Indie Interview with James of Tiny Tea House

Posted April 7, 2025

Tiny Tea House is a unique space in Oxford where tea symbolises much more than just a humble cup of tea —it’s an experience. In this interview, James Thirlwall shares his journey from Japan to Oxford, his passion for tea as a ritual, and how he fosters meaningful connections through his bespoke tea sessions. He also discusses collaborations, the importance of slowing down, and advice for those looking to explore tea beyond the traditional English Breakfast.

Holly Davis: James, let’s start with what inspired you to create the Tiny Tea House. How did your journey with tea begin?

James Thirlwall: My journey with tea began in Japan. In my twenties, I lived there as an English teacher and a rugby coach. During that time, I became close friends with an incredible Buddhist priestess who was also a single mother—quite an unusual situation in Japan at that time. I taught her daughter English and often visited her temple in a small fishing town. Through our friendship, I developed an interest in East Asian philosophy, particularly Buddhism, which later led me to study Chinese medicine.

I spent 12 years in Oxford as an acupuncturist, and throughout that journey, tea became a ritual for me. Tea is not just a drink; it’s a way of connecting—to oneself, to the tea, to the present moment, and to others. There is a deep connection between tea ceremonies and Zen Buddhism, which resonated with me. I also love food, hospitality, and creating experiences for people, and tea is a beautiful way to bring all those elements together. So, the Tiny Tea House was born out of my love for tea as both a sensory experience and a ritual of connection.

Holly Davis: What has influenced the unique experience you’ve created at Tiny Tea House?

James Thirlwall: The inspiration came from my experiences in China and Hong Kong, where you find different types of tea houses. Some are larger, social spaces where people rent a table and share tea, while others are more intimate, akin to an artist’s studio, where tea is served in a quiet, almost meditative environment. I wanted to bring the latter experience to Oxford.

Tiny Tea House is intentionally small, quiet, and analog—the opposite of a busy coffee shop. The idea is to slow down, have meaningful conversations, and appreciate tea in a way that many of us in the UK aren’t accustomed to. In East Asia, tea drinking is about hospitality and community; it’s a moment of presence and togetherness. That’s what I want to offer here.

Holly Davis: You run bespoke group tea sessions. What do you hope people take away from those experiences?

James Thirlwall: There are two main things. First, I want to shift how people perceive tea. Many of us think of it as just a cup of tea, but it has incredible variety, history, and cultural significance. By serving tea differently—using smaller pots and sharing instead of individual mugs—it fosters connection, much like it does in East Asian cultures.

The second takeaway is the experience of slowing down. I often hear people say, “I haven’t sat like this for ages,” or “This was such a good way to spend time with someone.” Whether they integrate tea rituals into their daily lives or simply reflect on the value of shared, uninterrupted time, the goal is for them to walk away feeling nourished and more connected.

Holly Davis: You’ve also done collaborations with yoga instructors and other businesses. How do you see these playing a role going forward?

James Thirlwall: Yoga and tea are a natural pairing. Yoga connects us to the body and breath, and tea is a perfect way to extend that presence and reflection. I’ve worked with yoga teachers to offer tea sessions post-class, when people are in a more relaxed state and can fully appreciate the experience.

I’ve also worked with brands like L’Occitane and Michelin-starred restaurants, designing tea experiences for luxury hospitality settings. On a local level, I love the idea of collaborating with independent businesses that align with the ethos of creating meaningful experiences.

Holly Davis: If someone is interested in experiencing Tiny Tea House for the first time, what would you recommend as the best way to start?

James Thirlwall: The best way is to come in for a private tea tasting at Tiny Tea House. I offer sessions for two people where I introduce different tea types—green, white, black, oolong—and help people discover what they enjoy. I want people to leave feeling confident in their ability to choose and prepare tea in a way that suits them.

Ultimately, tea is about connection, and whether people visit for a quiet moment alone, a date night, or a workshop with friends, my hope is that they leave feeling enriched. That’s what Tiny Tea House is all about.

Tiny Tea House offers several unique experiences:

Private tea tastings or tea ceremonies, though these are limited to two people due to space constraints.
Larger workshops tailored for groups, companies, and charities.
Gift vouchers, which make a thoughtful present for anyone looking to explore the world of tea in a meaningful way.