The Black Penny | Southbank
London
Visit after exploring nearby cultural hot spots for a seamless transition from sight-seeing to dining.
The Black Penny Southbank is an inviting spot for breakfast, brunch, and all-day dining. Located conveniently near Waterloo Station, it is a seamless choice for those exploring London's South Bank area, which is famous for its proximity to cultural landmarks like the Tate Modern and the London Eye. This establishment combines an antique style of interior with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual meeting with friends or a family outing.
At The Black Penny, patrons can enjoy a menu that features freshly prepared brunch items, salads, and small plates. The emphasis on sustainability is evident, as they work closely with top London suppliers to maintain high standards. This commitment makes it a great choice for environmentally conscious diners. Additionally, for those who appreciate a good drink, the restaurant offers a selection of specialty coffees and cocktails, ensuring a comprehensive all-day experience.
Music adds to the vibrant feel of the place, with attentive staff providing excellent service to all guests. With ample space, it is also an accessible option for larger groups, offering private dining rooms and venue hire for events. Given its location in a bustling area, booking ahead, especially during weekends, is recommended to ensure seating. The Black Penny Southbank is adaptable to the needs of its diverse clientele, including families, with high chairs available and menu options catering to all ages.
Reviews
★★★★★ My fiancé and I visited The Black Penny twice while celebrating our engagement in London, and it quickly became one of our favorite breakfast spots. The food was delicious both times—I loved the vegetable dish, avocado toast and my fiancé thoroughly enjoyed the duck hash. The lattes and cappuccinos were excellent as well. A special shoutout to Lea, who made our experience extra memorable. She remembered us when we came back the next day, was incredibly kind and welcoming. That level of service really stood out. It does get busy and a bit loud, but the food comes out quickly and the atmosphere is lively and charming. Great spot whether you’re grabbing breakfast solo or with someone special. We’ll definitely remember this place as part of our London engagement trip!
The Black Penny is a great spot for breakfast. I ordered the English Breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything was well-cooked, flavourful, and nicely presented, with quality ingredients that made the dish stand out. The café has a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to start the day. I’ll definitely be returning for another breakfast in the future.
A hidden gem in the heart of London and one of those delightful reminders that, no matter how long you’ve lived in this city, there is always another favourite waiting to be discovered. The Black Penny was an unexpected breakfast surprise: stylish, smart and effortlessly welcoming. The food was excellent, beautifully prepared and full of flavour, but what truly made the experience memorable was the team. Everyone was exceptionally helpful, warm and genuinely charming, creating that increasingly rare feeling of being looked after rather than simply served. I will certainly be back. Another place has earned a permanent place on my list of London favourites, and some places leave a lasting impression long after the coffee cups are empty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very tasty place! Service was friendly and efficient, and everything arrived fresh First time at The Black Penny. We went for brunch and both ordered the same dish: avocado toast,smoked salmon with eggs! The atmosphere was relaxed and stylish without feeling pretentious — very much a laid-back. Very tasty tea, as it turns out, in London some cafes have problems with this! Thank you!
First time at The Black Penny. We went for brunch (London-style) and both ordered the same dish: smoked salmon, scrambled eggs (absolutely delish, by the way), and sourdough toast. I opted for a matcha latte and later a peach bellini, while my partner had a gingerbread latte. The atmosphere was relaxed and stylish without feeling pretentious — very much a laid-back, modern London brunch vibe. It was busy but not chaotic, with a nice mix of couples, friends, and solo diners. Service was friendly and efficient, and everything arrived fresh. Overall, a solid brunch spot and somewhere I’d happily return to.
