Big penny social in City of London, Westminster

Heavy on the mozzarella; slow on the service. Bready crust and quite a weak tomato base. Olives a slight cheat but much needed.

Having heard good things about this place, I was rather disappointed when I actually got to try it out. Its a big venue and bar, but really trying too hard with it's hipster appearance and unisex toilets. Drinks were adequately priced for London. You're talking 6 quid plus. Food was decent but unless you like burger or pizza..you're out of luck. In terms of staff, they seemed like they were working for an agency, very robotic and didn't speak English or have a friendly charming demeanour; but that's London I guess. There are worse places to go.

Had our company summer party here - 700 people - had the venue to ourselves. For this purpose it was ideal - a few bars and kitchen areas for finger food (we had little bowls of chips, sausage rolls, bao buns, chicken wings etc). There was a decent stage area for a band and a large conference area for the ‘official’ part of the event. Getting there was a bit of a pain - it’s on the Victoria line - Blackhorse Road station plus a 10 minute walk. Got an Uber back to Covent Garden - approx £30. After (quite) a few drinks this was certainly a good idea. Not much else round the venue - we did find one other venue in the same estate but with 700 people leaving Big Penny when our event finished (9.30pm) the queue at the bar at this location was quite something to behold!

Absolutely awful experience! The venue is authentic and a great place for families to enjoy a social experience BUT the food LOOKS awful and I can’t say more than looks because after an hour of waiting, the food never arrived. The staff(manager) was rude and unhelpful. There are many place in Walthamstow to eat burgers /chips or pizza Go To Any Them rather than Penny Social.Awful!

I asked the barman for alcohol free beer. He only gave me one option, poured it, and within 45 mins I felt the effects of alcohol. As I’m pregnant I really didn’t want to be drinking. Worried now about after effects. Why couldn’t they give proper alcohol free beer?! I’d have had water otherwise. Took a long time to get served. Food portions have got much smaller recently and more expensive. Mandatory service charge when you order by phone. Not sure why the bar staff are so upset all the time. There was a good vibe from the DJ later.

My very first place to start a Blackhorse beer mile but disappointed. Very crowded and noisy beer hall I found asa I entered. Been at the bar to be served but there wasn't any system. Bar guys were serving here and there without thinking who is waiting for long. So I changed my place and been on the side where they were serving more but hell wrong, they moved on the otherside again. Anyhow being served and back on floor. There were plenty of seating but kids were everywhere without any supervision. All jumping here and there. Not a place for having drink but more like kids nursery. Even there was tables for tennis but holding by kids. While I was hardly enjoying my drink, a staff girl came to my table at 16:45 and put a booking board mentioned 16:30 table booked. Found it later that two staff members were making tables empty for big groups. Shame. At the end, there was a board at main door" please leave quietly" when you can’t hear what a person next to you is talking there. Anybow I would say, if you wanna enjoy drink then plenty of worth places around.

Big Penny Social appears to believe that punters have no other venues to choose from. Having drunk in bars all over the world I can say with utter certainty that you will never, ever, ever encounter more arrogant or rude bar staff. The bar experience should be friendly (how hard is that?) - the kids pouring beers at BPS will , under no circumstances crack you a smile or say a reciprocal please or thank you. They may however hold their hand flat up to indicate you should stop talking; make a comment about you to their colleague or, best of all, say nothing at all to you but hold your drink out to you, on extended arm as if disposing of a soiled nappy, while looking purposefully the other way. I get that they may have been resentful to have been stuck indoors on the one day of the year the sun shone but seriously kids - you’re being payed. At least pretend. The beer isn’t as good as they think it is, the venue is too big for any atmosphere whatsoever and the pizzas are sparse and flabby. That said, the doorman/ miniature bouncer did open the door for us when we left. A nice touch.

I went to big penny social for some chilled drinks with some friends. When I was there I noticed how hard the bar and floor staff were working, in my opinion they should have had more staff as it was extremely busy. There were some, what I assume, senior staff sitting around on laptops not assisting any of the staff whilst they struggled. At one point I noticed a staff member go up to the “senior staff” and the interaction I whitenesses was very awkward. The man who I believe he was called Solman? Was very dismissive to his staff. Very concerning, will not be supporting this business again.

Not enough staff for venue and when staff are working hard, senior members sit around watching them struggle ??? I overheard one of them shouting at a bar tender whilst he did absolutely nothing

I went to the Big Penny Beer Festival and found that the staff were friendly and amazing, especially Homan who was very attentive and helpful. A very warm welcome awaits you. It a a big place so you can bring your friends and family, plus meet new friends here which I did! The festival was set up nicely and there was a leaflet showing the beers. Musicians were very busy setting up too. Toilets were very clean and there's no taps to touch, you put your foot 🦶 down into a pedal that makes the water run which is a good idea 💡 It is card only payment and it was very draughty as the big curtains were left wide open letting in the cold. Take a big coat with you to keep warm. Enjoy the atmosphere!

Great start to the Blackhorse beer mile! Massive area with a great selection of beers and drinks available too. Outside seating available too

Barman was extremely rude - never been so badly treated at a bar. He argued with my friend about the drink she ordered and was just so moody

We went for the comedy night which was great and would recommend. John Robins was really funny. We thought we would get some food and wish we didnt. We had a cheeseburger and a pasta dish. Pasta was so bland and tasteless and the burger was only just about ok. Drinks are great but a bit expensive. Would go again but not bother with food.

This looks to be a great venue but they need to work on their staff levels. Waited forever to order some drinks as there were only 2 serving at the bar. Whilst waiting I ordered some food (chicken wings) but the order never arrived and the kitchen closed. Not so much as an apology.- just refunded the food. I dread to think what this place is like when it’s busy.

Great for chilled drinks, watching the football or a dance to the live music. We went on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it was busy! There’s a massive beer selection, cocktails and wine and alcohol free too, loads of food options and plenty of space to hang out or for kids to roam. We didn’t eat but beers were great. Bar service was fast and friendly in spite of it being busy. Would consider booking next time.