Start a Pot

The complete Brewmaster's guide to starting a Holy Teapot group.

On this page:

What is a Pot? Being a Brewmaster Getting Started Venues Conversion Apply

What is a Pot?

A Pot is a local Holy Teapot group — a regular gathering of freethinkers who meet over tea (coffee drinkers tolerated) to discuss ideas, share curiosity, and enjoy good conversation. There are no lectures, no sermons, and no agenda beyond being interesting.

A Pot can be as small as three people meeting in a café or as large as twenty filling a function room. The only requirements are tea, an open mind, and a willingness to question everything (except the necessity of biscuits).

Being a Brewmaster

A Brewmaster is the organiser of a Pot. You don't need qualifications, experience, or even particularly good tea. You just need to be the sort of person who enjoys bringing people together and keeping conversation flowing.

A good Brewmaster:

  • Welcomes new Leaves warmly
  • Keeps discussion friendly and inclusive
  • Ensures nobody dominates the conversation
  • Remembers the biscuits
  • Maintains a healthy scepticism toward everything, including their own opinions

Getting Started

1

Find a venue

Somewhere quiet enough for conversation, with good tea. See venue tips below.

2

Pick a day and frequency

Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Consistency is more important than frequency.

3

Invite 2–3 people

Start small. Three people having a good conversation is better than ten sitting in awkward silence.

4

Apply to register

Fill out the form below and we'll add you to the directory.

Choosing a Venue

Good choices
  • Independent tearooms or cafés
  • Libraries (quiet corner)
  • Pubs (early evening, quiet area)
  • Community centres
  • Someone's living room
Avoid
  • Chain coffee shops (the irony is wasted on them)
  • Anywhere too noisy for conversation
  • Hair salons (they never stop talking)
  • Anywhere with a mandatory minimum spend

The Sacred Duty of Conversion

Brewmasters have a special responsibility to identify and convert coffee drinkers. The ceremony of The First Sip is simple: offer the convert a properly made cup of tea. If they accept, they are welcomed as a Seedling. If they refuse, offer again next week. And the week after. Persistence is a virtue.

Ready to Start?

Create a free account, set up your Pot, and schedule your first Infusion. The whole process takes about 2 minutes.

Create Account & Start a Pot

Already have an account? Sign in and go to Create Pot.