Best Library Afternoon Tea in London (with Views of Big Ben!)

Having afternoon tea in London is a quintessential experience. I knew I had to do it while visiting London for the first time, so I searched through dozens of options until I found the perfect one — afternoon tea in a library with views of Big Ben out the window.

How magical does that sound?

We had an incredible experience having afternoon tea at the Library at County Hall. Here’s my ultimate review of the County Hall afternoon tea, including everything you should know before you go.

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What to Look for in a London Afternoon Tea

It can be overwhelming trying to decide which afternoon tea to book in London. Not to mention that they’re all pretty pricey! If you can only afford one afternoon tea while in London, make it special.

Choose an afternoon tea with:

A view
Ambience
An interesting menu

The Library at County Hall afternoon tea fits the bill perfectly.

What to Expect at the Library at County Hall Afternoon Tea

You’ll walk into the London Marriott Hotel County Hall and go down a few hallways to reach the Library.

Once you’re in the Library, you’ll see the tables surrounded by bookcases filled with old books.

You have two hours to enjoy the experience, which includes unlimited refills on your selected tea, so sit back and enjoy.

About the Venue

London County Hall used to be the seat of government from 1922 to 1986. Now it houses several businesses and attractions, including the Marriott hotel.

You can still see historical details around the building as its Edwardian charm was much maintained. Its wood paneled rooms have seen many important moments in England’s history.

The author at her table for afternoon tea — Afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall

About the Food and Tea

Once seated, you’ll be shown a box of loose-leaf teas in little bottles. You’re able to smell each to make your decision. You can have nearly endless refills of your selected tea.

The selection of teas include:

Rooibos tea
Green tea
Cinnamon tea
County blend tea
Mint tea
Chamomile tea
Berries tea
Afternoon tea
Jasmine tea
Prince grey tea

The three-tiered tray arrives next, and it will include:

Finger sandwiches
Raisin and cheddar scones
Desserts

The desserts are the star of the show, featuring a cheesecake clockface, a hazelnut chocolate Queen Elizabeth Tower, and a Panna Cotta Big Ben.

The menu fits in perfectly with the location as you could see Big Ben just out the window (and across the Thames River).

You can find full menus on their website.

Is There an Option for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The Library at County Hall offers a vegan afternoon tea with all-vegan finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. While I’m not vegan (I’m vegetarian), I selected this option and appreciated that they catered to people who don’t eat meat. Please make a note of your vegan preference in your reservation!

Note that the desserts are slightly different for the vegan tea — you won’t get a clockface cheesecake or Panna Cotta Big Ben. Instead, you’ll get a small pie and sandwich cookie. You will still get the chocolate Elizabeth Tower!

The author's mom at their afternoon tea table

three treats on a white tray, one shaped like a bell, one shaped like a clock face, and one shaped like the Elizabeth Clock Tower

Tips Before Booking Afternoon Tea at the Library

You’ll have two hours to enjoy the experience of afternoon tea.
Be sure to make a note in your booking about any diet or allergy restrictions.
Afternoon tea is offered from noon to 5 p.m.
Book the first or last slot for a less crowded experience.
During holidays or special occasions, a themed afternoon tea may be available.
Dress is business casual (for ladies, it’s a nice chance to pull out a cute dress).

Tip for a Less Crowded Experience

Try taking your afternoon tea at the first slot (noon) or last slot (5 p.m.) of the day. We took our afternoon tea at 5 p.m., the last slot of the day, and so most tables were empty or being emptied.

However, the tables are spread apart enough to where anytime you go will probably be fine.

The author and her mom at their table in The Library at County Hall — Afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall

Cost of the Library at County Hall Afternoon Tea

We went for the cheapest option, the signature afternoon tea (with no champagne), and it was £55 per person at the time (2022). It’s now £70 per person.

Here are the current offerings for the County Hall afternoon tea:

Signature afternoon tea — £70 per person
Champagne afternoon tea — £85 per person
Free-flowing sparkling wine afternoon tea — £105 per person

It seems overpriced to me as the food was good but not that spectacular to warrant the cost. I think you are paying for the view and the overall experience.

However, despite the cost, I definitely do not regret it as I really enjoyed our two hours of afternoon tea and have it as a fond memory of our first day in London.

Is This Afternoon Tea Worth It?

Out of all the afternoon tea options in London I researched, I’m glad I chose the Library at County Hall afternoon tea. The unique library atmosphere coupled with unbeatable views of Big Ben and Parliament made for a truly incredible experience.

I loved that the food fit with the “Big Ben” theme, as well.

If anything will make you feel like you’re in London, having afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall will do it.

It is expensive, so this was the only afternoon tea we were able to try in London. It was worth it.

How to Book the Library at County Hall Afternoon Tea

You can book through OpenTable. Note that there isn’t an option for the signature afternoon tea (without champagne) even though it’s on their menu.

You don’t need to pay in advance, so just make a note of whichever option you choose whether you’d like champagne or not. The waitress will ask you again once you’re seated at your table.

I selected the standard a la carte option on OpenTable and wrote a note asking for the signature without champagne. I also made a note for one vegan afternoon tea. Everything worked out perfectly, so I think it’s totally fine to do it this way.

Where to Stay in London

If you are planning to do this afternoon tea at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, consider also staying at the hotel.

The next best thing is to stay near a major train station or tube station.

We stayed near the Paddington Station, at The Caesar Hotel in London (by Hyde Park and Bayswater).

Recommended Hotels in London:

London Marriott Hotel County Hall (close to Waterloo Train Station, with views of Big Ben and London Eye)
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (close to Waterloo Train Station, with views of Big Ben and London Eye)
The Caesar Hotel (where we stayed, close to Paddington Train Station)
The Wellington Hotel Waterloo (close to Waterloo Train Station)

What to Pack for Your Trip to England

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.