London Marriott County Hall - Library Lounge
Feb 2015
Did the ingredients sparkle?
The sandwiches were very traditional (we each got 5 little sandwiches - beef, ham, egg, salmon and cucumber). There were a few different types of flat bread thrown in there but nothing particularly exciting going on with the fillings to bring it to life - altogether more of a box-ticking exercise. Sparkle it didn't.
The scones were lovely though - one savoury (with chives in and cream cheese to spread over) and one sweet (normal fruit scone with jam and clotted cream to spread over) each. All wrapped up to keep warm - often done but always appreciated!
The cakes (close up below) were where the most creativity came through - earl grey blob on biscuit and caramel/jam combo in pastry were both particularly nice. The chocolate was a bit sweet for me but good textures and the macaron was very minty - not my favourite flavour but a very nice idea to finish off the meal.
Did the service/atmosphere sparkle?
The room is absolutely lovely - wood paneling, view out over the Thames and House of Parliament plus armchairs at most tables. There are shelves of books everywhere (as the "library lounge" name suggests) and a cute spiral staircase for getting to the upper balcony.
The service was excellent - we had a voucher for free-flowing champagne with our afternoon tea and I don't think our glasses ever got more than half empty before they were topped up by an unobtrusive, polite, smiling waitress. We were also offered hot water top-ups for our tea (which came out in a fancy case for us to smell all the varieties before ordering - nice touch!) to fuel a nice long natter.
Did it make me happy?
It was a good solid offering, and good value with the free-flowing champagne although it wasn't innovative/ creative/ knock-out tasty. I'd say it made me feel quietly snug, content and pleased.
STAR RATING: 3 / 5 stars
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