Dialogue Society Hosts Cultural Brunch: Celebrating Tea Traditions

18 October – Mayo Centre

On 18 October, Dialogue Society hosted its fourth community brunch at the Mayo Centre under the theme “Tea Culture.” The event brought together around 40–45 participants from diverse backgrounds – including local community figures such as Firefighter, Robert (Vicar), Prabha Shetty, Javeed (Kingston REC), and Huda Morgan — to explore how tea connects people across cultures and generations.

Brunch and Warm Conversations

The event began with a welcoming brunch, where guests enjoyed refreshments and lively conversation before the main session. As tea was poured and shared, the atmosphere quickly filled with warmth and curiosity — reflecting the event’s focus on connection through simple, shared traditions.

Presentations: Tea in Turkish, Pakistani, and British Culture

Two presenters — one Turkish and one Pakistani — introduced the audience to their respective tea traditions, sharing personal stories about tea’s role in daily life and hospitality. A British tea demonstration had been planned but the presenter was unable to attend at the last minute. Nevertheless, the Pakistani tea experience offered a similar flavour of cultural insight. Both presenters demonstrated how they brew their teas, and the Pakistani presenter prepared traditional tea on-site, serving it to attendees for tasting.

Cultural Presentation and Heritage Sites

🌉 Kingston Bridge

The Kingston Bridge connects Kingston upon Thames with Hampton Wick and is a vital part of the borough’s heritage and daily life. The video presentation traced the bridge’s evolution — from its wooden medieval beginnings to its current 19th-century stone structure — symbolising Kingston’s growth as a town that links history with progress.

👑 Queen Anne Statue

Standing proudly beside the Market House, the Queen Anne Statue commemorates the monarch’s reign and her connection to Kingston’s history. The presentation emphasised the statue’s significance as a local symbol of respect for tradition and the arts during the early 18th century.

🕍 All Saints Church

The All Saints Church has stood at the heart of Kingston for nearly a thousand years. Once the site of Anglo-Saxon coronations, it remains a landmark of faith and civic life. Participants learned about the church’s unique architecture, its royal history, and its ongoing role as a gathering place for the local community.

Interactive Tea Experience and Kahoot

To make the experience more engaging, participants were invited to explore six different types of tea, each presented with a short description and a list of ingredients. Guests selected their favourite flavours, filled their own tea bags, and brewed them using hot water served at their tables.

The brunch also featured a Kahoot quiz focused on tea culture, Kingston’s heritage, and Dialogue Society’s work. The quiz sparked excitement and friendly competition, with winners receiving special prizes. Additionally, the tea presenters were acknowledged and awarded for their engaging demonstrations.

Reflections and Atmosphere

As the teas steeped, participants continued their conversations — sharing stories, comparing flavours, and discussing the meaning of hospitality in their cultures. The simple act of preparing and drinking tea together created a relaxed and friendly environment, helping new community members connect more naturally.

Feedback and Takeaways

Attendees expressed great enjoyment of the brunch’s warm and interactive format. Many noted how the event turned a universal habit – drinking tea – into a celebration of cultural diversity and human connection.

By blending taste, tradition, Kahoot fun, and conversation, the “Tea Culture” brunch beautifully reflected Dialogue Society’s mission to build understanding and friendship across communities — even when plans change, shared experiences remain at the heart of the event.