Black Penny is modelled on London’s first coffee shops and ‘penny universities’, where a penny was the price of admission to the premises and gained you a cup of coffee as well as the opportunity to listen to and join in the debates of the day. As such, this new Covent Garden version intends to bring in guest speakers and be a go-to venue for local entertainers; whether this side of the operation becomes as important as the other, only time will tell. What we do know is that the coffee side of things is good, supplied by top coffee people Alchemy, and the food – substantial eggs and the likes of confit duck and sweet potato hash for breakfast, fresh salads and stone bass ceviche for lunch – is no second string to the bow. Happily, this coffee house is licenced, so those seeking respite from caffeine can have alcohol instead.