There is a subtle art to stopping time in a bustling metropolis. Nestled in the secluded courtyard of the Zaha Hadid Foundation in Clerkenwell, a unique collaboration recently achieved just that.
Tucked away from the hum of East London traffic, The Phantom Tea Room brought together YANWU, a tea brand steeped in six generations of Chaozhou tea-growing heritage, and Of Architecture, an emerging design practice renowned for its delicate, place-sensitive interventions.
Created as part of the Architecture Foundation’s POST PRESS programme, this ephemeral pop-up paired ancient tea rituals with modern spatial design. Accompanied by our exclusive video interview with the founders, we explore how tea, clay, and minimalist architecture combined to host a truly unforgettable urban pause.
At the heart of the experience is YANWU, a brand with deep roots in China’s Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuangshan). This mist-shrouded region is the historic home of Dancong oolong, a highly prized variety celebrated for its intricate, naturally floral profiles. For YANWU’s founders, tea is not a hurried morning caffeine fix; it is a living family lineage and a meditative ritual.
Bringing the sacred custom of Gongfu tea to a contemporary London audience required a delicate touch. Rather than relying on traditional nostalgia, YANWU presents its heritage through a refined, modern lens. The pop-up marked the physical debut of this philosophy, translating centuries of agricultural mastery into an approachable, high-design environment.
Designing within the courtyard of the Zaha Hadid Foundation presents a fascinating challenge. The space is imbued with architectural weight, surrounded by bold geometry and historical presence.
Rather than attempting to compete with the dramatic surroundings, Of Architecture chose a path of soft contrast. They crafted a fleeting, dreamlike structure that felt as light as steam rising from a freshly poured cup: Consisting of ethereal drapes and tactile seating.
By prioritising atmosphere over permanent structure, the architecture became a backdrop for human connection, quietly drawing visitors toward the central table.
Beyond the spatial layout, the event celebrated raw materials and physical craftsmanship. Over the course of the pop-up, guests took part in guided Gongfu tea tastings, ceramic showcases, and open round-table discussions.
In a culture increasingly dominated by rapid digital communication, this collaboration offered a refreshing counterweight. It proved that meaningful gathering spaces do not require permanent brick-and-mortar structures; they simply require intention, authentic craft, and warm hospitality.
Whether through the complex notes of a rare Dancong oolong or the gentle sway of fabric in the courtyard breeze, YANWU and Of Architecture offered a compelling blueprint for modern gathering: one built on patience, beauty, and the simple joy of sharing a drink.
Image credit: YANWU
