The Library Lounge

We were able to dine at the Library Lounge as part of our stay at The Standard. There was a nice selection of complimentary a la carte items, on top of the breakfast buffet. Interior is quite nice, and the food was up to par as well.

2 months ago · via Google

Despite the lovely atmosphere and decor, it was bad service. We were pointed to the sofas by a lady who didn’t give us a menu or explain how to order. After going to find if we were able to get menus we ordered and only got half our order. After 30 minutes they told us the lounge is only for hotel guests (mind you they are counting the time from you arrive in your 90 mins). Some of us did not get to start our meals and others did not get to finish. So it’s a library dine in design but the books are not for actual reading. 1 staff member out of the 10 we interacted was very nice…

3 months ago · via Google

Such a mixed experience. I reserved a section for birthday drinks, which was straightforward. They asked how many people, and then said it was done. I turned up here for my birthday drinks a few minutes early with two balloons, wearing an entirely appropriate plain baby blue tracksuit. Two people, including one member of staff complimented me on my outfit on my way in. I felt good and was looking forward to it. As I got to the entrance to the Library Lounge a lady who was not friendly but not unfriendly - simply perfunctory - asked if she could help and looked for my booking. She then said that they do not allow balloons. I said it would have been helpful to know this in advance so she said she would get the manager. At this point, I’m still standing in the entrance. The manager - I regret not getting her name, but a mousey blonde white woman in a cardigan, who may have been French - came over. She was again, not friendly, not welcoming and there was no preamble, she went straight in with telling me balloons were not allowed anywhere in the building. I asked what she wanted me to do and reiterated that this was information that should have been provided at the time of booking. She said she could put the balloons in a room and I could get them back before I left. I said ok, but again said I didn’t understand why I wasn’t told before. She then looked at me, very unfriendly, and said there was no mention of it being an “occasion” on the booking “and the policy is no balloons… “ pause as she looks at me “and no fancy dress”. The tone was very much implying that I was in fancy dress - why was she even saying it - and was utterly offensive. I had been really looking forward to drinks for my 50th birthday and this was absolutely ruining it. I told her this and said very clearly “I am not in fancy dress”. I felt so attacked that I had to step away to compose myself. It all felt like I had been made to feel unwelcome and scolded from the moment I arrived at the entrance of the bar, after having the most lovely chat with the wonderful doorman and being so excited, happy and smiley. She followed me and said she did not say I was, she was telling me company policy - I’m not sure why citing random company policies unrelated to the situation was necessary and didn’t buy her explanation which, again was cold and came across so rudely - but said she didn’t want to spoil my birthday so could she get me a drink. I then noticed my bracelet was missing so quickly retraced my steps, found it a minute later and walked back where I was shown to my table by the same manager, tucked in the back by the staff entrance. As we walked, she said “I don’t know what you think I said wrong” once again in a frosty tone, which did not help things. She asked what I wanted and I said I needed a minute to look at the menu. I realised I had a little while before my friends arrived so I asked her where Bookmarc was - I hadn’t realised it was a pop up, I’d just seen it advertised on the front of the building recently but I’d come in the main entrance this time. Again, with the surliest, most condescending tone, she replied “That’s not here. It’s hasn’t been here for AGES”. If I say it came out like an aural eye roll, you’ll get the idea. I decided to start looking for an alternative venue. I felt so unwelcome and as if I was a nuisance. I don’t care that balloons aren’t allowed, I care that the manager in particular was so utterly rude, condescending and unwelcoming. If you work in a service industry job, you need to have people skills and even just basic kindness goes a long way. This was entirely absent and I was treated like a problem to be bought off with a free drink. Our server, I believe, Samfir (it was loud so apologies if I got that wrong!) absolutely saved our night so we stayed. He is new and apologised for the balloon issue, was friendly and lovely all night. Frederick on the door was also just wonderful. They need more staff like them and better training for the manager. Good drinks, noisy but fun place, just don’t bring balloons 🎈

4 months ago · via Google

such a treat-yourself location, and that i definitely did 🌹 perfect vibes with the tastiest dessert & drinks x amazing service despite how ram it gets between 3 and 7pm, big up!

2 months ago · via Google