Black Penny Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

The Black Penny: Covent Garden's Day-to-Night Brunch Institution

Where historic charm meets all-day indulgence in the heart of theatre land

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by those stunning original diamond-vault doors and exposed brick walls that give this place its authentic historic charm. The wood panelling adds warmth to what could otherwise feel industrial, whilst the skylit back room with its communal table creates a perfect social hub for group dining. The venue scores a solid 6.5 out of 10 for energy level, and you can feel why—there's a palpable buzz that shifts throughout the day. Morning brings a casual, relaxed vibe perfect for breakfast meetings, but as evening approaches, the atmosphere transforms into something more vibrant yet still cozy. With an impressive 8.0 conversation-friendly score and 7.0 for social group size, it's clearly designed for people who want to actually talk to each other. The upbeat music in the evenings adds to the energy without overwhelming the space, making it equally suited to intimate catch-ups and larger group gatherings.

Food & Drink

The menu centres around their claim to fame—The Hunter & The Gatherer signature breakfast plate—alongside a solid roster of hash dishes including Wild Mushroom Polenta, Salt Beef, and Crispy Duck variations. The kitchen clearly knows its way around brunch classics, with indulgent French toast and fluffy pancakes for those with a sweet tooth, plus fresh salads and juicy burgers for lunch service. They've wisely catered to modern dietary requirements with vegan and gluten-free options available. The coffee game is strong here, sourcing from respected roasters Allpress and Alchemy, whilst the drinks programme extends to craft cocktails starting from £6.90, an extensive wine selection, craft beers, and premium spirits. Reviews consistently highlight the tasty food, great coffee, and generous portions, though it's worth noting that service can slow during busy periods—a common trade-off in popular Covent Garden spots.

Service & Experience

The staff consistently earn praise for being friendly and accommodating, which is no small feat given the venue's location in tourist-heavy Covent Garden. However, the reality of the location means that during peak periods, service can become stretched thin and slow down considerably. The team clearly works hard to maintain standards, but when the brunch rush hits—and according to insider intelligence, it hits hard—even the most well-intentioned staff can struggle to keep pace. The venue's high conversation-friendly score suggests the staff don't rush you out, which is a double-edged sword during busy periods.

Value for Money

With mains averaging £10-15 and operating on a £25 and under per person price point, The Black Penny offers what the data describes as 'affordable-for-Covent-Garden' pricing. Given the prime location just steps from Covent Garden Piazza and West End theatres, this represents solid value, especially when you factor in those £6.90 cocktails. The generous portions mentioned in reviews help justify the spend, and the ability to nurse a coffee during the day or settle in for evening drinks adds to the value proposition. It's tagged as both student-friendly for brunch and offering pre-theatre value, which speaks to its accessibility across different budgets and occasions.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Based on the opening hours (Mon-Fri: 8am-11pm, Sat: 9am-11pm, Sun: 9am-6pm) and the warning about peak brunch crowds, early morning is your friend. The venue gets 'absolutely rammed during peak brunch hours with potential 30+ min waits,' so timing is crucial.

What to Focus On

The Hunter & The Gatherer signature breakfast plate is the obvious starting point—it's their claim to fame for good reason. For drinks, those £6.90 cocktails represent excellent value for the area, whilst the coffee from Allpress and Alchemy roasters ensures quality caffeination.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Arrive at 8:30am to secure the communal table for your group before the brunch rush hits critical massThe venue is dog-friendly but only for outdoor seating, so plan accordingly if bringing your four-legged friendTake advantage of the pre-theatre location and pricing if you're heading to a West End show—it's perfectly positioned and won't break the bank

The Final Verdict

The Black Penny succeeds by doing the fundamentals well in a location where many venues coast on foot traffic alone. The historic setting provides genuine character, the food delivers on flavour and portion size, and the pricing remains reasonable for Covent Garden standards. Yes, you'll battle crowds during peak times, and service can suffer when they're slammed, but these feel like the inevitable trade-offs of a genuinely popular local spot that happens to sit in tourist central. The day-to-night concept works because both sides of the operation—brunch and cocktails—are executed with care rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

Theatre-goers seeking reliable pre-show diningBrunch enthusiasts willing to time their visit strategicallyGroups looking for a social atmosphere with historic character

The Black Penny

The Black Penny

Christoff's Take

The Black Penny: Covent Garden's Day-to-Night Brunch Institution

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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Quick Details

The Black Penny

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