Interview: Waterloo Gardens Teahouse

Waterloo Gardens Teahouse in Penylan is a beloved staple of Roath all year round, but during Made in Roath season also doubles up as a venue, for some of the festival’s best offerings!

This year Steph from Waterloo Tea very kindly took the time to chat to me - about Made in Roath, what makes it such a special week, and to recommend us some cake!

First of all, thank you so much for all your help during Made in Roath!

Why do you think it is so important to support the festival? What is it that makes Made in Roath so distinctive?

Big hats off to the organisers and founders of MiR. Events such as these are incredibly hard work to put together and have such a huge impact on the area. Neighbours get to meet, the hidden jewels of Roath are exposed, and the area reveals another part of its identity. 

You’re hosting a lot of literary talent this year – Mab Jones’ book launch, and the Parthian New Voices event. What do you think of the literary scene in Roath, and Cardiff?

We have always been involved with the arts since we started nearly 6 years ago. Our art gallery changes monthly and is a real platform for both well known, established artists as well as the first timer. As part of the gallery we have also exhibited literary works. Roath is a real hotbed of creativity in this field. We have supported artists such as Peter Finch, Shelagh Weeks, Susan Richardson and local literary groups. Mab Jones is a good friend and an exceptional talent.

What do you enjoy most about the festival? Any particular events you’re keen to catch?

The spoken word events are attracting me at the moment as I've only ever watched incredible Youtube videos of it all. I can't wait to hear and see it in person. It's a true talent and has the power to express situations and emotions so poignantly. It's a truly captivating art. We enjoy the buzz that festival brings, especially in the tea house.

As a vendor, you must see a lot of festival-goers passing through – how would you describe the atmosphere among them?

You can tell who the MIR customers are as they spread their maps across the table and we hear discussion of where they'd like to go and what they'd like to see. It's great to serve them and chat with them about it all. The festival has grown so much over the years so it's also fun informing those who haven't gone to it before. Everyone seems to be really looking forward to it this year.

Any favourite memories from the festival in years past?

The first time will always be the most memorable. To see that it was actually working. After all the effort put in by the organisers - they had pulled it off! Felt immensely proud for them, and of Roath.

More than anything, Made in Roath is a celebration of Roath, and the artistic and cultural community that has sprung up inside its borders. Could you share something about what it’s like belonging to this community, all year round? What makes Roath special?

Of all the places to live in Cardiff, Roath has it all. A strong student and ex-student community brings fresh creativity to the area. A vibrant immigrant community disrupts any homogeneity which sometimes makes areas stale. 'Posher' areas within Roath, such as Penylan, allow the best of both worlds for those residents who don’t want to live too far out of the inner city. Again, events such as MiR pull all of these facets together and act as the glue between different communities.

There'll no doubt be lots of parched and ravenous festival-goers about this year - could you recommend them a Made in Roath-ian tea/cake combo?

It will have to be our new vegan "Chocolate and Avocado" cake partnered with a Matcha Latte. You might be thinking "what on earth…." but trust me, if you're up for trying something a bit new and feeling adventurous, you will not be disappointed! 

Finally, three words to sum up how you’re feeling about the festival this year?

Let's do this!

-Rebecca

You can find Waterloo Tea online here and on Twitter at @waterloogdnstea

Mab Jones and Johnny Giles will be launching their first collection and pamphlet, respectively, at Waterloo Gardens Teahouse on Tues 21 October, from 6-7:30pm. For more information check the Facebook event-page.

Rarebit and Cawl, the Parthian New Voices event, will be taking place at Waterloo Gardens Teahouse on Sun 19 Oct, from 6-7pm. For more information check the Facebook event-page. 

‘Landscapes of South Wales’ by Nicholas Ward is also being exhibited at the Teahouse, throughout the week.