The first wave of coffee shops to arrive in England were as much a place to signify a revolutionary movement as they were a place of comfort. Anyone was welcome in the Coffee House; whether you were an aristocrat or a soot stained street hustler, all you needed was a penny. And so ever since, the traditional term for coffee shops has been Penny Universities.
OZDEMIR PASHA AND THE TURKISH CONNECTION
The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch koffie, borrowed from the Turkish kahve, Europe and coffee began their love affair when Ozdemir of Pasha set sail across the black sea with a hold full of coffee seeds. Before long, coffee spread from the Sultans and their Queens to every corner of Turkish society imaginable, and beyond.
From here, The Black Penny was born. We love coffee and freshness, so we guarantee your coffee beans are always freshly picked and prepared before arriving in our stores. Our professional baristas then prepare each coffee speciality to order.
“The food here is incredible.”
SECRET LONDON
“An environment that encourages interaction.”
CAFFEINE MAGAZINE
“A gorgeously fit out cafe… ”
LONDON'S BEST COFFEE
“It is going to be the sort of place you dream about having near your office.”
TIMEOUT Online
Menus
Each menu is created with the utmost care, guaranteeing all our guests enjoy their visit. Please check menus with the branch you'd like to visit as items offered may differ.
Each menu is created with the utmost care, guaranteeing all our guests enjoy their visit. Please check menus with the branch you'd like to visit as items offered may differ.
If you wish to book your table before your visit, please see our booking policy for each store below.
COVENT GARDEN
Booking is only available for our private dining area located downstairs.
Available 6-12 guests (Monday – Sunday)
Our bar and dining room are walk-ins only. We take walk-ins for 1-6 people and larger groups where possible. You can grab a drink while you wait or leave your name and number, and we will give you a call when your table is ready.
Please note to be fair we cannot seat a party unless they are complete!
Do come and discuss all your catering needs with us. Whether you need to impress business clients or treat your team to lunch, we are always here to help.
If you require a private booking, please contact your selected branch below to find out how we can help you.
The Black Penny provides a dedicated dining space in the centre of London. The venue is split across two floors, with service and seating on the entry level and the Seminar Pit below. With mid-late 19th Century facade and interiors, including a feature countertop for displaying the menu of the day, The Black Penny offers a unique, characterful environment which has been updated to create a 21st century Penny University.
Enjoy speciality coffees, freshly prepared breakfast, brunch and evening meals or relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail from our extensive menu in the heart of Sloane Square at our Duke of York Square branch.
Details on all our current listings are found below. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any catering, bookings requirements or if you have any questions.
COVENT GARDEN
COVENT GARDEN
34 Great Queen St. Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5AA
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