The Penguin Cafe: Seafront Eats in Lee-on-the-Solent

Pull up a chair at The Penguin Cafe and you’re right there on the seafront, tables spilling out onto the pavement where the breeze carries a hint of salt. This place has been holding court at number 6 for years, turning out straightforward British fare that hits the spot after a stroll along the prom.

Breakfast runs all day, so you can order the emperor – two eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, hash browns and toast – for £11, swapping in fried bread if that’s your preference. Portions come generous, with cumberland sausages grilled just right and bacon staying crisp under the eggs.

Lunch leans into jacket potatoes topped with cheese and beans, or tuna melt paninis that reviewers call “delicious” every time. Sandwiches start from £5 for a single hot filling, scaling up to three for £6.50. Sides like chips or a bowl of them keep things simple at under £3.

Desserts pull in the crowds on warmer days. New Forest ice creams in flavours like strawberry cone sit alongside Mr Whippy 99s, while the cake counter tempts with homemade rocky road, bread pudding and chocolate honeycomb slices to take away.

Hot drinks land in proper mugs – lattes, teas or hot chocolates that pair well with the lot. Gluten-free bread and breakfast options get a nod too, with staff clued up on cross-contamination.

Dog owners appreciate the outdoor setup, and it’s all wrapped in a homely vibe that feels less tourist trap, more reliable stop-off.

Open daily from 8am to 5pm, it’s the kind of place where the manager’s often in the kitchen, ensuring plates go out hot and flavours stay bold. Value keeps it ticking over – cheaper than spots two doors down, as one punter put it.

Reviews clock in at 4.5 out of 5 across 200-plus on Tripadvisor, with 90% recommendation on Facebook from 368 notes. Common threads highlight the friendly team – “always greeting with a big smile” – and consistent quality, from “yummy breakfasts” to “good quality produce prepared with care.”

A few mention it gets busy weekends, but service stays attentive. Employee ratings hover at 3.9 for work-life balance, suggesting a steady behind-the-scenes. Overall, it’s the go-to for hearty fuel with a side of sea air.