Enjoy The Luxury Experience of Afternoon Tea This Holiday Season

Partaking in the ritual of afternoon tea at Dushnabe Tea House is like stepping into a far away land complete with a colorful tea garden. | Photo courtesy of Dushnabe Tea House

A chilly Colorado day is the perfect time for afternoon tea, where you can sip a steaming cup of tea in an elegant setting while sampling savory finger sandwiches, pastries and scones. We are fortunate to have a wide variety of tea houses in our state, so make a date now, as most of these spots are reservation only and fill up quickly during the holiday season.

After all, there’s no better way to celebrate than to get dressed up and treat family and friends to the indulgence of a classically British afternoon tea—a relaxing and much needed respite during the craze of the season.

Here, a sampling of afternoon tea offerings. 

The lavish high tea offerings at historic Brown Palace Hotel is a very sophisticated affair. | Photo courtesy of The Brown Palace Hotel

Dushanbe Tea House

This tea house was officially presented to Boulder as a gift from its sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 1990 and has since become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The structure itself is a piece of art, with a decorative interior that is a swirling, dynamic expression of the Tajik region, including a hand-carved traditional ceiling reflective of Central Asia. Tucked inside a lush, tranquil tea garden, the afternoon tea service is offered 3-5 p.m. ($27 per person, $15 per child ages 9 and under) and includes one selection from an extensive tea menu and a three-tiered tray of confections. Add a hibiscus mimosa for an extra $5.

1770 13th St., Boulder

The Brown Palace Hotel

To experience a truly authentic afternoon tea service, head to the Brown Palace Hotel, the grande dame of Denver. Situated in the dazzling Atrium Lobby, afternoon tea service includes commissioned Royal Doulton bone china gracing each tea table, along with engraved silver teapots, house-made scones served with Devonshire clotted cream shipped in from England, and finger tea sandwiches with a decadent selection of classic and chocolate tea pastries. A piano player or harpist gently welcomes guests with classical music, and the people-watching is a delight. Afternoon tea is offered daily 12-4 p.m., for $60 per person, $25 per child.

321 17th St., Denver

Babe’s Tea Room

Owner Allison Jannach has created a downtown Denver tea house that beckons Instagram-worthy posts celebrating her cheerful flowers and wildly colorful decor. The menu is lined with sweet treats, salads and pastries, plus a large assortment of loose-leaf teas. Located in the bustling Highland neighborhood, Babe’s afternoon tea service ($42 per person, $32 per child) offers a fixed-price menu of tea sandwiches, miniature scones, Scottish shortbread, handmade petit fours, French macarons and unlimited tea tasting.

2401 15th St., Suite 170, Denver

This fun and flirty, women-owned tea room gives off major Sex In The City vibes! Every day is a celebration at Babe’s Tea Room. | Photo courtesy of Michelle Chait Photography, LLC

The History of Afternoon Tea
(courtesy of the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House)

The elegant ritual of afternoon tea is credited to Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford. As was customary during the late 1700s and early 1800s, people would eat a huge breakfast, a tiny lunch and then a substantial dinner around 8 p.m. The Duchess, describing a “sinking feeling” during the afternoon, began to request tea and cakes to tide her over. Soon, she invited her friends to share the ritual with her, and it quickly became a fashionable, treasured custom. 

The Elizabeth Hotel

It may not sound like a tea house, but the Sunset Lounge, located on the rooftop of the charming Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins, offers a beautiful high tea ($55 per person) on select Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. The loose-leaf tea is sourced from local purveyors with selections such as lemon lavender, Madame Grey and Scottish breakfast. Of course, all of the accoutrements are included—and they change every week—plus libations if you’re so inclined. Live jazz from the house pianists help set the tone while the rooftop venue provides stunning views of the Front Range mountains and Old Town Fort Collins.

111 Chestnut St., Fort Collins

The British Pantry and Tea Room

Maria and Rick Uribe have owned the business since 2016, infusing the shop with their traditional English upbringing. British high tea, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, includes house-made scones with clotted cream and jam, fresh-baked sausage rolls, delicate finger sandwiches and desserts. In addition to this timeless tradition, the Pantry also sells the couple’s favorite items from the U.K., including British groceries, teas, chocolates and a selection of English gifts.

2403 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs

Rebecca Gart is a Denver-based freelance writer who likes to drink coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Her favorite variety is Earl Grey, with a splash of cream.