What to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon in London?
The answer is always the same—afternoon tea, of course. But this wasn’t just any tea; it was a festive indulgence at The Library at County Hall, with views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the shimmering Thames.
From the moment we stepped into the venue, the holiday spirit was unmistakable. The hotel lobby greeted us with opulent Christmas decorations—a glowing tree, stockings hung by the fireplace,
and even a quaint Sweet Shoppe adorned with garlands of red and gold.
It was the kind of space where you could imagine settling in for a classic Christmas movie—or, in my case, an unforgettable afternoon tea.
The Setting: A Library That Feels Like a Warm Embrace
The tea room itself is what dreams are made in of—paneled bookshelves filled with vintage tomes, plush chairs, and a subtle festive touch with delicate decorations framing the windows.
Seated by the window, I couldn’t help but pause to admire the view: Big Ben standing tall through the drizzle, framed like a postcard against the River Thames.
The Food: A Deliciously Festive Spread
The menu was pure holiday decadence. The savoury course came with a selection of sandwiches: Devilled Prawn Cocktail on Spinach Bread, Spiced Gravadlax of Salmon with Citrus Crème Fraiche on Beetroot Bread, and a Roasted Norfolk Turkey Breast, Cranberry Butter on Classic White Bread. As well as a Caramelised Onion and ‘Tunworth’ English Camembert Tartlet and an Egg, Mayonnaise, Chive and Butter Brioche Bun.
The mini quiche and egg-filled brioche bun were absolute winners for me.
As for the sandwiches, the staff graciously accommodated my dietary preference by providing a custom tray without fish.
Though I did attempt a bite of the prawn one (spoiler: still not a fan!), I happily passed those along to Dominika.
Then came the scones—fluffy, warm, and served with the holy trinity of clotted cream, jam, and the most divine brandy butter.
My festive favourite, though, was the cranberry and cinnamon scone—a bite that tasted like Christmas morning.
The pastry tier was a showstopper, with intricate creations almost too beautiful to eat.
The highlight?
The Big Ben chocolate cake—rich, indulgent, and a perfect nod to the venue’s iconic view.
(Which we obviously saved for last).
The Vibes: Tea, Champagne, and a Holiday Glow
The afternoon was sprinkled with moments of quiet joy—champagne glasses clinking,
steaming tea being poured into delicate striped cups,
and the hum of conversation in the background.
Sitting there in my holiday ensemble, pearls sparkling and a cup of tea in hand, I felt like I had stepped into the pages of a festive novel.
They have a selection of teas. The tea I chose was the County Hall. A signature black tea with citrusy and floral notes.
A Few Notes for Fellow Tea Lovers
• Dietary Preferences: Don’t hesitate to let the staff know about allergies or aversions. They’re incredibly accommodating!
• Favourites: If you’re a savoury lover like me, don’t skip the quiche or egg-filled pastry.
• Festive Details: Don’t rush out—wander through the lobby to soak up the Christmas décor (the rocking horse by the fireplace is a charming touch).
Final Thoughts
Rainy afternoons in London rarely feel this magical, but at The Library at County Hall, the ordinary turns extraordinary. Whether it’s the clink of champagne glasses or the sight of Big Ben glowing in the distance, this festive afternoon tea is a reminder of why I adore this city in December.
