So this was the challenge – to find a restaurant three days before Christmas that could accommodate a birthday family group of five adults and three children, ranging from granny to six week old Reuben. St Albans was our choice, because it’s halfway between where the families live, but our favourite restaurant was closed, so we booked for Bill’s and were not disappointed. We’d a five minute walk from the car park and the streets were busy with Christmas shoppers, but once we got inside for our 11am brunch booking, we were pleased with the space for our pushchairs and us! We were at a long table at the back of the very atmospheric building, which has a lot of exposed bricks and interesting fittings. It’s got that basic, modern style which is actually very family friendly, as we could tell from the groups at tables and booths around us.
Service was good. We ordered from the breakfast menu and soon the table was full of English breakfasts, Bill’s style (laden plates, soon cleared), avocado and poached eggs on toast, eggs benedict and, my choice, blueberry pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. All delicious. Lucy (nearly 3) had fish fingers and chips as part of a kid’s meal which included hummus and carrot sticks, fruit juice and a chocolate brownie which her parents were very happy to help her to finish, and declared it delicious. We had fruit juice with our meals and coffee afterwards. At no time did we feel rushed and even although the tables around us soon filled up, we didn’t have to wait long for anything. All in all, a very successful and enjoyable meal.
“Bill’s St Albans”:https://bills-website.co.uk/restaurants/st-albans/
