Waterloo Gardens Teahouse is one of those delightful places that doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does do, it does very well. Despite the hype surrounding this unique establishment, you will not fail to be impressed as soon as you step through the door – every high expectation will be met.

The menu features over 60 different loose-leaf teas. Each tea is acutely described, stating its origin and brewing guidelines. The list changes each year, selecting the very best teas from the season’s harvest – ensuring even the biggest tea-lovers will not grow tired of the menu. With the amount of teas available you would be forgiven for not ordering a coffee. Discovering that Waterloo Gardens won the BSA award for ‘Best Coffee Shop’ in the United Kingdom, however, may make you reconsider. The coffee here really is as good as you can get in the UK.

Your tea or coffee would not be complete without a slice of one of their homemade cakes, many of which are gluten-free, sugar-free and suitable for vegans. Make sure you try the legendary courgette and lime cake, sitting alongside equally deliciously unusual combinations including orange and pistachio, apple and rosemary, as well as chocolate, chilli and orange.

Afternoon tea is served daily and comprises a three-tier stand filled with delectable finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, along with cakes and the tea of your choice. Alongside the multitude of cakes that are available throughout the day, for breakfast you can enjoy light bites including muesli, toast or teacakes, with soup, panini and salads available at lunchtime. All dishes are made with dietary requirements in mind, leaving you to enjoy all the fantastic flavours without worry.

All the loose-leaf tea on the menu is available to buy, allowing you to enjoy the great flavours of the Waterloo Gardens Teahouse wherever you are. A wide range of teaware and related paraphernalia is also available for purchase, so you can prepare your brew to absolute perfection.

Waterloo Gardens Teahouse has already become a benchmark for all similar places to aspire to. An establishment that is simply getting better by the day, it is no wonder so many people flock to experience it for themselves. Find them on Twitter @waterlootea.