![soho notes to bear soho notes to bear](https://66.media.tumblr.com/2090140f831b9b306c7853d605d1d715/tumblr_oc154k2Ikh1rhtv1uo1_500.jpg)
The library has a particularly lovely atmosphere being just off the lobby so you can see what's going on, with interesting lighting and decor and squashy comfy chairs, plus if you are a biggish group (8-10) it will probably be yours alone so it's very private. Service is great with waiters popping in to check on your progress but then leaving you to chomp and chat in peace. I get a little nervous sharing food sometimes (will there be enough for my greedy guts? will I eat embarrassingly more than my fair share?) but this is assuaged by the knowledge that sarnie top ups here are free-flowing. There's plenty of choice to please everyone and the kitchen accommodates any dietary needs. And the food itself is fantastic: very refined with finger slices of cucumber sandwiches and the like, fruity scones, lovely little chocolatey and cakey mouthfuls. Anyway, you can drink as much tea as you can physically take on board (a propos of which, as with all hotels, the toilets are handily located on the ground floor and very accessible) which is, if not as fun as bubbles, at least as interesting as there are multiple brews from which to choose. You can of course have a drink: the afternoon tea has a champagne option but as you are gently supping in the relaxed and elegant surroundings of the library or sitting room you evade the usual guilt about consuming alcohol before the traditional 6pm English watershed. We have been to Soho Hotel several times as a group for a civilised afternoon tea whenever we have been able to come up with an excuse (Christmas, maternity leave, it's a weekend…) and it is perfect for a catch up when you don't want to go out for dinner or accidentally get wasted at drinks.
![soho notes to bear soho notes to bear](https://sohopress.com/wp-content/uploads/2001/10/9781616959135-679x1024.jpg)
All in all a great room, great atmosphere with a little bit of a wow factor let down by the service. Obtaining our coats was a bit of a palaver and involved us going to the hotel reception and they initially left a scarf in the cloakroom. Afternoon Tea was great though they left a sandwich off. The original manager came over and apologised that we we were at a completely different table than was agreed. It was nice but the moment was spoilt by the server telling us we had to leave this table in 2.5 hours. Almost 10 minutes late we were seated at a completely different table. She offered me a table by the door ( worst table in the room?) I suggested a vacant table in the corner and she agreed to sort it out in a few moments. After waiting 10 minutes beyond our booked time I went back to the manager. We were asked to go to the bar and wait for our table. We pre-booked as it was Mothers Day and we arrived early. The restaurant looked fabulous - great lighting and decor.