Wyndham Arcade

Waterloo Tea, established in 2008, has become something of a Cardiff institution, with five tea rooms across Cardiff and Penarth, and a sixth due to open soon in the city.  Waterloo Tea at Wyndham Arcade, opened in 2014, serving a range of over 60 teas sourced from India, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Japan, as well as coffees and freshly prepared foods.

“As well as the range of tea, our food is what really sets us apart. We’ve really invested in the kitchens, in the staff and we take pride in our dishes. Everything is prepared fresh on site and we’re forever expanding the menu and trying new things that people may not find elsewhere in Cardiff,” says owner, Kasim Ali, “For instance, we’ve just added a shakshuka to our breakfast menu and we serve vegan and raw dishes on our lunchtime menu which are completely delicious. Our customers are becoming more knowledgeable so it’s important that we work hard and take risks with what we do.”

The store doubles as a shop, selling tea and coffee equipment, with Waterloo supplying tea to several of the big hotels and brands in Cardiff as well as destinations across Europe. It also hosts supper clubs and private events with a bespoke menu specially prepared by their in-house team.

Nestled between the railway station, John Lewis and opposite St David’s Centre, Wyndham Arcade is one of the first arcades visitors come across. “The arcade has real character, it’s got soul. Visitors from outside Cardiff are looking for something memorable and that’s what the independent stores in the arcades provide.” says Kasim.