Penny

Old Vic,103 The Cut, SE1 8NB

Editor's Review

The Old Vic Theatre in Waterloo completely redesigned their downstairs bar in collaboration with the founders of Milk in Balham. The result is Penny which serves creative food and drink sourced from local, like-minded producers, focussing on simplicity and provenance at the heart of their offering. Speciality coffee is from Workshop Coffee and is served as both espresso based drinks and batch brew filter alongside an all day menu. This flows from breakfast into lunch through to a relaxed evening service where the bar is well known locally for opening late in more of a cocktail bar style.

Depending on the theatre schedule, the bar can quickly fill and empty. The old cellar bar has certainly been brightened up, with a rather Scandinavian feel to the interior. Covering up the old marble bar was controversial but the new design fits with the interior creating a relaxed setting. Teas are from Canton teas. Other key suppliers include Fatties Bakery, Ginger Pig, Neils Yard and Rococo. British meats and cheeses are emphasised along with and inside salads and sandwiches. Coffeewise, it’s a neat little addition to options around Waterloo.