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If you’re anything like us, as soon as the sun comes out you start itching to feel the sand between your toes. The only problem, if you hadn’t noticed, is that the Big Smoke isn’t exactly a coastal city. Bar sunbathing on the banks of the Thames (no thanks) or spending a couple of hours on a train to the seaside, us Londoners have limited access to natural dunes.
Which is why the brainy brewers at Big Penny Social bring sandy shores to east London every summer. The Walthamstow playa has already welcomed 20,000 guests over the years, and is returning in 2026, this time with an upgrade and a new name.
The artist formerly known as Walthamstow-on-Sea will hereby be the Big Penny Beach Club. Opening on May 22, it will deck the E17 brewery’s outdoor space with a new retro beach club aesthetic, featuring beach volleyball and bookable cabanas.
A day at the seaside is obviously not complete without an ice cream. East London locals Hackney Gelato will be serving up 12 flavours at the on-site gelateria. Alongside Big Penny Social’s usual menu, fresh fish and chips will have you believing you can hear the sound of crashing waves nearby.
As for drinks, expect Aperol Spritz on tap and frozen cocktails at the outside bar. A lifeguard hut stage is set to host DJ sets and live entertainment so you can shake a leg with your shoes off.
Big Penny Beach Club will be open on weekends from Friday May 22 to the close of summer on Sunday August 30. Entry costs £5 per person (except for under 1s, who go free – phew). You can find out more at the Big Penny Social website here.
Did you see that two of the greatest pub towns in Britain are day trips from London?
Plus: it's official, London is the second greenest city in the UK.
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