Sharing Oolong, conversation, and community in the heart of London.
On Sunday 20th July, Wan Ling was delighted to share tea and conversation in the leafy surroundings of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, as one of the hosts at this year’s London Tea Friends Summer Tea Fest. The gathering brought together tea lovers of all levels — from long-time Gongfu practitioners to those simply curious about East Asian tea culture.
For those unfamiliar, London Tea Friends is a warm and welcoming community that meets regularly on Sundays. The group is dedicated to exploring the art of gongfu cha, the traditional Chinese style of brewing tea, while also providing a space for connection, learning, and appreciation of fine teas. The meet-ups are always free to join, making them an open door into a rich cultural practice.
Despite a forecast that threatened showers, the Summer Tea Fest went ahead in full spirit. Guests gathered under the trees with teaware laid out on picnic tables and blankets, creating a relaxed but lively atmosphere. Wan Ling hosted several sessions throughout the day, brewing and introducing three special Min Nan oolong teas:
1. Lao Cong Mei Zhan (Light) - an elegant old-bush tea with a delicate fragrance.
2. Yin Yun Tie Guan Yin 2025 (Nongxiang style) - a forthcoming release, offering depth and resonance with its roasted character.
3. 1992 Aged Tie Guan Yin - a rare treasure, showcasing the complexity and richness that only time can create.
Each tea provided a chance to pause, taste, and reflect, while conversations flowed about tea traditions, personal favourites, and the way tea can create community. Many visitors left with a new appreciation for Min Nan oolongs and an eagerness to explore them further. One of the teas brewed on the day will soon be available in our online shop, allowing more people to discover its character at home.
The London Tea Friends gatherings are more than just tea tastings, they are opportunities to slow down, connect with like-minded people, and deepen one’s understanding of tea culture in a friendly, inclusive setting. Whether you are a seasoned gongfu brewer or simply curious to learn, you will be warmly welcomed.
To keep up to date with future meet-ups and festivals, follow @londonteafriends on Instagram, or better still, bring a cup and join them one Sunday in London.
