THE former Bill's restaurant in Taunton is available to let after the restaurant chain did not re-open following its closure during the pandemic last year.
Bill's opened its doors at Cheapside, Taunton, in July 2015 and continued to sell breakfasts, lunches, and dinners until last year, when it remained closed following the easing of lockdown measures.
The premises (3-6 Cheapside, Fore Street) are now available to let through Arc Retail Property Consultants.
Following a social media post by the County Gazette, Taunton residents have had their say for what they would like to replace Bill's in the county town.
What is the current situation with the former Bill’s building?
When Bill’s opened in Taunton, the company’s founder Bill Collison said: “This is a beautiful building and a great location, and we are excited about opening in this pretty town.”
He described the premises as “a lovely Georgian building” with “lots of cosy rooms and spaces, as well as an upstairs area that will be perfect for larger gatherings”.
After Bill’s was forced to close in March 2020 due to the pandemic, there was uncertainty over whether it would re-open, with a sign on the door saying it was “closed until further notice”.
It did later re-open in November 2020 but was forced to close again last year, with the company unable to confirm if or when it would welcome customers back.
Now, signs in the window of the premises confirm that it is available to let with Arc.
The consultants have described the Grade II-listed building as a “prime fitted restaurant” situated in a “prime location”.
The premises include a ground-floor restaurant, a kitchen and seating on the first floor, and ancillary space on the second and third floors.
What do Taunton residents want to see happen to it?
The County Gazette posted on its Facebook page to ask local people what they would like to see happen to the site.
The most popular response was for Bill’s to re-open, partly because of its popular breakfast menu.
Linda Farrow-Webb said: “Please bring Bill’s back, loved the place.”
Rita Jervis said she would like the site to “stay as Bill’s”, while Rachel Pope said the restaurant re-opening “would be good”.
Three commenters would like to see American fast-food chain Five Guys open a restaurant and takeaway in the town – though one person suggested it may not be successful due to its prices – while Walkabout and Turtle Bay were also raised as possibilities.
Several called for a Mexican restaurant (such as Chipotle) to lease the site, with Liamm Scribbins saying, “something different like that would be awesome”.
Lucie Hodge said it would be “lovely” for the space to be turned into a cocktail bar, while Lewis Neale said “some sort of bar” would give Taunton’s nightlife a boost.
Others suggested that the building should be used in an entirely different way by its next leaseholder.
Michelle Groves said: “It would be really nice to have a shop with boys’/men’s clothes. Unless they like sportswear, they’re stuck!”
It was also suggested by Debby Angel that small, independent businesses could band together to rent the space as a hub to sell their items – perhaps inspired by Bridgwater’s Crafty Collective.
Taking inspiration from the Harry Potter book series, Jess Hayes believes that “Diagon Alley-style indie shops” would add value to the town centre.
Are there any businesses you would like to see come to Taunton? Let us know in the comments below.
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