Saturday, 17 October 20262:00 in the afternoonHadramowt · CardiffWales, United Kingdom
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Welcome
We are so glad you can join us. This page has everything you need for the day: when to arrive, where to park, what to wear, and how the afternoon will run.
And of His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.Qur’an 30:21
A walimah is the meal a couple share with their community after marriage. Less a formal ceremony than an open invitation to eat well together. Come hungry.
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The order of the day
How the afternoon will run
2:00 pmGuests arrive and settle in
Recitation of the Qur’an, and a short talk
Starters served, buffet style
Mains served
3:42 pmʾAsr salatA prayer space is set aside. Later ʾAsr (Hanafi) at 4:24 pm.
Desserts
6:16 pmMaghribThe room pauses to pray.
Tea, closing remarks and photographs, and a relaxed end to the evening
8:00 pmThe evening draws to a close
Still being organised, and this page will be updated as things are settled. Prayer times are set by the sun and will not move. If you can only come for part of the afternoon, arrive for 2:00 pm and you will not miss the food.
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The venue
Where to come
Hadramowt39 Wedal Road Cardiff CF14 3QX Wales, United Kingdom
Hadramowt is a Yemeni restaurant on Wedal Road, in Heath, a few minutes from Roath Park lake and directly opposite the University Hospital of Wales. We have the function room downstairs for the afternoon.
By carHead for CF14 3QX. Wedal Road runs between Allensbank Road and Roath Park, just south of the A48 Eastern Avenue.
ParkingThere is plenty of parking at Hadramowt itself. If it fills up, there is free on-street parking along Wedal Road and the residential streets around it, and it is usually straightforward on a Saturday afternoon. Do check the signs before you leave the car, as a few streets nearer the hospital are permit only. Please avoid blocking driveways.
AccessibleLet us know in advance and we will keep a space close to the door and a seat at a table rather than on the floor.
By busThe Heath Hospital Main Entrance and Inglefield Avenue stops are both a two-minute walk. Several Cardiff Bus routes serve them, including the 1, 9, 28, 29 and 86. Check cardiffbus.com for times on the day.
By trainCardiff Central is the main station, about a ten-minute taxi ride away. Heath Low Level and Heath High Level are the closest local stops.
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From overseas
Travelling from abroad
Apply for a UK ETA before you book flights
Polish, French and other EU passport holders now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK. It costs £20, covers multiple trips for two years, and most applications are decided within minutes through the UK ETA app. Apply at least three working days before you fly.
Apply through the UK ETA app, or at gov.uk. Without one you will not be allowed to board.
From PolandWizz Air and Ryanair fly to Bristol, Birmingham, Luton and Stansted. Bristol has much the shortest onward journey.
From FranceFly into Bristol or a London airport, or take the Eurostar to London St Pancras and the train on from Paddington.
AirportsCardiff Airport (CWL) is closest but has few international routes. Bristol (BRS) is the practical choice, roughly an hour from Cardiff. Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted all work with a train on from London.
OnwardLondon Paddington to Cardiff Central is a little over two hours by train. From Bristol Airport, the Airport Flyer coach runs to Bristol Temple Meads for the train to Cardiff, or a taxi goes straight through in about an hour. Cardiff Central to the venue is ten minutes by taxi.
Ask usIf you are flying in for the weekend, tell us when you reply. We will help with a room and a lift from the station.
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Staying over
If you are travelling in
Cardiff gets busy on autumn Saturdays, so book early if you need a room.
On the streetYHA Cardiff, 2 Wedal Road, the same road as the venue, and the cheapest bed you will find within walking distance.
NearbyPremier Inn Cardiff North and the Travelodge Cardiff Whitchurch are both a short drive north.
City centreTen minutes by taxi, and the widest choice, handy if you want to make a weekend of it.
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Dress
What to wear
Formal & modest
A smart suit or traditional dress. No black tie needed, and traditional dress of any culture is very welcome.
As this is a Muslim celebration, we warmly ask everyone to dress modestly: shoulders, chest, midriff and knees covered, and nothing close-fitting or sheer. Long sleeves and full-length skirts or trousers are ideal.
If you are unsure whether something works, just send us a message. We would far rather help than have anyone feel awkward on the day.
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On the day
What to expect
The foodYemeni, served buffet style. Traditional mandi, lamb and chicken slow cooked over spiced rice, alongside kofte. Eat with your hands or ask for cutlery, both are perfectly normal here.
SeatingFamilies sit together. Guests coming on their own or with friends will be seated in separate areas for men and women. Parts of the restaurant have traditional floor seating as well as tables, and you are welcome at either.
PrayerA space will be set aside for ʾAsr and Maghrib. Nobody is expected to join in. The afternoon simply pauses for a few minutes and then picks up again.
DrinksThe day is alcohol free.
GiftsYour presence is genuinely the gift. There is no list and nothing is expected.
ChildrenAll welcome.
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Food
Allergies & dietary needs
Everything served is halal. If you are vegetarian we can accommodate that, and if you have an allergy or any other dietary requirement, just tell us when you reply. It is no trouble at all, and much easier to sort now than on the day.
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Please reply
RSVP
Send us a quick WhatsApp to let us know if you can make it. Tell us how many are coming with you, and anything we should know about food. That is all we need.