.95)

Upon arrival, we are greeted with enthusiastic service and a very welcome complimentary Hedgerow fizz, a sparkling wine cocktail. Nice touch for opening week =) Perfect to kick off a late evening get together.

Crispy fried calamari rings with paprika, served with garlic mayo (£5.75)

As it turns out, we're only here for a drink and a few nibbles. AD needs to fulfil her deep-fried cravings and goes for the calamari, whilst together with Peekabou (sorry, I couldn't help myself), Mr Always-smartly-dressed and the Robust Lady, we also pick the mezze board.

Bill's mezze board: hummus, olives, babaganoush, guacamole, slow roasted mediterranean vegetables with pesto and goats cheese, served with grilled bread (£8.95)

Everything comes out nicely packaged - the pile of calamari rings, whilst not outrageously crispy or anything, has been fried well and is light rather than greasy, and comes with a nice topping of sliced chilli which also suits AD just fine.

The mezze board is a mix of a few dips: the hummus is especially thick and fibrous (but in a good way) with a wonderful colour thanks to a good amount of paprika. The babaganoush on the other hand is very creamy and smooth, although it lacks the smoky burnt hint that comes from roasted eggplant. Guacamole likewise smooth, not too much impact. The roast vegetables are great, but none of us quite figures out how you're meant to 'dip' bread into them... a small dish of olives, capers and pickled onions accompanies.

I know much less about wine than I'd like, but everything washes down well with a Syrah from France.

La Garenne, Syrah, France

Overall, I'm impressed. A lot of effort has gone into setting the place up, and the atmosphere is something you definitely can't find elsewhere in Cambridge - a good compromise alternative to the pub and bar when you're looking for a place for drinks but also nice food. Yes, despite all my biases against restaurant chains (I don't know if this counts, there are a small handful of Bill's around in the UK), I have to admit that this place is pretty sweet.

The most interesting part for me though is the opening hours. This place goes from 8am breakfast all the way until the late snack round at 11pm. Fantastic for us, as we basically live next door!

Bill's
34-35 Green St
Cambridge, CB2 3JX
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 329638
http://www.bills-website.co.uk/Home.htm

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