Veganuary @ Bill’s

This year Bill’s is going BIG on Veganuary. With a new plant based focus for 2019, we went down to se what the fuss was about… 

It seems this year that every restaurant in town is doing it’s own take on Veganuary. But whilst some seem little more than jumping on the #veganuary bandwagon, other restaurants are taking a different route – improving there vegan offerings whilst making it more approachable for those who aren’t vegan but either interested to learn more or want to cut down on their meat consumption.

Into the ring enters Bill’s, hoping to corner the market on plant-based cooking. It’s clear after speaking to the owner and founder Bill Collison that they want to refocus their efforts on the original core values of the business – a strategy that I believe will work well to separate them from the cookie clutter chains of the UK that are starting to feel the pinch.

The original concept of Bill’s was to focus on vegetables and fresh produce and making that the heart of the vision for the restaurants. Back in Lewes where it all started, fresh fruits and vegetables were piled up in the restaurants for guests to buy. The chefs would come and help themselves to these items and use them in their recipes – a lovely concept!

There’s even a plan to restructure the menu so that veggie and vegan meals are ‘standard’ meals the menu and giving anything that contains meat a CM label. This is a brilliant idea!

Vegan Menu at Bill’s

Anyway, none of this would matter if the food wasn’t up to scratch. Thankfully, the chefs at Bill’s have really upped their game, offering some of the best vegan food in town.

First up were the canapés of Bill’s Wellington and Butternut Squash Turmeric and Coconut Stew. Both delicious and a great indicator of the night ahead.

For starters Lizzie went with the Vegan Duck Salad. Using seitan (the same stuff they use a vrev’s burger bar) the salad is tossed with chilli, coriander, spring onion, cucumber, carrots, cabbage and baby gem as well as the all important miso dressing. Great tasting and a top starter – I couldn’t help but steal a few bites from her plate!

Whilst Lizzie went for the salad I choose the Roasted Butternut Squash, Lentil and Coconut Soup. Now, I know soups aren’t exactly the most exciting of menu selections, but this was the best soup I’ve had for a long time with the Butternut really cutting through. Why can’t my homemade soups taste this good?! I should have asked for the recipe.

Onto the mains, Lizzie choose the Moving Mountains burger. This mushroom and beetroot burger was more than your average vegan burger. It’s the closest thing to the impossible burger I’ve tasted in the UK (make sure you add the vegan cheese). For me, it was the pick of the vegan mains.

I went with the Aubergine, Lentil and Chickpea Dhal. Whilst still a good option I kinda wish I’d gone for the burger. For me, I would have liked a touch more kick.

It can be hard to get vegan desserts right, but the Chocolate Fondant with coconut ice cream and hazelnut crumb was excellent. A great way to finish the night.

Overall, I was really impressed with the Vegan Menu at Bill’s. The best compliment I can give is that we plan on going again next week to try the rest of the menu. Be sure to check them out too!

Veganuary at Bill’s

This year Bills have launched a set menu exclusively for January and Feb that will be served Monday – Friday until 7pm. It is priced at £11.95 for two courses and £14.95 for three courses.