A new branch of Bill’s is to open at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent next month.
While some fans of the restaurant and shop in North Road, Brighton, may like to think of it as a local success story, Bill’s earthy roots are – as many know – in Lewes.
The North Laine Bill’s will be 10 years old next year.
The expansion has been taking place since founder Bill Collison sold a stake in his business to Richard Caring, owner of London restaurants The Ivy and Le Caprice, six years ago. Cote, in Church Street, Brighton, is part of the same business empire.
Now Bill’s seasonal dishes can be found in dozens of towns around the country, with more in the pipeline.
Food and drink trade newsletter Propel quoted Bill’s co-managing director Scott Macdonald as saying: “As we are open from early in the morning until late at night, it’s important we choose locations that will deliver customers, and Bluewater really fits the bill for us.
“The restaurant is in a prominent location, with high footfall throughout the day, and it’s an opportunity for us to create a really lovely restaurant with plenty of Bill’s sparkle.
“We’ll be adding something a little different to Bluewater and can’t wait to open our doors.”
Propel also quoted Russell Loveland, portfolio director at Bluewater’s owner Land Securities, as saying: “Bill’s has been seeking a presence at Bluewater for some time so we are delighted to have been able to create the ideal location.
“Their offer, environment and experience complements Bluewater’s, with their breakfast to bedtime positioning a perfect match to how guests spend their time at Bluewater.”
The new restaurant will be at the entrance to Bluewater’s Winter Garden, on the lower Rose Gallery.
