The Bun Penny

The Bun Penny stands on Manor Way, a short stroll from Lee-on-the-Solent’s main drag and shoreline. Built centuries ago as a farmhouse, it later became a coaching inn, retaining low beams, stone walls and those nooks that pull you in on rainy afternoons.

Outside, a wide front patio catches the morning light, while the back garden stretches out for lazy afternoons, complete with benches under umbrellas. In winter, log fires crackle in the main bar, warming up the space for solo pints or group suppers.

Food drives the place. Expect pub staples like chicken and leek pie or gammon with eggs, all made from local produce that shifts with the seasons.

A specials board tempts with rarer picks, such as crispy beef noodles or rump steak, alongside gluten-free options and puddings that hit the spot. Sunday roasts draw crowds, with lamb carved tableside and veg piled high.

Beers pull from Otter and Tribute, kept sharp behind the bar, while wines come courtesy of Tanners. Cocktails nod to the weather too: a Limoncello Spritz for brighter days, or Dark and Stormy when winds pick up.

It suits bigger do’s as well. Plenty of room inside for parties, with set menus tailored to budgets. Dogs tag along in the garden or bar, leads on, and a loyalty card racks up points for regulars. No rooms here, but nearby spots fill that gap.

Hours run from noon most days, food till eight or so, with Friday and Saturday stretching later. Book ahead via phone or email, especially for Christmas bashes in 2025.

Tapas nights add variety, from lamb parcels in tomato sauce to king prawns that vanish quick. After a beach walk, it’s the kind of spot where a pint settles into pie without fuss.

Tripadvisor scores it 3.8 out of 5 across 845 reviews. Strengths lie in the roasts and pies, with staff like Helen earning nods for handling family events smoothly. Drawbacks crop up around service dips and lively garden crowds on weekends.