Cast aside that cappuccino. Leave the latte alone. Tea is brewing up a storm. Underpinning this renaissance are the health benefits of tea, although it has always been considered something of a tonic: “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you; if you are excited it will calm you”. So said William Gladstone, Britain’s former prime minister, back in 1865.

Yet while tea is widely viewed as the quintessential English drink, tea has actually been grown and drunk in Japan since the 9th century meaning Londoners still have a lot to learn about brewing the perfect cuppa!

Luckily masters of the art are arriving in the capital to share their knowledge: for the first time ever in Europe, the legendary Ippodo Tea Co will be running workshops – sharing the secrets behind the ancient art form of Sencha, Hojicha, Gyokuro and Matcha tea making –from October 11-13.

Classes will run in three sessions (morning, lunch and afternoon) and take place at So – a Soho restaurant that’s famed for its modern twist on Japanese cuisine.

Workshop places cost between £18 and £30 per person, and are strictly limited. For more information or to book a place, call Tamayo Yamano at So Restaurant on 0207 292 0767, email info@sorestaurant.com or visit www.sorestaurant.com

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