Autumn Appetisers and Cool Cocktails at Bill's

The nights have drawn in and there’s a chill in the air that can only mean one thing, Autumn has come a’ knocking. Those chilly days won’t be going anywhere for quite some time, but even though we’ve now firmly entered colder climes, you can revel in the fact that with it comes indulgent food, and Bill’s latest launch of their autumn menu certainly makes up for the fact that you’ll be nuzzling your nose into your scarf for the next four months.

Refurbished and reopened over summer, Bill’s is nestled in an old Georgian bank on Queen’s Street, which makes it a perfect stop on your next day out at Market Square’s Winter Wonderland takeover. We headed over for a post-work tipple and a sampling of their new autumn appetisers; here are our thoughts on the season’s offerings:

Walking into Bill’s is a bit like strolling into a jungle version of a British parlour that you never knew you needed. And boy do I love a theme! Walking in, we step through a tropical archway that opens up into a quirky, eclectic room awash with colourful wallpapers, ferns, palms and plush booths which we decide to cosy ourselves in near the bar. This is without a doubt a very easy place to enjoy a couple of cocktails and nibbles, even if you’re not staying to dine.

In keeping with Bill’s décor, the drinks on the menu have a garden-esque twist. I’m a sucker for all things sweet and fruity so I zero in on the Hedgerow Fizz, which is made up of wild Sussex elderflower cordial and frozen blackberry, topped with prosecco. It’s a bit like a twist on the traditional Hugo and just as nice going down. We have a try of Beauty and the Beat which is refreshing while not being overly sweet. Made up of Beefeater Gin and Martini Rosso, with lemonade and a beetroot, apple, lemon & ginger juice, there’s a nice gingery tang about it that sets you up nicely for some autumn eats!

As this is a bar party for two, we choose Bills’ classic sharing plate. Served with Devilled Chicken skewers, crispy calamari (which is easily swapped to a fried halloumi option due to allergies), lime aioli, spiced tortillas, avocado, tzatziki and red pepper dip and olives. The fried halloumi is delicious and quickly polished off alongside the yummy aioli dipping sauce and avocado gauc, and the tortillas are dusted with a little kick of spice which is so moreish it makes me sad when the bowl runs out. This is definitely not your average Dorito! For the grand finale, what else to choose but Bills’ Warm Apple and Salted Caramel Doughnuts to warm the cockles of your heart. These are dinky little doughnuts peppered in a cinnamon dust and tossed in apple sugar; one bite and suddenly I’m a kid at the fair again. Topped of with extra bites of fudge, oozing caramel sauce and some cut green apple – I could happily munch on this all day.

We chat a while with one of the team and we’re treated to a little nugget of information that Bill himself came in and handpicked parts of the décor. Look out for the giant snail on the bar – Bill’s touch! Bill’s has certainly made sure to see you though the darker months with their new warm eats and treats, go and get it while the autumn menu is still available!

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This blog was written by Lydia Jones at Visit Nottinghamshire