Ladies who brunch
For two of our most loyal customers, Doreen Halliday and Sue Wakeling, any time is a good time to pop into Billy’s. Breakfast whenever the mood takes them; a catch-up over brunch, or a lovely Sunday lunch with a portion of people watching on the side.
The childhood friends, who are both now retired, enjoy regular meet ups at our roadside diner, but are also completely at ease to pop in alone.
“Usually, someone who you know comes in,” says Sue, whose favourite breakfast is spicy avocado. “I like a half portion with one egg and less potatoes,” she explains. And, of course, we’re very happy to oblige.
“Billy’s is so lovely, a really sociable place, in fact you always feel like you are the only person here,” says Doreen. “Even on a Sunday I have brought a book or a paper and you know you’re safe. You can sit reading and people watch. It’s a place for all ages and I do like to see the children.”
Both keen cooks, Sue and Doreen know a thing or two about good food. Indeed, until her retirement, Sue ran a bed and breakfast for 30 years with her late husband Des, and it was he who first suggested they visit Billy’s. “He used to say, ‘Let’s go down Billy’s’,” she recalls fondly. “They were always most welcoming and we always had a laugh and a joke.”
A traditional breakfast is high on Doreen’s list of favourites, and it’s no problem to make adjustments to cater for her dietary needs. “No beans, tomatoes or white bread. They always make sure I don’t get those items, and there’s no fuss,” she smiles.
Doreen also loves our Slightly Smaller Lunch menu, which is available during the week, offering two courses of slightly smaller portions for £10.
“It’s a lovely idea,” she says. “The menu is very good and has something for everyone really.”
One of the best things about running Billy’s is that we have made so many good friends since we opened here three years ago. It’s brilliant that Sue and Doreen love our diner so much – we’re pretty fond of them, too!