Reviews - The Library at County Hall
Reviews
8.7of 10
Ratings and reviews can only be left by guests who have booked with TheFork.
Clara C. • 1 review
20 February 2025
10/10Lovely tea with gorgeous views of the river and looking to Big Ben and Westminster. I’ll have to come back every time I’m in town
Linda C. • 1 review
9 February 2025
9/10It is a treat to have afternoon tea in such a historic building overlooking the Thames to the Houses of Parliament. Staff were polite and helpful but also gave us time and space to chat. The tea itself was good but, at over £200 for two people for afternoon tea with one glass of champagne each, it was very expensive.
Robin S. • 2 reviews
4 February 2025
10/10
This was our first formal tea service and it was absolutely a memorable one. The service, the ambiance, and service were all first class. This was something I will never forget.
Sandy F. • 1 review
13 January 2025
7.5/10Stunning views of the river and Big Ben in a lovely old library. Lacking in ambience because it was virtually empty. The booking system via Fork was problematic as venue had no idea of the price booked at and wanted to charge more. Food was ok but rather too much sweet. Service was good though rather rushed at start. This could have been an incredible experience given venue but felt a little lacklustre. We were one of only two table occupied.
Sandra S. • 4 reviews
29 December 2024
6.5/10
Overall experience. 1) Food: there is a difference in between menu/price paid and in reality provided food for 1 person. Shared plate of pastries 9 pcs according to menu 5 pcs/person; 2) The view of Elisabeth tower: only 2 pers of 3 could see it ( last table on the left for 3); 3) service was lower as expected- explanation/recommendation on tea selection was provided only when asked not proactively
Kay D. • 1 review
13 December 2024
6/10Super location and venue. Staff and service is superb. We booked because we had our Dutch friend with us and wanted them to expwrience a traditional Afternoon Tea. Sandwiches were mediocre and sadly a tad boring. Cakes were all French Fancy style. Way too sweet and not traditional. Sorry to day the food was a let down
A.S. S. • 1 review
28 November 2024
5.5/10It is way too expensive for what you get. The sandwiches taste bland and whether you have fish or meat, it tastes the same. The scones are really great but then the pastries are just not good. The place is beautiful and the service really great. But price and quality ratio is a no.
Trish R. • 1 review
2 November 2024
5.5/10We were offered a glass of pink Prosecco but not warned it was £85 per glass!!!! Absolute shocker
patricia d. • 1 review
30 October 2024
10/10The staff at The Library completely saved the afternoon. Their professionalism, excellent customer care and the fantastic attention to detail that they exhibited went above and beyond expectations. The managers thoughtfulness completely embodied The Marriott ethos where the little things make the biggest difference and is the reason why i will always recommend The Marriott as an outstanding venue.
Alan H. • 1 review
27 October 2024
7.5/10
The ambience and location was beautiful with views of Big Ben. Afternoon Tea was delicious. However, the service from our waitress ruined our experience. We had guests over from Holland and America and wanted to show our best British hospitality and food but our waitress was depressing, unfriendly and no smiles. Therefore we left very disappointed.
Ulrich S. • 1 review
1 October 2024
10/10Sitting nestled between the cupboards and shelves of prestigious books and overlooking the river Thames to Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower and Westminster landmarks was mindblowing. Astonishing and very keen service by our host Alessandro. Thank you all, it was a lovely and thrilling Afternoon Tea. Savouries and sweets were delicous and looked so beautiful. We will came again to repeat this delight!
MARINA M. • 1 review
3 October 2024
10/10good
MANA A. • 1 review
27 September 2024
10/10
Everything was beautiful💐
Geoff E. • 1 review
18 September 2024
10/10We were made to feel special on a special occasion
Sandra L. • 4 reviews
27 August 2024
9/10Attentive service and good view
Shirley H. • 1 review
7 August 2024
10/10Great location, Staff friendly and attentive. Watch out for the additional service charge of 17% but would definitely go there again.
Bailey P. • 1 review
27 July 2024
8.5/10The environment of being in a library with old hardcover books and beautiful wooden bookshelves is peaceful and elegant. Combined with the view of Big Ben and the minimal number of guests at our reservation time, this location is superb! We enjoyed the assortment of tea snacks, but do wish there was a better sandwich:dessert balance. We were quite full and satisfied but would have preferred more finger sandwiches and fewer desserts - we had almost double the number of sweets as we did sandwiches. Otherwise, the service was fabulous, the teas delicious and the view stunning!
Elizabeth C. • 1 review
26 July 2024
10/10Fabulous.
Madeleine B. • 1 review
23 July 2024
8.5/10
Very lovely experience. Service was great, tea was wonderful, some of the sandwiches were just okay but the sweets were amazing! We did the bottomless sparkling wine option and we were never with a glass less than half full, service was so attentive and kind. Beware the price on the fork is different than price in real life! We were surprised to receive our bill of sale €270+ when we booked this for €80/person. At the actual place, price per person was €115, not €80 as advertised on the fork. Our server was kind enough to fix this for us but do beware prices are different. Also if you select the vegetarian option they add on an additional 12.5% of the ENTIRE bill, not just that persons selection. We found this to be a little bit frustrating. Aside from those things this was a lovely experience and felt very authentic and thoughtfully done.
Xingyue F. • 1 review
26 July 2024
10/10great service，and the view of the Big Ben.
Pam M. • 1 review
8 July 2024
10/10
Amazing - calm venue with great view
Noemi M. • 1 review
30 June 2024
6.5/10
To expensive for the little food and time when I book the reservation I wasn’t told if I chose 5:45 time I was going to be rushed because they was getting ready for dinner plus the place was almost empty and they gave me a table away from the window so no nice view
Thierry G. • 3 reviews
3 July 2024
10/10Everything great evening.
Michael K. • 3 reviews
29 June 2024
6.5/10
Location was great with views of the Thames, parliament, and Big Ben. Service was slow, not topping up drinks - had to keep asking. Wouldn’t say it was value for money
Margit N. • 2 reviews
8 June 2024
10/10Cosy and relaxing spot for an afternoon tea. Food was amazing with great selection as well as a great tea selection. We tried the County Hall blend and Bora Bora which was amazing. Lovely and friendly staff made the whole experience perfect
Diane C. • 1 review
25 May 2024
9/10The ambiance was excellent, with lovely views near the water. Food was also very good, though I wish there were more scones in the selection. Would highly recommend.
Gina D. • 1 review
18 May 2024
4.5/10Afternoon tea was disappointing. They acted as if they didn't know about my reservation. For the price, the food was just ok. The view is great. The service was horrible, I had to flag down someone we get a refill on tea. And was never even asked now the food was.
Shannon P. • 5 reviews
25 April 2024
9/10
Located in London Marriott at County Hall, was beautiful with a very special ambiance surrounded by books...but of course. We were greeted by Daniela, who was fantastic! She was a pure delight to have as our server. The tiered serving dish had beautiful sweets at the top tier, and biscuits and scones on lower tier. By far the top tier was the best. We were served preserves, lemon curd, whipped butter; and finger sandwiches. The sandwiches were good, but not wonderful. We opted for champagne. Didn't see prices for anything, but overall it was around 170 pounds. Yes, it was expensive. I would try another tea somewhere else before coming back to The Library. Grateful to Daniela for taking care of us.
Michael P. • 1 review
27 April 2024
7/10I booked afternoon tea for my wife for mothers day and to celebrate our daughters 18th birthday, I remained home in ireland. Whilst they enjoyed the food and atmosphere I’m afraid the service failed to mention that it was £70 for a glass of wine. It’s not that they couldn’t afford it but it was never explained that this was not part of the cost and therefore doubled the cost of the experience. It’s disappointing that this small issue of not mentioning the extra cost put a big dampener on the overall afternoon. To add insult to injury they were charged £17.62 service charge! I’m assuming that’s to boost the profits. Shame on them
Christine M. • 1 review
14 April 2024
10/10
We had afternoon tea there and it was lovely. The staff were great and the food was wonderful. Would do it all over again.
Andrea W. • 1 review
19 February 2024
9.5/10
It was lovely that not only did you accommodate my request for a table with a good view as it was a birthday surprise for my partner, but the staff also provided a candle and a good chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ too!! The food was wonderfully presented and extremely delicious! only areas that we felt needed improvement are: 1. Offer clean plates when it’s obvious the savouries are finished with. We had to attract attention to request this, not wanting to combine savoury scone crumbs with the cheesecake. 2. Offer more tea - it took some time to attract attention to have the pots refreshed. Other than that it was a perfect time and we’d definitely return. Very lovely to be offered to smell the teas - I’d never have chosen Bora Bora without having done so.
Jun C. • 1 review
29 September 2023
10/10So amazing experience!!! Me and my sister was the first time in London… the time in the library was so lovely and great time! All staffs were very kind and friendly… definitely best experience in London!! Thank you guys for me to make amazing experience <3
Paul B. • 1 review
22 August 2023
4.5/10Over priced for what it was. Expected something more than ordinary in such an iconic setting Staff pleasant. Had to ask to move to another table as workmen can with a drill to assemble a table. Totally spoilt the occasion
jennifer g. • 3 reviews
8 August 2023
9/10The staff and ambience were perfect, wonderful views, delicious sandwiches and overall a marvellous experience!
Katrina P. • 1 review
14 August 2023
7/10I had a champagne tea with my niece at the Library - lovely window table with a great view of Big Ben. The tea, champagne, sandwiches and cakes were all excellent, as was the service. A shame it was let down by some of the worst scones I’ve ever had. The cheese ones were more like rock cakes and the fruit ones had the consistency you get when reheating something in the microwave for too long. We did complain and in fairness the manager was very apologetic and reduced the bill. Still disappointing as scones are not really that hard to get right.
Edward R. • 1 review
31 July 2023
9/10Really enjoyed it.
Robin K. • 1 review
13 July 2023
9/10Lovely surroundings, excellent service and good well presented food. A great occasion
Salima M. • 1 review
11 July 2023
4.5/10Service was very poor. Asked for a change of sandwiches and got the cheapest replacement - cucumber - to the BLT. Considering the amount paid the quality of the food and the quantity was shockingly bad. Would never recommend this place. It was an embarrassing moment with my guests from abroad. What a shame. Frankly a waste of money.
Tim J. • 1 review
1 July 2023
10/10Really lovely setting. Most seats have a view of Big Ben. Food and ambience was very good. We went for afternoon tea and we could not finish it - very filling ! Service is spot on and attentive to every need. Decent price too.
Susan A. • 1 review
29 June 2023
4.5/10A nice place to go, but food and service were lacking - it was also very expensive for what we had. We were not offered refills of either sandwiches or drinks. We swapped coffee for tea for a few of our table these were all added onto our bill.
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