Henny Penny — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

The one star (hated it) was quite fitting. Not sure is standards are lower then Sydney but I know this garbage wouldn't fly in Sydney. It wouldn't fly as much as the chickens before they arrive at Henny Penny.

When walked in, there was a huge A3 sign on counter explaing that it could be a long wait because of lack of staff and also lack of experience by the staff they do have. (Not even kidding)

Second thing I noticed was the scraps of food and dirt/crumbs and old squashed chips not just on the floor but also up under the inside of the hot bar that keeps the chicken. Also, the clear perspex door on front had oil dripping down outside, covered in dirty greasy hand prints and it just looked overly dirty.

The toilet seats was covered in urine as was the floor which also had a lot of paper strewn about.

By the time I had seen all this, my hunger that had been building the entire drive from Sydney had vanished and turned into an off feeling.

So, even though there were only 2 people already eating, my father and myself in there at the time and I counted 7 staff that I could see, I still stood at the counter for about 8 mins before being rudely snapped at by an unkept staff member "what do you want?"

My dad still ate something as he will eat almost anything if hungry enough and I asked what he thought of the food. His response, a single word and anything but surprising.

Unimpressed!

Do yourself a favour...

ChatGPT

You said:

Can you write review for Henny Penny Chicken Maitland NSW . Information had been there in 30 years but memoirs of good times come back, excited about going back , food was spot on it was nostalgic. And it was good see the Les Darcy statute was still in the park across the road ( look up the park name) and it was not graffiti I sign of respect for a champion. Give Henny Penny a 10 out of 10

ChatGPT said:

Review for Henny Penny Chicken, Maitland NSW – 10/10

Walking back into Henny Penny Chicken in Maitland after all these years was like stepping into a time machine. It’s been there for over 30 years, and the moment I walked in, the memories of good times came rushing back. The excitement was real, and I wasn’t disappointed—the food was spot on, just like I remembered.

There’s something special about a place that stays true to its roots, and Henny Penny does just that. Crispy, flavorful chicken, perfectly cooked chips, and that familiar taste that takes you straight back to childhood. It’s nostalgic in the best way possible.

It was also great to see that the Les Darcy statue still stands proudly in Maitland Park across the road, untouched by graffiti—a true sign of respect for a local legend.

Henny Penny is more than just a takeaway joint; it’s part of Maitland’s history. A well-deserved 10/10. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to go back—you...

A hidden gem in the old world of Maitland. Take a step back to the 80's (nothing has changed since they opened) and let the friendly front counter guy show you to any seat in the restaurant, literally any seat, there's never anyone in the dining room. Or sit back in the luxury of your own car and have the same employee serve you food via the drive through (seriously, I think this guy is the only person that works here)

I highly recommend a carpark meal as the local Maitland fauna (random ice addicts) can be very entertaining.

And of course, the food. They have all your favorites: *Chips and gravy *Peas and gravy *Deep-fried "baked" potatoes and gravy *Chips and gravy rolls

If you're feeling adventurous try the display temperature fried chicken. Will you get all your fried pieces? Will it give you the runs for a week? WHO KNOWS! That's half the fun!

If you live in Newcastle and you've never gotten mild food poisoning from Henny Penny, can you really call yourself a Novacastrian?

I personally implore you to stop by and grab a classic feed of the iconic dirty birdy while you still can.

My self? This place is like that psycho exgirlfriend you had in your 20s, sure she might kill you, sure she'll leave you salty, but you just can't stay away from those damn thighs!

5 slightly oil...