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The Library at County Hall, London,

The Library at County Hall

4.5
4.5
660 Reviews
£41 and over
British
Located in the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, The Library décor features the original oak bookcases stacked with the classics and adorned with busts of literary and historical figures. Indulge in history whilst enjoying spectacular views over the River Thames and Big Ben.
Award-winning Executive Head Chef Jamie Welch has created a new elegant menu for The Library featuring contemporary British dishes with a modern twist.
Freshly prepared by our creative pastry chefs, afternoon tea features reimagined classics including a delectable arrangement of cakes and pastries, sweet and savoury scones served with seasonal jams and clotted cream, and full flavoured finger sandwiches.

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2 people

19:00


Booked 17 times today
Experiences are available.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British, Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 12:00–17:00
  • Phone number
    020 7902 8000
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Jamie Welch
  • Private party facilities
    Toast the season with the introduction of a new quintessentially English menu in some of the most historic rooms within the former home to the Greater London Council. We opened our doors as The London Marriott Hotel, County Hall in 1998 and the building retains its original features to this day.
  • Private party contact
    Hannah Smith: 020 3589 4330

Experiences

  • Christmas Day Afternoon tea

    £95.00 per person

    25 Dec 2023 only
    IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Pre-payment required for all bookings (non-refundable). A member of the team will contact you to confirm the reservation and take the pre-payment. For parties 5 and more please contact mhrs.lonch.festive@marriott.com Celebrate Christmas with festive inspired Afternoon Tea in our historical Library boasting views over the Elizabeth Tower and River Thames. Sit back and relax in this unique setting amongst the 4,000 plus original books from the former library of the Greater London Council. Indulge in our bespoke cakes, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, mince pies and a glass of Pommery Brut Champagne or mulled wine to celebrate the festivities.
    Christmas Day Afternoon tea photo
  • Free-flowing Sparkling Wine Festive afternoon tea

    £80.00 per person

    15 Nov 2023 - 5 Jan 2024
    Treat yourself to a Free-Flowing Sparkling Wine Afternoon Tea at The Library. For £80 per person you can tuck in to a delicious spread of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes and sweet treats and enjoy 1.5 hours of sparkling wine. We are excited to be hosting a festive inspired Afternoon Tea in our historical Library boasting views over the Houses of Parliament and River Thames. Sit back and relax in this unique setting amongst the 4,000 plus original books from the former library of the Greater London Council.
  • Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea

    £75.00 per person

    15 Nov 2023 - 5 Jan 2024
    Champagne lovers, this is for you! A glass of Champagne with Festive afternoon tea and iconic views. We are excited to be hosting a festive inspired Afternoon Tea in our historical Library boasting views over the Houses of Parliament and River Thames. Sit back and relax in this unique setting amongst the 4,000 plus original books from the former library of the Greater London Council.
    Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea photo

What 660 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South West London

    Great for scenic views

660 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Es war hervorragend wie immer. Wenn man da nicht hingeht verpasst man etwas.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    Wonderful experience for afternoon tea because of the location and quality of the food. Make sure not to have had breakfast that morning 😅.

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  3. TeddyBear

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    My first and only High Tea was all and more of expectations. To honor my wife who loved tea parties and to celebrate the seasons of winter, I chose to enjoy a solo tea. It was a gift to myself and in honor of my wife. A wonderful choice.

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  4. DanetteA

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Absolutely amazing experience having tea on the Thames with a view.

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  5. LeeyaH

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 November 2023

    Overall3Food3Service2Ambience5
    Beautiful setting, but below average service and food. The server only came by to take order and deliver food. Never came by again to see if we wanted more tea or how everything was going.

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  6. Freeda

    London

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 November 2023

    Overall1Food1Service3Ambience3
    The food was inedible - the sandwiches were particularly awful. For example the avocado was brown and tasted a week old 🤮 The cakes were made of cheap ingredients and starbucks or cafe nero cakes taste better. The flavour combination was overbearing. The tea i had (chocolate flavour) tasted synthetic. Disgusting

    Is this helpful?

  7. DiCh

    London

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 November 2023

    Overall3Food2Service2Ambience4
    Overpriced. Food not great. Service spotty. Overall, a real disappointment for a birthday celebration. The venue and location is gorgeous.

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  8. Millie

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience5
    The ambience was excellent and the service in general was good. We had opted for the free flowing bubbles afternoon tea, which wasn’t as free flowing as usual as we were in an area behind the main room. I have been many times before and the sandwiches are always good. I was disappointed to see that cheese scones had been removed from the menu again as it’s good to have a balance between savoury and sweet. Not everyone has a sweet tooth.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    At The Library at County Hall I had the very best experience at a restaurant I’ve ever had. The best service, the best quality food, and the best ambiance and views I’ve ever had in a restaurant. I simply loved it.

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  10. AlisonW

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We had a lovely afternoon tea, with free flowing sparkling wine. The quantity of food and the service were great. It’s a lovely environment in the Library. Our table overlooked the Thames and Big Ben. We had a great day :)

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  11. Abeth

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    I have been to the County Hall on multiple occasions but it was my first time at the Library for an afternoon tea treat for a friend visiting London. It didn’t disappoint! Both the regular and vegan afternoon tea options were unique and fabulously done, and best of all the service was just amazing. The waiter entertained my friend’s questions, and overall looked after us.

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  12. SuzanneH

    Gloucestershire

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    Fabulous afternoon tea with great view of Big Ben. Festive menu was delicious and different. Definitely would recommend.

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  13. LindaM

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    Overall4Food5Service5Ambience4
    There was a small misunderstanding about one of our party who couldn’t attend which then caused a delay in us being served our tea and food, but overall the staff and service were great and we felt very special. Would recommend to anyone who wants afternoon tea with amazing views and good service.

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  14. LizF

    Hertfordshire

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fantastic service and delicious food all set off buy an amazing location with views across the river. The library itself is atmospheric and delightful.

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  15. EllaB

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    So much made this a lovely experience but the service by Gareth was second to none. So accommodating. Great value. Tasty flavours and the setting was perfect. If you like afternoon tea…this is a no brainer!

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  16. WilmaP

    Glasgow

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 2023

    Overall4Food3Service5Ambience5
    Lovely setting. Sandwiches really nice, as were scones and tea selection. However the cakes were a disappointment. The textures were all the same. Cakes were tasteless. The cheesecake one was soggy. Gave feedback to receptionist. Many other diners had left the cakes too.

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  17. CarlW

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 2023

    Overall4Food3Service5Ambience5
    Automatically adding 12.5% Service charge and then saying 'Gratuities at your discretion' is not quite right ?

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  18. PatsyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    I would like to name check the lovely Michelle, who was our sever and navigated us through all the options for tea, making choices in our behalf that were perfect & for being wonderfully attentive with a charming & engaging manner, The Library is super cosy and set in a beautiful building

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  19. NathanG

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience5
    The Vegan offering was amazing and every item was great!

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  20. MeganR

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We had the most magical tea experience. Chandra was a magnificent server who never let our “free-flowing” champagne go empty. We received excellent recommendations on tea and the food was delightful

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  21. MattG

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 November 2023

    Overall4Food4Service1Ambience4
    We really enjoyed the whole experience, the location and view is very good. The Library itself is a great little venue. The food was good, a little uninspiring on the vegan front, but overall good food. What let it down was the lack of service, we couldn’t find any staff and when we did see one we had to get up from the table to go over and get their attention.

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  22. FayB

    Oxford

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 November 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    Very good, would recommend. Only problem was trying to find the venue.

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  23. MattM

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Lovely venue, excellent staff. In particular Chandra and Nataliya. The manager was also very nice and helpful. The food was very good, and whilst you do not get a lot of sandwiches, that is fairly common with afternoon tea anyway. We had the bottomless sparkling wine package, which was topped up nicely For us and we certainly left feeling a little tipsy! Lovely ambience, with excellent soundproofing from outside, and a calm interior where you can hear yourself speaking easily. Highly recommended!

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  24. AlineSaleh

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    It was perfect! I highly recommend this place for everybody.

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  25. TaniaC

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 October 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    A most pleasurable afternoon tea, in a lovely, quiet setting, overlooking the Thames and Big Ben.

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  26. Tomoppa

    Tokyo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 October 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    You can enjoy the best ''London'' views and very delicious tea. As the name "Libray" suggests, the interior atmosphere is also wonderful. The price is also very reasonable. I can recommend it with confidence. My visit was at dusk. I will never forget the beautiful view of Elizabeth Tower from the window. You explained that the black tea is really delicious and that the tea leaves are special, but maybe the way it is brewed is also special? The employees are also very nice. I'm not very good at English, but I appreciate your patient explanation.

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  27. EveB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    Afternoon tea with a view. We did the bottomless bubbles version and we felt it was good value and the staff were very attentive. The food was good although the scones seemed a little dry but everything else was great! Would recommend

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  28. LynneT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    Lovely views from the Library over the Thames for our afternoon tea. Choice of tea was lovely and the food was very good

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  29. JanetG

    Yorkshire

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fabulous team who arranged an amazing window table for my daughter in law and I. Friendly, professional, smiley - just gorgeous. Oh and the food was superb too :)

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  30. AlainK

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 October 2023

    Overall3Food3Service4Ambience3
    We have done many afternoon tea and this was the poorest. We didn’t take the remaining cakes that we could not finish as they were so heavy … the scones were disappointing. The sandwiches were fine but the salmon was so salted that I could bearly enjoying it.

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  31. RitaD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience5
    Really enjoyed our Afternoon Tea with Champagne at The Library. Great location, excellent service and fabulous teas.

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  32. PriyaS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 October 2023

    Overall2Food1Service1Ambience3
    Overpriced and would not recommend! Quality of the sandwiches are really poor, bread was dry and filling was measly. The cakes although looked nice are not cakes just mouse covered with different chocolates. Service was poor asked for tap water and did not receive had to remind staff. Did not get asked for more tea had to get the attention of staff. Considering it was not busy the service was slow.

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  33. DawnH

    Kent

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
    We did the free flowing afternoon tea and it was defiantly free flowing. Cakes were amazing and so nice to have a cheese scone and a fruit. A must for a more relaxed afternoon tea

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Gloucestershire

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    Overall2Food2Service2Ambience3
    This was my third time at Afternoon Tea at County Hall. I've always had a good experience which is why I continue to come back. This time the food was stale and unimpressive and the service was abysmal. We asked for vegetarian menus at the beginning and they quickly brought us out the main afternoon tea. We had a quick and rushed explanation of what we were eating and the server seemed annoyed when we asked him to repeat. I won't be coming back to County Hall after this experience. On top of everything else, the toilets were in a terrible state and seemed as if they haven't been cleaned for days. I would expect much more from a hotel restaurant and lounge.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. Clio1900

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
    Lovely place for an English tea. Great service! We arrived half hour late thanks to the Circle Line getting cancelled, but we were seated and served quickly and attentively. The sandwiches and scones were delicious and the pastries too pretty to eat! Loved having tea inside a library!

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  36. KimP

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    A Really a great experience!! The view was fantastic! Highly recommend!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 October 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience5
    They have a great variety of teas and they were very good. I had the chocolate tea. The sandwiches and the scones were very tasty. the presentation was nice. The ambience was what I expected, with a view of Big Ben and it truly felt we were in a library. It was a little difficult to find. We did not know it was inside the hotel.

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  38. VtWerp

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 11 October 2023

    Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
    Incredible service and a nice, quiet and comfortable atmosphere. Would go again.

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  39. estellem

    Kent

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 October 2023

    Overall4Food3Service4Ambience4
    Overall , it was lovely, I was a little disappointed that we could not have extra sandwiches as most places will offer this.. Also I thought the service charge was a little hefty, I know most places will do this, but I expect good service to be the norm in an establishment like yourselves for the price in the first place.. we did enjoy our afternoon nevertheless

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    Overall5Food4Service5Ambience5
    The location is great and offers views of Big Ben across the river. The noon tea with champagne was amazing. Our server, Chandra, was so attentive offering explanations on the menu, tea selections, & kept our champagne glasses full. Overall, The Library was a not to be missed experience.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waiting staff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Library at County Hall is rated 4.5 stars by 660 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 17 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Library at County Hall

London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB

Additional information

  • Area
    Waterloo
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 12:00–17:00
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British, Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Valet
  • Public Transit
    Waterloo Station, Westminster Station
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Jamie Welch
  • Additional
    Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    020 7902 8000
  • Private party facilities
    Toast the season with the introduction of a new quintessentially English menu in some of the most historic rooms within the former home to the Greater London Council. We opened our doors as The London Marriott Hotel, County Hall in 1998 and the building retains its original features to this day.
  • Private party contact
    Hannah Smith: 020 3589 4330
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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