Imagine a place where people of different economic strata come together to incubate ideas, share breaking news, and create social networks. Now, imagine what that place would have looked like in 18th century England and the American Colonies.
With only a penny entrance fee, coffeehouses became hubs of activity that brought in giants like I. Newton and S. Johnson. Lloyd’s of London got its start in a coffeehouse. Political ideals burgeoned in coffeehouses. With the volume of ideas and knowledge that was freely exchanged, these coffeehouses became referred to as penny universities.
So what does that have to do with tea? Yes, tea (and chocolate drink) was served in coffeehouses. Johnson’s bladder must have been tea-stained from all he drank.
With such a rich past, teahouses and online tea communities have big shoes to fill. In order for tea communities to regain their role in society, they need:
- Good, affordable tea. You don’t build a regular, valuable clientèle without something for them to enjoy and continue coming back for. I’m waiting for the teahouse that charges an entrance fee that includes a pot of tea. It would be even better if the water was self-serve, like the hot water taps at each table of some Japanese restaurants.
- A “place” where diverse and niche conversations take place. These can be centralized at a physical location, but extend beyond via Twitter and other networks.
- A place where budding business and social initiatives can flourish. With a base entrance fee and wireless internet, you get regular customers who hang around to work and share ideas.