The Lobby

I had a great moment at the Lobby. The taste and the quality of food was far beyond my expectations. Also the kindness and professionalism of the staff made me feel comfortable. The interior is not as glitzy as it could be, and may be slightly inferior to the traditional English buildings around it. Anyway, it was definitely good choice for an anniversary lunch with my wife.

During my last visit, I was told there was a minimum spend requirement for lunch, something that is not mentioned anywhere on their website or in the booking details. This was surprising, as I visit Peninsula regularly and have never been informed of such a policy before. The lack of transparency makes it difficult for customers to plan properly. What made the situation even more concerning was the inconsistency in this so-called policy. I was told the minimum spend was £35, while a friend who visited shortly after was told it was £85. This discrepancy is confusing and gives the impression of an arbitrary rule that isn’t applied uniformly. I won't even talk about the rude hostess who looks like she does not want you there. As a returning customer, I expect clarity, consistency, and honesty. I also sent an email to the restaurant to address the issue, but received no response, which was disappointing. This place is not how it used to be.

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 definitely worth it.

I had luxurious experience visiting the lobby at The Peninsula London Hotel. We had an outstanding breakfast. Service was excellent too. once I entered the hotel I felt I was in a different world. I was amazed by the interior design. The atmosphere was beautiful peaceful most glamorous hotel in London.

We had Afternoon Tea. Champagne was excellent. Sandwiches and scones were excellent. Sweets were mostly so, so. No real variety. They say tea is unlimited but the longer you stay and the more tea you drink, the weaker it becomes. They don't steep it in your individual pot but back in the kitchen. The setting is loud, busy, crowded, disruptive. Lobby has two entrances people are flowing through constantly. At one point, a group of about 40 paraded through to go to a hotel function room. Consequently, the live pianist has to play louder and louder. 100% not 5 star.

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 has to offer.

Varied breakfast menu, good service and bright space to kick off the day. Whether it’s a breakfast meeting or just a calm brekkie to kick off your day, it does the job. The high ceilings, marble, greenery does give you the feel of a fresh new day but makes you want to stay there for longer!

On 7 Sep 2025 during our trip to London, we had the opportunity to celebrate a family member's birthday by taking the "Peninsula Afternoon Tea". The whole experience is what one expects from the Peninsula brand name; the level of service was superb, food was good and generous; and a classy meeting place. We had a good time. Date of posting: 7 Sep 2025.