Dined on October 20, 2024
- Overall 4
- Food 4
- Service 3
- Ambience 4
We had to wait 20 minutes to be seated, and that was only after I told the receptionist that we had a time limit. After reading other reviews, before going to the High Tea, I knew I would have to be on top of the service. Like others, we got our scones and ate half of them before the wait staff returned with the clotted cream and lemon curd as promised. I had to flagged down the waitress to remind her, she was very apologetic and returned with it a few minutes later. One pot of tea was left on our table and the other on the side board next to our table so we were able to serve ourselves and not wait for someone to check to see if we needed more.
The food was plentiful, we took quite a bit of leftovers home. My daughter got the vegan high tea option, which they up charge by $10. It was good, except for the desserts, only the pumpkin pie was tasty. I was grateful they had two dairy free options for milk, almond and oak milk. However, our waitress did not offer these options until I asked if they had any.
I do not like the fact they automatically charge a 20% gratuity! How are we to let them know we are not satisfied with the service. For the price we paid they should not be running so behind and forgetful. I do not blame our waitress, she was a lovely lady and was doing the best she could. They are terribly understaffed, I noticed other tables where they had to go fetch their pots of tea from the side board and also flag down their waitstaff for forgotten items.
The value was not there for the price we paid, we will not be returning. There are many high teas offered in and around Pasadena, with beautiful settings and even a harpist, that we will try instead of The Lobby Lounge.
