diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index d71d733679..80201d4eb1 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -296,8 +296,8 @@ directory of your choice::
 Synapse has a number of external dependencies. We maintain a fixed development
 environment using [poetry](https://python-poetry.org/). First, install poetry. We recommend
 
-    pip install --user pipx
-    pipx install poetry
+    | pip install --user pipx
+    | pipx install poetry
 
 as described `here <https://python-poetry.org/docs/#installing-with-pipx>`_.
 (See `poetry's installation docs <https://python-poetry.org/docs/#installation>`
diff --git a/changelog.d/12579.doc b/changelog.d/12579.doc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..bcec5fe1af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/12579.doc
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Add missing linebreak to pipx install instructions.