Afternoon Tea at The Library

A truly British tradition

A quintessentially British experience awaits in the heart of London's most iconic building, the County Hall. Right next to the famous London Eye, you can enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the River Thames, Houses of Parliament and London's most well known landmark: the Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben.

Read on to learn more about the tradition of Afternoon Tea and see our menu below.

The story behind afternoon tea

Anna Maria, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the invention of afternoon tea in 1840. She is said to have experienced what she called a ‘sinking feeling’ in the middle of the afternoon due to the long gap between light luncheon and her evening meal.

To relieve her hunger pangs she asked her footman to bring her a pot of tea and a little light refreshment and soon she enjoyed this ritual so much she began to invite her friends over for tea and gossip about the latest scandal. The ritual caught on and afternoon tea became all the rage among the upper crust.
Soon all fashionable London was indulging in afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea from £39

Discover our traditional Afternoon Tea in the historical Library, filled with all of the classics of the traditional English flavour.

Selection of cakes & pastries

Lemon Thyme and Praline Meringue Tart

Mulled Wine and Chocolate Macaron

Spiced Caramel, Pear and Ginger Slice

Selection of finger sandwiches

Honey Cured Ham and Mustard on Basil Bread

Whipped ‘Rosary’ Goats Cheese and Caramelized Onion on Onion Bread

H Forman and Son London Cured Salmon and Caper Butter on Beetroot Bread

Crayfish Cocktail and Maryrose Mini Brioche Roll

Selection of homemade Scones

Plain Scones

Cinnamon and Cranberry Sweet Scones

Served with Tiptree County Hall Strawberry Jam and Dorset Clotted Cream

All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your final bill. If you are concerned about food allergies, e.g. nuts, you are invited to ask one of our team members for assistance.

Special Offers

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea from £39, including a selection of home-made pastries, scones with jam and clotted cream together with some savory treats. Learn More

Reserve now

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Champagne lovers, this is for you. Treat yourself royally with free-flowing champagne from £59 including your favourite afternoon tea. Learn More

Reserve now

Free-flowing bubbles Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Enjoy our signature free-flowing bubbles afternoon tea from £39 with views of Big Ben. Learn More

Reserve now

Looking for more places to enjoy Afternoon Tea in London? Discover a selection of our favorites here >

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Afternoon Tea

Enjoy the best of British Afternoon Tea treats

A seasonally designed afternoon tea menu that combines the British classics like scones and clotted cream with savoury delights designed by our Chef to please every palate.

Join us and try our tea for yourself.

A delicious treat for you and your family

Enjoy a delicous afternoon tea overlooking the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and river Thames, daily at The Library.

Afternoon Tea for you and your friends

A glass of champagne, a home-made scone and the best views in London. Discover Afternoon Tea at The Library.

Free-flowing afternoon tea

Enjoy a free-flowing afternoon tea at The Library to relax away from busy London life.

Limited edition seasonal afternoon tea

There is no better way to spend an afternoon in London.

Afternoon tea with iconic views

Treat yourself with a quintessentially British experience: a traditional afternoon tea overlooking the River Thames.

Book your table overlooking Big Ben

Indulge yourself with a traditional afternoon tea featuring some of the most iconic views in London.

Unlimited bubbles afternoon tea

Indulge yourself with our savoury canapés and sweet treats selection.

Afternoon Tea at The Library

A truly British tradition

The story behind afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea from £39

Selection of cakes & pastries

Lemon Thyme and Praline Meringue Tart

Mulled Wine and Chocolate Macaron

Spiced Caramel, Pear and Ginger Slice

Selection of finger sandwiches

Honey Cured Ham and Mustard on Basil Bread

Whipped ‘Rosary’ Goats Cheese and Caramelized Onion on Onion Bread

H Forman and Son London Cured Salmon and Caper Butter on Beetroot Bread

Crayfish Cocktail and Maryrose Mini Brioche Roll

Selection of homemade Scones

Plain Scones

Cinnamon and Cranberry Sweet Scones

Served with Tiptree County Hall Strawberry Jam and Dorset Clotted Cream

Special Offers

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Free-flowing bubbles Afternoon Tea

Mon-Fri 2pm - 4h30pm Sat-Sun 12pm - 4h30pm

Free-flowing bubbles Afternoon Tea

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