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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 16:00
Mon
9:00 - 16:00
Thu
9:00 - 21:00
Fri
9:00 - 21:00
Sat
9:00 - 21:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£4.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Cafe, Seafood, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant have a full bar?
Details
About
Described in The Sunday Telegraph as 'The Best Beach Café in the World', Billy's on The Beach is a fully licensed beach cafe with fantastic views, just along the beach from East Wittering with good parking, great staff, and tasty beachside food. Everything we produce is cooked fresh to order or prepared daily, from fish & chips to burgers, moules frites, kippers, breakfasts, brunches, lunches and three course dinners on every day of the week in the summer except Sundays. We do coffees, cakes, scones, hot chocolates for chilly surfers, ice cream sundaes for kids, big & small, sundowners, wines, and our web site tells you all about us . Come and visit us if you get to the south coast, or visit our sister cafe Billy's on the Road, just north of Billingshurst on the A29. We look forward to welcoming you.
PRICE RANGE
£4.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Cafe, Seafood, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
1,478 reviews
Excellent
906
Very good
322
Average
142
Poor
64
Terrible
44
Travelmum23
36 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Over the course of a weeks holiday here, a very hot and busy week, we used Billy’s several times, either for drinks and ice creams and take away fish and chips from the van, or for a formal meal indoors. The food is fresh and very reasonably priced, and the young staff team are amazing, so hard working, friendly, and dedicated to making sure you are safe and looked after. So impressed!
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
Ewell23 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
We visited Billy’s with two friends for dinner and found the whole experience was very enjoyable. Service was pleasant and friendly and the choice of food good, with a number of excellent choices on the specials menu. However two of us chose the fish and chips from the main menu and it was delicious with crispy dry batter and succulent fish, complemented by plenty of chips. The other two choices were Moules Mariniere, which passed the “French test” of one of our party who enjoys this dish in Antibes and rated it excellent, and the swordfish steak off the specials board. This was a new experience for our friend, who was apprehensive, but rated it very highly. We finished the meal off with ice creams, which were very tasty, and complemented it with a bottle of wine which was rather expensive but hit the spot. Overall a very relaxing evening enhanced by a lively atmosphere. No wonder it is so popular.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lady A
31 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We visited Billy’s on Saturday afternoon, our daughter made a reservation.
Very windy when we. visited it was good to get inside in the warm.
Great atmosphere, friendly waitress gave us a choice of tables....ordered a bottle of wine then food order taken soon after, good choice of menu, one had seafood platter, one had fish n chips, other one had mussels, all delicious, just part of the batter on the fish was a little soggy!
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamiesteward
London23 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Just been turned away by a rude waitress adamant that the kitchen had shut down. We arrived at 3.45pm knowing exactly what we wanted and despite this was told that the kitchen had closed for food. The website states last orders half an hour before closing but we arrived 1 hour and 15 minutes beforehand. Rude, unhelpful and unwilling to accommodate customers- we were intending to spend around £150 on food and drink and had driven 45mins to arrive before last orders to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal. Won’t bother again. I would suggest that the staff are trying to get off early, but if the policy is to close the kitchen an hour and a half before closing as she advised, then please update your website so others don’t get misled into believing the cafe offers something they don’t.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam S
Yateley201 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
So, first things first, make sure you book. We didn't so it was that bit of an awkward wait whilst people finished on what was 2 tables out the front, but the fact that Jess was soo helpful with my wife's Ceoliac we chose to wait.
When we came to sit down we were happy to split one table to make 3 tables out the front so they could serve more people.
Though a little pricey yes, why wouldn't you charge a premium when you're in a lovely location, the food was well worth it, I had the Steak Ciabatta, my wife Chicken Caesar adapted for Ceoliac and my son loved his Fish Fingers, service was quick, apart from second drinks which took a bit of time.
Would definitely revisit, but maybe not on a busy, sunny weekend day as that seems to be this restaurants downfall, struggling when busier.
Great potential and as said Jess is a super asset.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mooner16
East Wittering49 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Friendly staff (female chef looked a bit stressy though and seemed cross with them which was a bit awkward).
Not worth the price (halloumi burger was about £13, and fish and chips slightly more).
I went for dinner and maybe I would have preferred it as a lunch venue with a sandwich type menu as better suited as a cafe and not evening dining especially as they don’t have their own toilet.
I would return though for lunch as food was ok and will wait until they bring back the full pre COVID menu.
Written 29 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
18 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Sunday was gloriously sunny and we found ourselves at Bracklesham Bay around 3.00pm desiring food and drink. Billy's on the Beach was packed but we did not have to wait long before a table became available. Staff were friendly and efficient and the very tasty food arrived quicker than we expected. Very impressed by the service considering some staff had started at 9.00am that day and the food is of an excellent cafe standard at this licensed venue. Thoroughly recommend Billy's on the beach
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni T
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
Just the best place to stop for lunch. Sat outside today In Brilliant sunshine in January with the best mates and 5 dogs - who were very welcome! Very doggy friendly with water bowls and parking posts for leads!
Large Seafood platter was absolutely superb, and big enough for three, chips were chunky and crispy. Excellent value for money at £35 including cider and lager! Staff were helpful and happy!
It’s a must visit when in Bracklesham Bay!
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
languagelover55
London52 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
This was our third visit to Billy's. We couldn't fault the previous two but unfortunately this one wasn't quite up to scratch. The food was still good but the service left a lot to be desired. We ordered calamari to start which should have been served with a garlic mayonnaise. It was missing. The main courses took 25 minutes to arrive. My husband's main of grilled plaice should have come with chips but came with boiled potatoes. No explanation was given. The bread and butter was missing from my crab salad. I eventually caught the attention of one of the waiting staff who then appeared to go to the till to add it to the bill. The bread still didn't arrive so we had to try to attract someone's attention again. For dessert we ordered two sorbets. According to the menu, the flavours of the sorbets and ice creams should be written on the board. They were not and we weren't told what flavour we would be served. Waiting staff constantly walked past our table leaving the empty dessert glasses and not asking if we wanted coffee - which we did but couldn't be bothered to wait for! Only the bill came swiftly when asked for and the waiter rudely watched over my husband while he checked it. Billy's needs to be careful that it doesn't drop its standards because that would be a great shame and it's generally a lovely place serving good seafood.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Portsmouth 70
The Netherlands5 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We used this cafe three times throughout a day at the beach.
Every time the service was very efficient and the staff where all very friendly, polite and patient.
Service time was prompt (given the queues), great tasting coffee, the kids loved the chips.
Unfortunately there will be people that ignore the social distancing when waiting for your order but you will get that everywhere and not the fault of Billy's just noted it here so that users are aware.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon Hazeldine
Loughborough444 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We made a reservation for breakfast on-line which was very straightforward. Upon arrival we were offered the choice to sit inside or outside. The staff are very attentive and the service is very efficient.
We both had the big breakfast which was delicious and accompanied it with freshly squezed orange juice and coffee (there is a range of coffees to choose from).
For the quality of food and service received the price Billy's charge is very reasonable indeed.
We have booked a repeat visit for breakfast and also for an evening meal and are looking forward to our return visits.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess
Laneham6 contributions
Jun 2020 • couples
(Visit during covid takeaway only period)
Very friendly staff who were working swiftly and with a smile. I asked if there was anything I could order for the dog and they were more than happy to help and cook up 2 sausages for her to join in with dinner on the beach. Lovely selection of drinks for takeaway. Fish and chips were perfect and we even received some mushy peas! Beautiful location to watch the sunset and there are toilets just next door. Would highly recommend.
Written 1 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scaUK29
62 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
Ordered fish and chips from the outdoor kiosk, it was due to close within the hour so perhaps that has something to do with the portions and fish. We ordered 3 large fish and chips which is our usual order in every fish and chip shop we have visited and enough for 2 adults and 2 small children, however this time it wasn't enough to feed us...maybe we were given 3 regular portions?! The batter was strange, although lighter, it was soggy. The chips were great but again, not enough.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eclecticchicken
Ely95 contributions
May 2022 • none
It took twenty five minutes to receive two hot drinks and a piece of cake in a half full cafe with at least nine visible members of staff on duty.
The staff (certainly front of house) did a lot of ambling around, standing gazing into space and chatting to each other and spent very little time taking any notice of customers. Certainly something as complex as anticipating that someone who had finished eating might require a bill seemed well beyond them.
There was a certificate on the wall for a customer service award which made me laugh out loud when we saw it on leaving - having paid our bill with no word of thanks or eye contact the employee then appeared to immediately check how much tip had been left on the card reader - the answer is NONE. One expects 'some' customer service beyond eventually putting some food on a table to get an actual tip.
Seriously some of the worst customer service we've ever encountered we were on the verge of walking out before our drinks and slice of cake arrived. Something is seriously upsetting the front of house staff as I find it hard to believe a whole team would be SO miserable and surly without cause.
I would have given 'terrible' as a rating but the orange and almond cake was actually quite good.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billys on the beach
We're so sorry to hear you didn't have the experience you expected from us. Our customers, and making sure they're happy is super important to us. We've recently taken on a new wave of staff for the summer period who are still in training, and we'll take your feedback incredibly seriously and use it to further train and educate our staff on good customer service.
We're sorry you had a poor experience with us (thank goodness for the Almond cake).
Thanks so much, Daisy.
Written 14 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen W
Brighton and Hove40 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Visited yesterday for a late lunch so not too busy at this ideally located cafe.It was good to see they have adopted strict practices for Covid 19 and temperatures were taken before entering restaurant.Also hand gel provided and tables suitably spaced apart.The inside decor is modern and even though it a small cafe it felt comfortable to sit in.Unfortunately there are only 2 tables situated outside.
The menu is not extensive but caters for all tastes eg Fish/burger and chips,salads and homemade cakes.I chose the crab salad which was delicious and perfect for a hot day.The cafe is also licensed. Unfortunately not all beers on the menu were available but an alternative was offered.
The young lady attending our table was courteous and accommodating and kindly filled up our water bottles with no hesitation.
Would recommend Billy’s if visiting the beach in this area but advise to book in advance as a popular venue.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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