The Library at County Hall

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London1 review

   3.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   The quality of the food and ambience were excellent. The service was very poor. We had to ask for our tea to be brought to the table initially and then had to ask for milk. No server came to check on us or offer us more tea at any point during our time there (1.5 hours). This was the same for the tables at either side of us too. We have visited many places in London for Afternoon Tea and this has to be the poorest service. We would not recommend The Library and will not be returning again.
   

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2. S

   Susan

   London1 review

   4.0

   Dined on March 3, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Fabulous views and a great setting. The staff were super attentive and the food was amazing. A great place for a special occasion.
   

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3. A

   Andreea

   London2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Firstly, there were absolutely no signs for the entrance, nowhere around could you tell the entrance is in the Marriott and everyone we asked kept sending us around the other side of the building. It would have helped to know the entrance is through a hotel. Secondly, the service was slow, we were not offered any water and when we did ask, we were given 1 glass each. When we continued asking for water, we were brought a carafe, we weren't asked if we wanted still or sparkling (but we were charged for a 75cl still water); Then, the food was brought before we had decided on the tea, so the box of teas was still on the table and there was no room for the food; the food was mediocre at best and the sweet treats were way too sweet for any taste, really. (Hence us asking for water). Nobody came to ask if we're enjoying the experience and coming from a hospitality background, I am quite sure that's something that needs to be done. And finally, I am under the impression the bill is incorrect because 2 glasses of champagne can't POSSIBLY be £90 EACH and nor can 2 teapots and 3 sandwiches... so overall it was a rather disappointing experience which we will definitely not repeat.
   

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4. L

   Laura VIP

   Los Angeles90 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a wonderful place to have high tea. A very delicious high tea, I chose the vegan high tea which was great. The view is unbeatable, The Thames, Big Ben and Parliament right out the window. The service was impeccable. I would highly recommend it, although it is a bit expensive, it is worth it.
   

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5. D

   David

   Denver61 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 18, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Really enjoyed our afternoon tea here. Can't beat the setting in a library across the river from Big Ben, so you'll pay for the privilege, but it's worth it.
   

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6. S

   Sarah

   London2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   This was our 2nd time at the County Hall Library, we had booked again because our previous experience had been so memorable. Unfortunately, the same could not be said this time. We had booked the Free Flowing Afternoon Tea Special, and had written in the special requests that it was a 70th birthday celebration and could we have more sandwiches and fewer cakes, obviously no-one read the request as we had to ask for more sandwiches, (which we had to pay extra for) and cakes were left on the tray. We also had to remind the waiter several times to top up our glasses. The service was poor, and considering how much you pay, it wasn't worth it. Such a shame as our previous experience had been such a highlight.
   

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7. S

   Sarah

   New York City1 review

   1.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   The photos of the view are accurate. And that’s what I would say was the only good part. I booked tea for two and I chose the £55 option with tea, pastries, and sandwiches. When we arrived we were asked if we would like sparkling wine or champagne and we said yes. She said “ok champagne?” And we said sure. We got the tea and champagne and food and then were offered a refill on the champagne. Imagine my shock when the bill came and it was £247.50. We were charged for the champagne tea special (£90 each) and £20 each for the refill and £27.50 for a “service fee” lol. Unbelievably sneaky. The waitress saw the shock on my face and just kept asking “so separate cards?” without a care in the world, like this is a common to scam customers of money. Really soured my layover experience in London.
   

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8. A

   Amanda

   London2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 5, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful setting with great views over Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament. Staff very attentive, beautiful food would visit again and recommend to friends
   

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9. H

   HYEMIN

   London1 review

   1.0

   Dined on February 4, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   It was the worst racist restaurant, from the sarcastic staff as soon as they entered to the restaurant, to the staff who talked back throughout the serving~
   

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10. T

    Tracie

    Cincinnati30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The tea was wonderful! Our server shared very interesting info about the library and its history. The food was super yummy and we absolutely loved the sweets! The view was also amazing! Highly recommend!
    

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