Finn McGrath, Waypoint Tea Co. The secret to tea? Respect the base produce and all the hard work that goes into picking and processing it. Photo: Ash St George.
Who are you?
Finn McGrath, owner of Waypoint Tea Co. I’m also a co-owner and director of Keep Co, a co-working space at Dairy Road.
Tell me about your business.
We are a loose-leaf tea company that sells wholesale and retail in about 20-plus venues in Canberra and the region. We also sell online and at local markets.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I have a long background in hospitality and I wanted to stay in the industry, but not necessarily in alcohol because it’s pretty exhausting. Tea is something I really like, but it had never been marketed towards me, so I thought I’d give it a go.
If you weren’t in hospitality, what would you be doing instead?
I’d probably be running Keep Co full-time, or I’d be doing data analytics work in the public sector, which I also used to do.
What is your food philosophy?
My food philosophy is the same as my tea philosophy, which is respecting the ingredients that go into it and using the natural flavours of the products to create a really nice and interesting combination. I don’t use artificial flavours in my tea, that’s not may jam. I try to respect the base produce and all the hard work that goes into picking and processing it.
Mini Gaundar, the owner of Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant in Pearce, has been serving the Canberra community since 1991. Photo: Rama’s Fiji Indian.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
Rama’s at Pearce shops. It definitely has a cult following, but I’m still introducing people to it. Their veggie samosas are the best. We usually get dhal and palak paneer to share, with mild to medium spice, because I’m a white boy!
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Probably Nick Smith from Bar Rochford – I’ve known him for a long time. It can be challenging for people who want to make a living in hospitality in Canberra. We lose a lot of good people to Melbourne or Sydney, so for Nick to come back and create the best place in Canberra is just amazing and I really admire him for it.
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra?
See above! Bar Rochford, hands down. And not just for a drink – Lundy has been doing amazing food in that kitchen.
You can find Waypoint Tea Co at local markets, like the upcoming Winter Market at Dairy Road. Photo: Waypoint Tea Co.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Considering the Olympics are coming up, I’ll say Australian basketball legend Patty Mills. I’d cook him a spanakopita and a fresh lemon tart because they’re the two things I can cook the best and I’d be terrified of cooking for him!
What is your current food obsession?
Sardines. I’m really into bourgie tinned fish at the moment. I like the Nuri sardines in spicy tomato on a bit of thick cut, toasted light rye from Under with some butter.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
The Hot Daddy Ramen from Canteen at Dairy Road, with an extra egg.
Canteen is located in the Dairy Road precinct, just across from Finn’s business at Keep Co. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
What’s a typical breakfast for you?
Toasted fruit bread, English muffins with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese and hot sauce. That’s what I make when I have the time; otherwise, I won’t be able to eat until lunch.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
Sometimes, we end up eating a 24-pack of McNuggets with sweet and sour sauce if we’re working late!
Tell me about your recent travels.
I just got back from a week in Tasmania. We did the winter solstice nude swim and spent three nights at the Dark Mofo winter feast, which had some of the best food I’ve had in a long time.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
Everything! I love it here! I’ve lived overseas, I’ve lived in Melbourne and Canberra is the best. And over my lifetime, the food and beverage venues have just come on leaps and bounds.
Finn founded Waypoint Tea Co to stay connected to the hospitality industry. Photo: Taylor Cunningham.
What TV show or movie are you watching right now?
I watch a lot of crappy TV when I’m hand labelling the bags for Waypoint. I need to watch The Bear, but I’m hanging out for the Olympics first. I love basketball, but it’s really fun to get super invested in something weird like the 15 km walking race and spend three hours watching that.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
My coffee is an espresso, but my go-to tea is a solid breakfast tea. I’ll have that every morning.
People in Canberra go out for good coffee but stay home for good tea, so I’m trying to make sure more venues understand how to brew tea properly.
Order Waypoint Tea online or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
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