The Library: London’s Best Afternoon Tea for Book Lovers

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition and one you can’t leave the UK without experiencing for yourself.

I’ve never reviewed an afternoon tea on this blog before, but after going to The Library afternoon tea London, I couldn’t help myself! Afternoon tea at the Library at County Hall is one of the most unique afternoon teas in London. It combines so many of my favorite things: tea, great food, a beautiful library, and one of the best views of London, which is one of my favorite cities.

If you are a reader who loves libraries and tea, I honestly think this is the best afternoon tea in London you can find.

By the way, if you’re searching for somewhere to have high tea in London thinking that’s the fancier option, that’s a very common mixup! The main difference between afternoon tea and high tea is what time it’s typically served. Afternoon tea is usually served mid-afternoon, whereas high tea is served closer to 5 p.m. and includes heartier food.

Make sure you pin this post to reference when planning your next London trip!

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org, because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

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The Atmosphere: Library Afternoon Tea London

Afternoon tea at the Library is located in the former London County Hall building, a short walk down from the famous London Eye on the South Bank.

The restaurant and afternoon tea venue is located in the room that formerly housed the London City Council but was recently renovated into what it is today. Luckily for us, they kept the original dark oak bookcases filled with antiquarian books that make this room what it is: a book lover’s delight!

The bookshelves that surround you during your afternoon tea at the library London are spaced in such a way as to afford diners a bit of privacy from other tables, creating a cozy and intimate setting. Arguably best of all, out of every window you can gaze upon one of the best sights in London: a stunning view of the Thames River, the Houses of Parliament, and the iconic Elizabeth Tower, most commonly referred to as Big Ben (which is actually the name of one of the bells inside).

When I went around New Year’s, the Library London was decked out in tasteful but festive Christmas decor, which was a really nice touch.

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Related: If you’re looking for more afternoon tea experiences, check out these unique afternoon teas in London.

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The Library Afternoon Tea: The food & drink

The menu for the Signature afternoon tea at the Library changes occasionally but stays the same in its essentials. For one price, you get a pot of high-quality loose-leaf tea of your choosing, a selection of finger sandwiches, two scones with jam and clotted cream, and three desserts. You also have the option to add a glass of sparkling wine.

Before choosing your tea, a server brings out samples of the tea selection, allowing and encouraging you to see and smell the teas for yourself before deciding. There’s a good combination of black, herbal, green, and rooibos teas from which to select. I found this to be a really nice touch; so often when going to afternoon tea you have to blindly choose a tea based on a vague menu description or a server’s recommendation. I really enjoyed taking my time to appreciate the high-quality tea selection and make a good choice of my tea.

The tea I chose was incredibly delicious, and I highly recommend it. It is the County Hall tea, made specifically for The Library. It was so delicious I drank two pots by myself and ended up buying a canister of it so I could enjoy it at home.

Side note: When I love a tea I’ve had somewhere, it becomes one of my favorite souvenirs from that place, as every time I enjoy that tea it takes me right back to those memories. For example, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Tea for Ruby I tried and purchased while visiting Savannah, Georgia.

The china used to serve your afternoon tea is a custom design for The Library, and it’s simple but dignified. It’s stately, much like the room you’re sitting in.

Now, on to one of the most important parts: the food!

I’ve had afternoon teas that were all about presentation but sadly lacking in flavor. This was not the case at the Library London afternoon tea!

The selection of finger sandwiches was adequate and filling, though nothing spectacular. However, the scones were just what scones should be — flavorful without being overwhelming, served warm, and not too dense.

The dessert presentation was on point, and each one tasted like heaven.

The three desserts were themed rather appropriately on the newly renovated Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben, featuring:

• an Elizabeth Tower inside-out double chocolate mousse cake, which was every bit as divine as it sounds. The mousse manages to be light and rich yet is still able to hold the shape of the clock tower

• a Big Ben bell-shaped lemon curd, raspberry, and butter shortbread, a nice balance of sharp and sweet

• a Clockface panna cotta, rhubarb, almond, and crispy white chocolate, which managed to delight even this non-white-chocolate-lover.

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Is afternoon tea at the Library London worth it?

So, in case you couldn’t tell by my immoderate praise, the answer is a resounding yes! The Library is to date my favorite afternoon tea experience in London or anywhere, for that matter. A great combination of quality, style, and ambiance and is worth every penny.

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Related: Want to have an afternoon tea experience at home? Check out my guide for how to make green tea (properly) as well as my recommendations for the best bookish tea companies.

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Things to know about afternoon tea at the Library:

• As with any afternoon tea in London, be sure to reserve well in advance of your travel dates, as they get booked up frequently weeks in advance.

• Conveniently, they do offer a Vegan afternoon tea for those looking for a plant-based afternoon tea in London.

• The entrance to the Library is not immediately obvious from the South Bank. It is inside the London Marriott County Hotel, which must be entered from Westminster Bridge Road. Go through the main hotel entrance and then take the hallway to the left. There will be porters around who are happy to give directions.

London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd

London, United Kingdom SE1 7PB

Mon-Sun 12 PM – 5 PM

• Afternoon tea first began as a snack to get one through that 3 o’clock slump between lunch and dinner, but the menu is usually so extensive these days when you go to afternoon tea that it’s really a meal unto itself! For me, an afternoon tea such as this is a substitute for lunch, and I don’t think I’ve ever been able to finish all of my food, no matter how delicious.

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Related: If you love books and tea, check out my gift guide for tea and book lovers and get yourself or a loved one something you’ll love.

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Other bookish attractions in London

London is one of my favorite cities, and it’s a treasure trove of sights for the bookish-minded traveler. Here’s a quick reference to some of my guides to other London attractions you might enjoy:

• The Charles Dickens Museum where the author lived and wrote many of his bestselling novels
• The Sherlock Holmes Museum, a recreation of Sherlock and Watson’s fictional Baker Street apartment
• Dr. Johnson’s House, where he compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary
• For Harry Potter fans, a complete list of Harry Potter things to do in London
• How to visit the Globe Theatre (all your options, detailed)
• Take the Literary London Pub tour, an unforgettable night on the town for those who want to learn a little something while they socialize and drink

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I hope this helps you decide to visit The Library if you’re looking for the best London afternoon tea for book lovers.

Don’t forget to pin this post, and make sure to let me know if you end up going!