Japanese Tea Tasting: Flavours from Dawn to Dusk

If you have been looking for a way to slow down a bit, there is a series of sessions coming up at Starling Studio that focuses on the ritual of Japanese tea. The event, titled Japanese Tea Tasting: Flavours from Dawn to Dusk, is designed as a sensory journey through the different stages of a day in Japan. Rather than just a quick drink, the experience explores how specific teas are traditionally paired with different times, moving from the more energetic profiles suitable for the morning to the calmer, more relaxed varieties for the evening.

During the session, you get to taste a curated selection of up to five premium Japanese teas. It is not just about the drinking, though; the instructor, Kissako, guides you through the specific preparation techniques required for each type. To round out the experience, they serve Japanese sweets alongside the teas, which is a standard part of the tasting process. It is a fairly intimate setup, aimed at beginners, so you do not need any prior knowledge of tea ceremonies to participate. It is also worth noting that after the class, there is an opportunity to purchase both the teas you have tasted and some handcrafted ceramics made by Justine Jenner Pottery.

The sessions are held at 107 Havelock Road, Brighton, BN1 6GL. While the studio is accessible on the main floor, keep in mind there are a few steps to navigate from the street level. The cost is £45 per person. If you are planning to go, the dates scheduled for 2026 are May 29th, May 30th, June 5th, June 6th, July 4th, July 31st, August 1st, August 15th, September 11th, September 12th, and September 26th.

Regarding the logistics, it is helpful to know that the organisers do not allow for cancellations or changes to the booking date. However, they do offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the class. Additionally, for every booking made, ClassBento donates 50p to Mental Health UK. It is a straightforward, quiet way to spend a few hours if you are interested in learning more about the craft behind these specific teas.