The t Lounge by Dilmah at Arcade 

Ambience and Friendly Staff – 5 stars 

From the moment you are greeted at the door to when you sit, are handed the menu and a chilled welcome drink, The t Lounge by Dilmah at Arcade Independence Square sets the bar high when it comes to ambience and service while the chic, relaxed yet funky atmosphere along with the cute ‘t-Bears’ Harold and Henrietta and the ever so cheerful staff, make you feel at home. 

Taste and value for money – 5 stars 

The beverages on offer – be it cold or hot, are nothing short of fantastic. While an aspect which really struck me is how the tea cups and glasses retain the heat after several minutes but don’t burn your fingers and the chilled drinks retain their flavour and chill for several minutes. 

My pick was the Natural Vanilla Iced Tea (Rs 350). Served in a mason jar with a lid made of ice and topped with fruit this drink was mind blowing. The subtle vanilla flavour coupled with slices of strawberry made this one tasty and refreshing drink. 

Aside from being yummy the presentation of the following beverage will catch your eye as it is served on a bed of ice – the Marvellously Milky TTK (Rs 420). This pulled-tea made with the finest single region Ceylon tea and condensed milk is one cool, dreamy concoction. 

Among their ‘Tea with a touch of Kitsch’ is the Regular t TK (Rs 350), served hot and poured using the ‘thei yaare’ method. This range consists of frothy ‘tinkiri thei’ brewed strong and bright, blended with condensed milk and infused with spices like Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom or Lemongrass. 

Even though this is very much a tea lounge they are not short of delicious food of which their crepes are really special. Do try the Spicy Chicken Crepe (Rs 550) which comes packed with loads of shredded chicken and oodles of melted cheese, while the Chocolate Craving (Rs 550) is a Nutella lover’s dream. 

They also have a range of frozen desserts of which the Earl Grey Ice Cream (Rs 290 – Single Scoop/Rs 550 – Double Scoop) is a must try. It also goes well with their Date and Ginger Cake (Rs 250) – Or just have the cake with a hot cuppa – it is yum either way. 

Parking – 5 stars 

There is plenty of parking. 

Toilets – 1.5 stars 

The toilets at Arcade have wet floors and a terrible odour. There is no toilet paper but thankfully there is soap and running water. We certainly hope they can be maintained better. 

Facebook : www.facebook.com/tLoungeByDilmah 
Website : www.dilmaht-lounge.com/arcade-independence-square/ 
Address : Shop No 4, Arcade Independence Square, Colombo 7 
Tel : 011-266-2522
Hours of operation : 11.00am – 11.00pm 

By Natasha Fernandopulle
Photographs and video by Kanishke Ganewatte