The tea master
From the late 1970s onwards, as the puerh trade grew, almost nobody made puerh cakes from the leaf of old tea trees alone. It was blended, stretched and increasingly replaced by young plantation bushes. In 2001, Chen Huai Yuan pressed his first cakes under the Chen Yuan Hao name from 100% pure old-tree leaves.
He was one of a very small number of people who brought the practice back, and those early cakes are now among the rarest puerh of their era. He has since gone on to make single-estate cakes from individual gardens, and every one still carries an inner ticket that he signs himself.
This November, on his way back from the Berlin Tea Festival, he is spending a day in London pouring for a small number of guests, and we would love you to be one of them.
What happens on the day
Over three hours, you’ll taste three teas, each brewed several times, while Chen Huai Yuan moves between the tables. He’ll talk about the mountain, the garden and the trees each tea came from, and you’ll start to notice how differently they behave in the cup. There is plenty of time to ask him whatever you like, and at the end of the session the teas you’ve tasted will be available to take home.
The cost of your ticket is fully redeemable against tea purchases on the day. The ceremony takes place in a private room in central London, and we’ll send you the full address with your ticket.
Who it’s for
For people who love fine tea
The ceremony is for people who love fine tea, whether you’ve been drinking and collecting puerh for years or have recently started building a collection of your own and want to understand it more deeply. Seats are limited and we confirm each booking personally. If you buy for a restaurant, hotel or members’ club, let us know when you book, because we keep a few seats for trade guests.
Questions
Do I need to be an expert?
Not at all, but you’ll get the most from the day if you already enjoy tea and are curious to go further. Your host will guide you through how to taste and what makes each tea different from the last.
Can I buy the teas on the day?
Yes. The cost of your ticket is fully redeemable against tea purchases on the day.
Should I eat beforehand?
We’d recommend it, because aged puerh is strong and three hours of it is much more enjoyable on a full stomach.
Does puerh contain caffeine?
It does, as all tea does, but a good session shouldn’t feel like a caffeine buzz. The teas we pour are clean, pesticide-free and properly aged, chosen to be comfortable to drink in the mouth, the body and the mind.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets can be refunded up to 7 days before the event. After that, you’re very welcome to pass your ticket on to a friend; just let us know their name.
Saturday 14 November 2026 · Central London
We’d love you to join us