Connect with tea.
tinyteahouse offers a range of immersive tea experiences for groups, teams and organisations - at your home, workplace or off-site venue.
For individuals, our regular public tea events in Oxford connect you with the vibrant culture of tea.
From guided tea tastings and Matcha masterclasses to tea meditation workshops - our experiences are inclusive, accessible and open to all.
Curious about a tea event for your team or group? Get in touch today.
tea experiences
group tea tastings
Whether you are a group of tea lovers or a corporate team looking to connect at your off-site event - our tea tastings are accessible, fun and tailored to your interests.
We lead you through a tasting of hand-picked seasonal teas each with a fascinating origin story.
Teas are brewed and served in handcrafted tea ware - with specific pots for each type of tea.
Tastings are tailored to your group size, budget and purpose.
group tea workshops
Our tea workshops are designed to help connect you with tea and with others.
Our most popular formats include our Matcha Masterclass; Mindful Movement & Tea Meditation; and Tea Connect where guests learn to serve tea to each other as an act of hospitality, fellowship and connection.
bespoke experiences
We are always happy to create a bespoke tea experience for your group, team or event.
We specialise in planning and facilitating inclusive, accessible and welcoming experiences.
Just connect with your idea and we will work with you to create a memorable and meaningful experience for you.
Upcoming Public Events
Five Teas That Shaped The World - Oxford - May 20th & May 22nd 2026
As part of Gallery 1+5’s upcoming KISSAKO exhibition in May, tinyteahouse will be presenting a series of tea tastings and an immersive talk entitled: “Five Teas That Shaped The World.”
Over five millennia, the humble tea leaf has done more than fill cups—it has toppled empires, sparked revolutions, and defined entire cultures. While tea’s history is vast, a select few teas have done more than others to shape the course of human history.
The series charts the the impact of five legendary - and delicious - teas.
Discover how Lapsang Souchong—born of a "happy accident"—became the world’s first black tea and the catalyst for global trade. Explore how Bohea- what we know today as ‘rock tea’ - from the Wuyi mountains led to the need for British espionage and sparked revolution in America. Learn how the world’s most expensive and collectible style of tea - Puerh - was once traded for Tibetan horses that led the charge on Chinese military campaigns.
Info
Gallery 1+5 @ 156 Walton St, Oxford OX1 2HD
Wednesday 20th May | Tea Tasting 1 - 17:30-18:30 / £30 / 6 spaces
Wednesday 20th May | Tea Tasting 2 - 19:30 -20:30 / £30 / 6 spaces
Friday 22nd May | Immersive Talk - 11:00 - 12:00 / £15 / 12 spaces
To celebrate the upcoming KISSAKO exhibition - at Gallery 1+5 in Oxford, tinyteahouse presents: “Five Teas That Shaped The World”
Over five millennia, the humble tea leaf has done more than fill cups—it has toppled empires, sparked revolutions, and defined entire cultures. While tea’s history is vast, a select few teas have done more than others to shape the course of human history.
Join us for a led tea tasting as we trace the impact of five legendary - and delicious - teas. Discover how Lapsang Souchong—born of a "happy accident"—became the world’s first black tea and the catalyst for global trade. Explore how Bohea from the Wuyi mountains led to British espionage and sparked revolution in America. And how the world’s most expensive tea - Pu-erh - was once traded for Tibetan horses that led the charge for Chinese military campaigns.
This tea tasting offers a rare opportunity to taste these five teas as living histories, exploring the traditional craft, specialised teaware, and brewing methods that bring their stories to life.
Wednesday 20th May
Session 1 - 5.30 PM - 6.30 PM
Session 2 - 7.30 PM - 8.30 PM
Gallery 1+5, 156 Walton St, Oxford OX1 2HD
£30 per person (max 6 people)
To celebrate the upcoming KISSAKO exhibition - at Gallery 1+5 in Oxford, tinyteahouse presents: “Five Teas That Shaped The World”
Over five millennia, the humble tea leaf has done more than fill cups—it has toppled empires, sparked revolutions, and defined entire cultures. While tea’s history is vast, a select few teas have done more than others to shape the course of human history.
Join us for an immersive talk as we trace the impact of five legendary - and delicious - teas. Discover how Lapsang Souchong—born of a "happy accident"—became the world’s first black tea and the catalyst for global trade. Explore how Bohea from the Wuyi mountains led to British espionage and sparked revolution in America. And how the world’s most expensive tea - Pu-erh - was once traded for Tibetan horses that led the charge for Chinese military campaigns.
Friday 22nd May
11.00 AM- 12.00 PM
Gallery 1+5, 156 Walton St, Oxford OX1 2HD
£15 per person (max 12 people)
About
James Thirlwall - aka tinyteahouse - is a UKTA-certified tea sommelier and psychology graduate who offers tea experiences that explore tea culture, social history, mindfulness and the sensory arts.
With a decade of experience as a Chinese medicine practitioner and meditation teacher, James founded tinyteahouse to facilitate tea gatherings rooted in fellowship and quiet contemplation.
His approach is human-centric ensuring every session—from tea meditation workshops to guided tea tastings - is immersive, accessible and engaging for all who attend.
As the Head of Customer Experience for Canton Tea - the UK’s leading independent tea company- James’s expertise has shaped the tea programs of some of world’s most prestigious hotels, spas and restaurants.
An Oxford resident, James regularly works with local arts and cultural organisations such as Braziers Park, Irving Gallery and Magdalen Road Studios.
He is known for his grounded, playful and sensitive facilitation style that turns a room of strangers into a community of "tea friends”.