Big Penny Beach Club
Get sun and sand without the faff of a two-hour journey on a baking hot train this summer by heading to Walthamstow’s Big Penny Social, where the courtyard of the UK’s largest beer hall has been transformed into the Big Penny Beach Club for the warmer months. Formerly known as Walthamstow-On-Sea, the seasonal pop-up has had a bit of a glow-up for 2026, with soft golden sands, beach bars and bookable cabanas giving more Balearic than Blackhorse Road, just with more graphic design dads and fewer Wayne Lineker wannabes. Soak up some rays on a deck chair, sip draught beers, Aperol spritzes and frozen cocktails served up by the beach bar, and treat yourself to some fish and chips or a scoop or two of Hackney Gelato. And as usual, look out for loads of great events throughout the season, from beach volleyball sessions and family festivals to bank holiday parties with live music and DJs. Ibiza’s got nothing on E17!