The Way of Tea

Introduction to Gongfu style Tea Ceremony

Small groups or private training

Tea can be very simple: leaves, water and a little time.

And yet, when we give it our full attention, preparing and sharing tea can become a beautiful practice of presence, connection and hospitality.

The Way of Tea is a practical and experiential one-day course introducing the foundations of Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, with a particular focus on Pu-erh tea, mindful preparation and the art of creating and holding a peaceful tea space.

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who already have some experience with tea and would like to develop a deeper, more intentional personal practice.

By the end of the day, you will have the foundations to create your own tea practice at home and confidently prepare and share tea with friends, family or small groups.

What You Will Learn

During the day we will explore:

the foundations and flow of a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony
how to prepare and serve tea with attention and intention
the essential tea tools and how to use them
water temperature, quantity, timing and repeated infusions
an introduction to Pu-erh tea and its preparation
an overview of other traditional teas and herbal infusions
how different teas respond to different brewing methods
how to arrange and prepare your tea space
how to welcome guests and hold a relaxed, attentive atmosphere
how to develop your own personal tea practice

Rather than simply memorising a sequence of movements, the emphasis is on understanding the principles behind the ceremony so that your practice can gradually become natural and your own.

Tea, Presence & Movement

Tea ceremony is not only about preparing a good cup of tea.

Throughout the course we will also explore the quality of presence we bring to the ceremony: how we sit, move, listen, serve and share the space with others.

Gentle Qi Gong, conscious movement, breathing and meditation may be incorporated during the day to help us become more grounded, relaxed and attentive.

These practices are supportive elements of the course. Tea remains at the heart of the day.

A Practical, Hands-On Day

You will not only watch a ceremony.

We will prepare, serve and drink tea together throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunity to become familiar with the tools, movements and practical aspects of tea preparation.

We will explore different teas, with particular attention to Pu-erh, and you will have the opportunity to practise preparing and serving tea yourself.

There will also be time for questions, discussion and sharing experiences around the tea table.

What Is Included

The course includes:

all tea and tea equipment used during the training
a selection of teas to explore throughout the day
a detailed course manual covering Pu-erh, tea preparation, ceremonial principles, herbs and aspects of tea culture
practical experience preparing and serving tea
guidance for continuing your practice at home

A small selection of tea sets and special teas may also be available to purchase after the course.

Choose the Way You Learn & Prices

Whether you are simply curious about tea or would like to develop a deeper personal practice, you can choose the format and depth that feels right for you.

Tea Ceremony Introduction — 2 hours

from £55 per person in a small group
Private 1-to-1, or for two: £111

A gentle introduction to the world of Chinese tea and Gongfu Cha. Experience a guided tea ceremony, discover the essential tools and learn the basic principles of mindful tea preparation.

Includes: guided ceremony • tea tasting • introduction to Gongfu Cha • basic brewing principles • tea tools • time for questions

A beautiful first step if you would like to experience the practice before taking a full course.

The Art of Tea — Half-Day Course

~4 hours

Small group: from £75 per person
Private for one or two: £195

A practical introduction for those who would like to do more than experience a ceremony and begin preparing tea themselves.

We explore Gongfu brewing, the main families of tea, Pu-erh, water and temperature, essential equipment and mindful serving. You will also have time to practise preparing and serving tea yourself.

Includes: several tea tastings • Gongfu brewing • tea types • Pu-erh introduction • tools & water • hands-on practice • course notes

The Art of Tea — Full-Day Course

~6 hours

Small group: from £111 per person
Private 1-to-1, or for two: £295

Our most complete introduction to the Art of Tea.

A spacious, practical day exploring Chinese tea culture, Gongfu Cha, Pu-erh, brewing, tasting, equipment, water, mindful presence and the art of creating and holding a welcoming tea space.

You will prepare and serve tea yourself and leave with enough knowledge and practical experience to begin developing your own tea practice at home or sharing it with others.

Includes: full course manual • tea tastings throughout the day • practical brewing and serving • Pu-erh exploration • creating and holding a tea space • practical assessment • Certificate of Completion

Private Small Groups

Would you like to learn together with friends, family or colleagues?

Private courses can also be arranged for 3–6 people, either in Kendal, Liverpool or at your own suitable venue.

Half day — from £75 per person
Full day — from £111 per person

Minimum booking applies. Travel and accommodation costs may be added for courses outside our regular locations.

Not Sure Which One to Choose?

Choose the 2-hour Introduction if you mainly want to experience tea ceremony and discover whether this practice speaks to you.

Choose the Half-Day Course if you want to understand the essentials and begin making Gongfu tea confidently yourself.

Choose the Full-Day Course if you want a deeper foundation, plenty of hands-on practice and the confidence to develop your own tea practice or begin sharing tea with others.

Locations

Courses are currently available in:

Kendal, Cumbria
Liverpool

Private courses and group workshops can also be arranged elsewhere in the UK by request.

If you already have a suitable space and would like to organise a course in your area, please get in touch. Travel and, where necessary, accommodation costs will be agreed separately depending on location.

Who Is This Course For?

You do not need any previous experience.

The course may be especially enjoyable for:

tea lovers who want to explore tea beyond everyday brewing
complete beginners curious about Chinese tea ceremony
people interested in mindfulness and contemplative practices
massage therapists, yoga teachers and wellbeing practitioners
retreat and workshop facilitators
anyone wishing to create a meaningful personal tea ritual
people who simply love the idea of preparing and sharing beautiful tea with others

You do not need to become a “tea master”.

The intention is much simpler: to give you enough knowledge, practical experience and confidence to begin your own relationship with the art of tea.

Upcoming Dates & Private Bookings

Small-group dates in Kendal and Liverpool are announced throughout the year.

Private courses can be arranged throughout the year by appointment.

If you would like to join the next group, arrange a private course, or bring The Art of Tea to your own area, please get in touch.

Come with curiosity. Leave with a practice you can continue around your own tea table.

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