The Bun Penny — Restaurant in Gosport

My sister visited today. With her high food standards (a.k.a. she's fussy), I needed a pub that served nice food. She chose the Bun Penny, because we've not been there in years, and I'm really glad she did! The service was quick, the staff friendly and professional and the food was really good.

My sister and I had different steaks and maybe they were both cooked a smudge under, but that was ok, 'within parameters', if you see what I mean. They tasted very nice; they were thick and juicy. The sides were good too and I asked for something they don't usually do on the menu but they accommodated my request and did it really well too! We were both just as pleased with the more modern take on the 2 traditional desserts we chose. We had lemon meringue and tiramisu (please see photos).

The only thing was the place was a little dark (hence the darker light in the photos). Although we were sat the opposite side to the light behind a post, so it was darker anyway, the lights did seem a little dull but that's the only minor negative comment I have to make.

Overall, we very much enjoyed our meal at The Bun Penny and we'll be coming back! We did find the food a little pricier than some pubs we've been to around the same area, so probably wouldn't bring the whole family there to eat, except maybe on a special occasion, but for that tiny fraction added on the bill, it was very much worth the money. It's a little 'nicer' there than where you'd typically go for your usual pub grub. I think The Bun Penny has got their demographic right....

Average food and very drafty. We visited as a large family group of 10. One of our group added some logs to the open fire and was told not to. But we got colder and colder as our meal went on. We asked the staff if anything could be done, turning on radiators or more wood on the fire for example? Some wood was added to the fire but the design of the fire place meant this was totally ineffective for those at the other end of the table. There was a diner on another table still wearing her scarf throughout her whole meal. We mentioned the drafts and temperature again but nothing was done. When we came to pay, our bill was just over £260 ( this included two children but not many dishes offer a small portions and no childrens size portions. The food that was at best average; the gourmet burger came with very overdone chips, the pork loin was over cooked and the halloumi was hardly cooked at all. In fairness though the beef shin was devine ) while paying we again mentioned the fact that we were very cold throughout. We were not offered anything to compensate for our chills except the advice that on our next visit we should ask to be sat elsewhere. Next visit? This is the second time we have been disappointed here, last time one meal was completely forgotten and eventually arrived 20 minutes later by which time everyone else was nearly finished. Again nothing offered by way of an apology and we were still charged for the late meal. I think "next visit" is...

I want to start with the Bun Penny used to be a lovely place to go....which we've been to many many times over the years... We arrived at the Bun Penny at about 2 minutes to 10 on a Saturday night for our Husbands to be frostily being told they were calling time at the bar at 10pm...they ordered 2 pints and a bottle of prosecco for us ladies...we were then told we needed to be out by 10.30...which was OK....the frosty lady behind the bar was making it very obvious she didn't really want us to be having the bottle of prosecco we had ordered! She then started walking round cleaning tables etc and telling everyone how many minutes they had left. She was like a Sargent Major ...I actually saluted her....we were done....granted in a rush by the given 10.30 and left. Now don't misunderstand me ...I know we all like finishing work who doesn't...but it was Saturday night at only 10.30. Was this a pleasant end to our evening....No!....will either couple be returning....No!....which is a shame. Also noticed whilst we were there all the notices stuck on things Do Not Do This...Switch the TV off as soon as the match has finished etc....almost felt like we were at school! So general sum up....if you want frosty service from a Sargent Major and to feel you are lucky to be able to enjoy your drink and just about breathe whilst you are doing so...then the Bun Pennys for you....if not....find somewhere else to enjoy your alcoholic beverage of choice...