The Black Penny | Sloane Square — Restaurant in London

An Utter Disgrace: A Review of Penny Black Penny, Sloane Square Avoid Black Penny at all costs. My recent experience there was appalling, marked by some of the rudest, most aggressive, and unprofessional service I have ever encountered. This, coupled with bland, overpriced food and a dismal interior, made for a truly disgraceful outing.

Our reservation did little to ensure prompt service. Despite the restaurant being half-empty, it took an unreasonable amount of time for a server to acknowledge us, and when they finally did, it felt as if they were doing us a monumental favor. The food itself was thoroughly unremarkable and laughably overpriced – a disappointment that would have been bearable had it not been for the shocking incident that followed.

The true nadir of our visit occurred while queuing for the single customer toilet. After waiting a considerable amount of time, the woman ahead of me and I grew concerned when there was no response from inside the locked cubicle. After several more minutes passed (the lady ahead of me had already been waiting for ages when I joined the queue), I gently knocked and heard the tap running, reassuring the other person that it therefore shouldn't be much longer. However, the door then burst open, revealing a male employee. He stood, hands on hips, and aggressively bellowed "What?!" (as in what do you want) in a manner that suggested we were assaulting him. When I explained we were merely checking if anyone was inside, he continued to shout about having a nosebleed and how we had to wait. Despite his bizarre explanation, his belligerent tone and refusal to move were completely unwarranted. He eventually stepped aside, allowing the person ahead to enter, but then proceeded to pace agitatedly before sarcastically shouting "Thank you!" and pointing at his nose as he brushed past me again. When I challenged him, asking if he was implying I caused his nosebleed and defending our right to check on the situation, he simply turned his back and stormed off.

Shockingly, not a single other staff member intervened during this entire terrifying display of aggression, nor did they offer an apology or attempt to de-escalate the situation. When I finally asked for the bill, stating my refusal to pay any optional service charge and explaining the incident, the staff member seemed completely unsurprised. "Yes, I know who you mean, I'll have a word with him" followed by a perfunctory apology, was all we got. There was no offer of a discount, compensation, or any genuine attempt to rectify the situation.

The Black Penny at Sloane Square is a complete disgrace. Their staff's shocking unprofessionalism and aggression, combined with mediocre food and a dismal atmosphere, make it a place to be avoided...

We came for lunch on a rainy day, 1 September 2024. There were a few seats available so didn’t take long to get attended to. The restaurant is tucked nicely into the corner of the square so not a massive foot-flow of people passing by but still a good spot to people watch as we had the window seat. Food seemed to take a long time for a burrata salad and OZDEMIR PASHA.

Whilst the food tasted ok it wasn’t anything special. The waiter seemed over attentive (forgot water) and grumpy quick to take order and charge us. They automatically charge you service charge that’s didn’t make the food so reasonable priced so disappointing after the long wait for food and had to get ourselves glasses of water as it’s nice to have when eating and enjoying a coffee. Will not return as plenty of nice friendly and flavourful cafes around. I’d been here a few times before but for a not so busy day...

We stopped for brunch on a warm sunny day, we were greeted by an attentive waiter who quickly brought us a bottle of organic white Spainish wine which was very refreshing.

The restaurant is tucked nicely into the corner of the square so not a massive foot-flow of people passing by but still a good spot to people watch.

I had the green eggs whilst my wife had the crispy duck burger with hoi sin sauce. The eggs on a slice of toast were cooked perfectly, scrambled and the way I like them, moist and not dry by any means. Cooked with herbs 🌿 they were perfect.

The crispy duck burger was accompanied by a salad and formed into a pate burger 🍔. I didn't taste it but my wife assured me that it was very tasty. We sat for nearly 2 hours relaxing and enjoying a break from the shops on King's Road.

Great location a short distance from Sloane Square...