The Library

4.2 ( 376 reviews )
Checking... 12:00 AM - 5:00 PM See Hours
Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7902 5535

If you're seeking a delightful afternoon tea experience in London, look no further than The Library. Nestled on Westminster Bridge Rd, this restaurant boasts stunning views of the iconic Big Ben and the River Thames. Guests rave about the exquisite ambiance, likening it to a serene escape where peace and elegance intertwine.

Reviews highlight the outstanding service, with staff members like Alejandro and Tetiana being particularly noted for their attentiveness. The tea selection is unique; patrons appreciate the charming presentation of tea flavors in jars, allowing them to explore aromas before making their choice. The culinary offerings shine as well, with standout dishes like the warm scones paired with homemade lemon curd and strawberry preserves receiving high praise. Customers like Melissa Rothchild and Ivette Ulikowski have commented on how satisfying and generous the portions are, contradicting any prior notions of inadequacy.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a London local, The Library promises a memorable dining experience filled with flavor, elegance, and breathtaking views. Many patrons, including myself, leave eager to return, encapsulating the essence of why this locale is becoming a top choice for afternoon tea in the city.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
    • No takeaway
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great tea selection
    • Has great wine list
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Romantic
    • Upmarket
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Brunch reservations recommended
    • Lunch reservations recommended
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards

Reviews For The Library

Pickles K
May 25,2025
What a beautiful place to have afternoon tea at service is fantastic, the setting is gorgeous, amazing river & parliament view, peace and quiet.
Melissa Rothchild
May 6,2025
We had a wonderful Afternoon Tea experience here! The setting is lovely, nestled within the library inside the hotel, and the food and tea was outstanding. I love the way they bring over all the tea flavors in jars you can open and smell the aroma and decide which ones you’d like to experience. And the truffle egg salad and onion cheese tarts were excellent. Our fave was probably the warm scones with homemade lemon curd and strawberry preserves. We had afternoon tea in several places while in London and this was the best experience.
Ivette Ulikowski
Apr 25,2025
As first-time visitors to London, we felt compelled to experience afternoon tea. I am delighted that we selected The Library. It boasted breathtaking views, courteous staff (Alejandro and Tetiana), excellent cuisine, and an elegant, upscale library ambiance. We perused reviews suggesting that the food portions were insufficient, which I find perplexing, as my husband and I were unable to finish the ample offerings. The scones were exceptionally fresh and delectable. We opted for the Gin afternoon tea, and the beverages were refreshing. Our chosen tea flavors were the Bora Bora and The County Hall, both of which were delicious. We will undoubtedly return on our next visit to London. Thank you!!
Me!
Apr 23,2025
I visited in April for afternoon tea. The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were very friendly. Before my visit, I requested a seat with a view of Big Ben, and when I arrived, they had kindly set the table exactly where I had asked. Even though I arrived 20 minutes late due to a transportation issue, they were still very welcoming and kind to us. I would highly recommend this place!
Holly
Apr 8,2025
I may not be an afternoon tea expert, but I really enjoyed my experience. Gorgeous views of Big Ben from the windows. The food was delicious. I left feeling very full !
Wellington Gooch
Apr 3,2025
Great atmosphere and service here! The afternoon tea was good not great because the sandwiches were ok. The County Hall tea was our favorite! The desserts and scones were great! Also the cheese tart & truffled egg brioche bun alone give this experience a 5 star!
Brenda Miller
Mar 26,2025
We had two great breakfasts here while staying at the hotel. The service was fantastic, the view was to die for and the atmosphere was perfection. My partner is a writer and having breakfast at The Library each morning started our day on a perfect note
Emily Zathey
Mar 23,2025
A beautiful and relaxing experience. Everything we tried was incredibly fresh and flavourful. We enjoyed how the server explained each item to us and the ingredients without us having to ask. The price is high (especially with the conversion rates to Canadian dollars goodness me!) but it was well worth it for how amazing every single item was and the atmosphere. I would definitely go back.

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