‘Outrageous’: Heated debate over $15 sandwich at Penrith Beach

A man-made beach nicknamed “Pondi” has caused a heated debate on TikTok over how it looks and the price of food on offer.

A TikTok video has sparked a vicious debate on the new, man-made beach at Penrith in Sydney’s outer west that is affectionately named “Pondi”.

The video’s creator starts with an image from an artist’s impression of what the “beach” is expected to look like.

It quickly then cuts to a photo taken at the actual beach, showing a stark contrast to what locals were expecting.

The video’s creator writes “Classic over promise and under deliver”.

“They need to add some trees. It looks like an empty wasteland,” another TikToker agreed.

“The artist's impression really did hype it up.”

Beachgoers are sharing their frustrations at the price of sandwiches on offer at Wholegreen Bakery at Pondi. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s good they built it tho. Keep those people away from the east plz,” one commenter wrote on the TikTok video.

Another said “the car park was washed away when it rained” just the day after the beach opened.

However, some people have jumped to defend the recent addition to Penrith, saying: “Man who cares. Be positive. It’s an amazing addition.”

Penrith City Council describes the new beach, which is the size of Bondi, as “a sun-kissed shore, where the sand meets crystal clear waters offering a refreshing escape from the heat”.

Many don't appear to agree with council’s description.

“Biggest rort”, commented one person.

Hundreds more posted negative comments, one stating they can’t see “a reason to go”.

What Penrith Beach was set to look like. Picture: Supplied

What the beach actually looks like. Picture: Supplied

“Can’t get dropped off. Can’t ride a bike must book parking and buy eww food.” another wrote.

And it’s not just the let-down of what the beach “looks like” that's got people hopping mad. A $15 sandwich has been the most divisive issue in the comments on the video.

Wholegreen Bakery is the official supplier at the new beach, providing cold drinks, coffees, ice blocks, sandwiches and bakery goods for sale.

Known for their handmade gluten-free baked goods, the bakery has a number of stores around NSW.

The comment “$15 for a sandwich is outrageous” received 127 likes on the TikTok video, with other viewers joining the rant.

“Who do they think is spending $15 on a sandwich.

“If you want to spend $15 on a sandwich go ahead subway is cheaper option.”

Some were again quick to defend the new beach and bakery.

One comment on social media let people know 30mm of rain had hit the area the day after the beach opened, resulting in the carpark being washing away. Picture Supplied

“$15 for a sandwich is normal these days,” one said.

“Families are going to love it. Lots of space, no big waves, good parking. They won’t care about the $15 sandwiches.”

Wholegreen Bakery has said their “curated kiosk” will be available at Pondi until the first week of March, 2024.

Penrith Beach is open for the summer period until March 3, 2024.

Wholegreen Bakery told NCA Newswire there were thrilled to be able to offer their gluten-free baked goods at the newly opened Penrith Beach.

When asked for comment regarding the feedback on their sandwiches, they response was “Our kiosk menu has changed since opening and will continue to evolve over time based on customer sentiment.”