During my first few weeks as a London resident, I used to find myself pottering around Covent Garden wondering if this was the vibrant city life I had imagined. Luckily, on one such occasion, my rumbling stomach led me to discover Bill’s – a wonderful café, restaurant and store situated in St Martin’s Courtyard near The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers.

Their fish finger sandwich on the lunch menu is delicious; the slightly salty chips with the skins left on and the tasty tartare sauce always leave my tastebuds more than satisfied. If I’ve been good all week, I sometimes indulge in their pink lemonade and vanilla ice cream float, which is a treat worth going to an extra spin class for. You can also order a ‘Bag of Bill’s’ whilst you eat so you can take home their beautifully packaged jams, juices or old-fashioned sweets.

As well as the scrumptious food, the setting and friendly, buzzy atmosphere truly relieves the stresses of working in London. The surrounding shelves are stocked high with their products, baskets overflow with fresh produce, chalkboards hang from the ceilings and vases of flowers dot the countertops.

Having triumphantly completed my first year here, I now understand why Londoners avoid Covent Garden. That said, I’m always happy to venture into the tourist trap for lunch at Bill’s; it’s a great, central spot to meet with friends and enjoy some fantastic food.

TiYK Top Tip! If you do want to purchase something from the store, hand your order to the waiter before you eat and they kindly do the shopping for you so it’s all ready when you finish.

Photo courtesy of Bill’s