On 22nd January, we welcomed guests to our Newby Tea Boutique in London for a special Lunar New Year celebration. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year in the lunar calendar. This year, the Year of the Snake, represents change and new beginnings—a time to reflect and look forward. To honour this tradition, we created a warm and elegant experience with tea, culture, and art.

What is the Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions, celebrated by millions around the world. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is deeply rooted in themes of renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. Each year is symbolised by an animal from the Chinese zodiac, and 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake—a sign of wisdom, transformation, and elegance. To honour this special occasion, we have created a limited-edition Year of the Snake caddy, beautifully designed in celebration of this tradition.

What is the animal and the theme for the Lunar New Year in 2025?

The animal for the 2025 Lunar New Year is the Snake, symbolising transformation, wisdom, and renewal. In Chinese astrology, the Snake is associated with intelligence and adaptability, making this year a time for personal growth and change. 2025 is specifically the Year of the Wood Snake, bringing opportunities for new beginnings and steady progress.

Read more about Chinese Zodiac

Celebrating Lunar New Year with Music and Refreshments

Guests were welcomed by the soothing sounds of a Chinese string trio, featuring the Guzheng, Pipa, and Erhu—traditional instruments with a rich history. We served two refreshing mocktails: Jasmine Kiwi Iced Tea and Hibiscus Red Berry Fizz, each with delicate floral and fruity notes.

Chinese Tea Tasting in Newby’s tea boutique

The highlight of the event was a tea tasting, led by our Tea Sommelier, Annelise. She selected a range of Chinese teas, from rounded Silver Needle white tea to earthy pu erh tea, refreshing green tea from Fujian Province in China, to full-bodied oolong tea, and malty black tea. Each was paired with traditional Chinese flower pastries by Daisy’s Bakery, carefully chosen to complement the tea flavours.

Chinese Calligraphy: A Token of Good Fortune

A key part of Lunar New Year is calligraphy, where meaningful words are painted on red paper for good luck and happiness. The most common symbol, "福" (Fú), means blessings and is often displayed on doors. We invited calligraphy artist Jia to create personal keepsakes for our guests—a thoughtful way to share well wishes for the year ahead.

Decorating with Festive Flowers

A stunning Lunar New Year floral arrangement by Blooming Haus added an extra layer of beauty to our celebration. Blooming Haus, a luxury and innovative floral design company, created a bespoke arrangement to reflect the spirit of Lunar New Year. Incorporating vibrant colours and symbolic blooms, the red color of the bouquet represented luck and prosperity, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Discovering historic teawares with the Chitra Collection

Guests were also invited to visit our Chitra Collection, guided by one of its knowledgeable art curators, Evelyn. This extraordinary private museum showcases nearly 3,000 historic tea wares from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. From Chinese Song Dynasty tea bowls to contemporary British silver designs, the collection celebrates the rich heritage of tea across the world. Its vibrant colours and elegant design reflected the joy of the season. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we look forward to new beginnings and many more shared tea moments.

Book your next Masterclass at Newby's tea boutique

BOOK NOW

one of our masterclasses

Contact us at shop@newbyteas.com or Call +44 7388 377430

Address:

Newby London Boutique (By Appointment Only)

105 St John St, London EC1M 4AS

Click Here to access Google Map

Book your tea tasting experience

Our masterclasses and experiences invite you to explore the art of tea making while sharing our passion for tea’s history and heritage. Led by Newby’s Tea Specialist, we provide masterclasses like Tea Tasting, British Tea Traditions, and Matcha – each offering a deeper dive into the world of tea.

Book our Tea Tasting Experience on our Calendly

Book our British Tea Tradition Masterclass on our Calendly

Book our Matcha Tea Masterclass on our Calendly

Book a 30 min free shopping experience

For a personalised journey, our gallery of tea offers private, by-appointment-only personal shopping experiences. Guided by our expert Tea Specialist, guests can explore the range at their leisure, whether discovering new favourites, learning the wondrous complexities of a good cup of tea, or selecting exceptional gifts, all with a touch of exclusivity and care.

Book our Personal Shopping Experience in our Calendly