The Lobby — Restaurant in London

Our visit to The Peninsula began with the intention of exploring the Boutique & Cafe, but we were soon seduced by the allure of the main lobby’s grandeur. As we stepped into the hotel’s heart, the opulence of the surroundings, accompanied by the soft strains of live piano and vocals from the raised first-floor stage, made our decision effortless - lunch at The Lobby was inevitable.

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. We were warmly welcomed and presented with both the Afternoon Tea and À La Carte menus, then graciously offered our choice of seating.

Craving something light, we opted for the Club Sandwich, the Smoked Beef Toastie, and a bottle of Coates & Seely sparkling Rosé NV.

The Club Sandwich was a refined interpretation of the classic. While I would have preferred traditional sliced eggs over the mini omelette nestled within, the dish remained satisfying, showcasing The Peninsula’s unique twist on this staple. The bacon was delightfully salty—exactly as it should be—though the bread could have benefited from a more robust toasting. At £36, a touch more generosity in the chicken and bacon departments would have been appreciated.

The Smoked Beef Toastie, however, was a revelation. The bread was perfectly toasted, with the super-thin gherkins adding a delightful tang. Our request for mustard on the side was noted and executed flawlessly, a testament to the attentive service that is, surprisingly, not always a given elsewhere. Still, an extra slice of the succulent smoked beef would have elevated the experience even further.

Each dish was accompanied by a choice of chips or salad, a detail curiously absent from the menu.

The Coates & Seely sparkling Rosé NV was a perfect match—chilled to perfection, it offered a refreshing, fruity counterpoint to our meal. Surprisingly, it was also quite reasonably priced.

In summary, our lunch at The Lobby was a delightful experience, characterized by refined flavors and excellent service. We would certainly return, eager to explore more of what this elegant venue...

I recently visited The Peninsula for afternoon tea at The Lobby, and while the setting and service were as elegant as expected, I encountered a frustrating issue that tarnished the experience.

When I booked my table, I was required to pay a £120 deposit, which should have been deducted from the final bill. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I was charged the full amount again, and it wasn’t until I reviewed the payment details that I realized the mistake.

For a five-star hotel that prides itself on luxury and attention to detail, this type of error is inexcusable. It is basic practice to have systems in place to account for deposits and ensure a seamless customer experience. Having to address this issue during what should have been a relaxing afternoon was frustrating and disappointing.

While the ambiance and tea were lovely, this experience left a negative impression, and I am hesitant to return. I urge management to ensure their systems and processes are better aligned with the level of service customers expect from The Peninsula. Guests should not have to double-check such basics at a venue of...

I had afternoon tea at The Lobby with a friend. Everything was perfect - from the service to the live music.

Let’s just say the food was delicious and the four teas I had very lovely. The atmosphere was beautiful. The tables were far enough apart to have a private conversation . It was a Monday afternoon ( Jan 29) so it was rather quiet. What made it extra nice was the service. There was a very young, tall, blond gentleman who was absolutely lovely. He noticed I was sniffling and discreetly placed a box of tissue paper on the table. There were plenty of servers to refill our tea and sandwiches. I was with a friend I hadn’t seen in years so it was nice we were not given a time constraint ( which was not the case at some afternoon tea places).

Afternoon tea is expensive but that particular quiet afternoon was so peaceful it was...