This Colorado Tea Room Serves Authentic British Tea With Fresh Scones And Clotted Cream
Bottomless pots of PG Tips. Warm scones with house-made clotted cream.
A three-tier tray that even includes a freshly baked sausage roll.
That combo alone would get my attention anywhere. Finding it in Colorado feels like a happy little plot twist.
The owner grew up in Brighton, England, so the tea traditions here come with real roots.
I like how this spot treats tea time as an event, not a quick snack. Guests can borrow hats for photos.
On some special occasions, a harpist plays while the teapots keep circling.
Then there’s the shop next door, packed with chocolates, groceries, and treats imported from across the UK. I can’t imagine leaving without a bag of something British tucked under one arm.
So how do you plan a proper afternoon here without missing the best part?
A British Tea Tradition Lands In The Rockies
Real British tea is the whole point at The British Pantry & Tea Room in Colorado Springs. Maria and Rick Uribe have owned the business since March 2016.
Maria comes from Surrey, England, and she grew up in Brighton, Sussex. That background shapes everything, from the menu to the manners around the teapot.
The Tea Room officially opened in August 2016. Before that, the business went by a very different name, Willy’s Emporium.
Quite the glow-up, right?
I believe that personal connection is what makes a tea room feel genuine. Anyone can buy pretty cups and doilies.
Bringing an actual hometown tradition across an ocean takes more heart.
Today the space blends a cozy tea room with a full British shop. You can sit for an unhurried meal, then browse imported goodies on your way out.
It’s a two-for-one outing that feels thoughtful rather than touristy.
The vibe leans elegant but relaxed. Anglophiles will feel right at home, and newcomers won’t feel lost.
Think of it as a friendly introduction to British tea culture, minus the jet lag and the passport line.
Three Tiers Of Treats Make Lunch Feel Like A Celebration
Stacked plates do something magical to a meal. At this tea room, High Tea arrives on a classic three-tier tray filled from top to bottom.
Each guest gets delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. A freshly baked sausage roll joins the lineup too.
Then come three desserts per person, which feels downright generous.
The tray works like a little roadmap. Savory bites usually come first, scones next, and sweets last.
Following that order keeps your appetite on track, though nobody will scold you for sneaking a dessert early.
Here’s my practical tip. Pace yourself with the sandwiches, because the scones deserve real attention.
Pour more tea between tiers to give your stomach a breather.
The whole experience suits birthdays, catch-ups with old friends, or a mother-daughter afternoon. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weekend into something people remember.
An 18% gratuity gets added for tables of five or more. Good to know before you round up the whole book club.
After all, nobody wants a math problem mixed into dessert.
The Scones Steal The Show, And The Clotted Cream Helps
Clotted cream is made in-house here. That detail alone should move this place higher on your weekend list.
The scones are freshly baked, and flavors like White Chocolate Blueberry often make an appearance. They arrive with house-made clotted cream and jam, the classic British pairing.
New to clotted cream? It’s thick, rich, and spreadable, somewhere between butter and whipped cream.
On a warm scone, it melts just enough to feel like a tiny reward.
Now for the friendly debate. In Devon, people often spread cream first and jam on top.
In Cornwall, jam usually goes first. Pick a side, or try both and call it research.
Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam are included in the tea room’s High Tea service. That’s a smart option for a lighter treat.
Split your scone by hand instead of slicing it with a knife. That’s the traditional method, and it keeps the inside soft.
Plus, it makes you look like you’ve done this before, which is always a nice bonus.
Your Teacup Will Barely Get A Chance To Empty
Unlimited pots of PG Tips come with every High Tea. For tea lovers, that’s basically a dream written on a menu.
PG Tips is one of Britain’s best-known everyday black teas. It’s bold, comforting, and built for a splash of milk.
Choosing it shows a real taste of home rather than a fussy boutique blend.
Want to sip like a local Brit? Pour the tea first, then add milk until it turns a warm caramel color.
Sugar is optional, so adjust it to your own taste.
Bottomless pots also mean you can relax and linger. Nobody rushes a proper tea.
Conversation flows a lot better when the teapot keeps showing up on cue.
The British Pantry & Tea Room offers a traditional High Tea service with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, a sausage roll, desserts, and tea.
I like that the focus stays on one classic cup done well. It feels honest and welcoming.
You won’t need a glossary to order, just an empty cup and a little patience while it steeps.
Borrow A Fancy Hat And Let The Photos Begin
Hats are part of the fun at this tea room. Guests are encouraged to borrow one from the house collection.
That small touch changes the whole mood. Suddenly a simple lunch turns into a garden party worthy of a royal invitation.
Even the shyest friend tends to crack a smile under a big brim.
It’s also a clever idea for photos. A hat, a teacup, and a tiered tray make a picture that feels straight out of England.
Your social media feed will thank you.
Planning a birthday or bridal shower? Lean into the theme and ask everyone to dress up a bit.
Floral prints and pastel colors fit the setting nicely.
Don’t worry if fancy outfits aren’t your style. The hats do most of the heavy lifting, so casual clothes work too.
Comfort matters when you’re working through three tiers of treats.
I believe playful details like this are what make an outing stick in your memory. Anyone can sip tea at home.
Sipping it in a borrowed feathered hat in Colorado is a different story entirely.
Live Harp Music Makes Special Days Even Sweeter
A harp in a tea room sounds almost too charming to be real. Yet live music, including a harp player, may be featured here for special occasions.
Soft harp notes pair beautifully with clinking china. The sound fills a room without drowning out conversation.
It feels calm, classic, and just a little bit fairy-tale.
Since it isn’t an everyday feature, plan ahead if music matters to you. Ask about upcoming special events when you book your reservation.
That way, you won’t miss out on the extra magic.
Harp music makes a lovely backdrop for milestone celebrations. Think anniversaries, big birthdays, or a mom’s special day.
It adds polish without feeling stiff or formal.
Here’s a fun bit of trivia. The harp is one of the oldest instruments in the world, and it remains a national symbol of Ireland.
Hearing one over a British-style tea feels fitting.
I can’t imagine a better soundtrack for slowing down. In a busy week, a quiet hour with tea and strings feels like pressing pause.
Sometimes that’s exactly the treat a person needs most.
Sticky Toffee Pudding And Cottage Pie Deserve A Look Too
High Tea gets the spotlight, but the wider menu holds plenty of British comfort food. Some of it might surprise you.
The Colorado Springs tea room offers a rotating selection of desserts as part of its High Tea service, including treats such as chocolate-dipped shortbread, fruit tarts, and cheesecake bites. That last one sounds like a hug in a bowl.
On the savory side, the tea room’s High Tea includes freshly prepared finger sandwiches and a traditional sausage roll. It’s the kind of food British grandmothers have perfected for generations.
Crumpets are another must-try if you’ve never had one. They’re spongy, with little holes on top that soak up butter.
Think of them as a cousin to the English muffin, only softer.
High Tea desserts change too, so there’s always something new to taste. Past examples include chocolate-dipped shortbread, Palisade peach tart, and cheesecake bites.
That peach tart gives a sweet nod to Colorado’s famous fruit.
My advice? Come with a friend and share a few plates.
Sampling several treats beats picking just one, and it makes deciding way less stressful.
Save Room In Your Bag For The British Pantry Shop
Homesick Brits and curious snackers, this part is for you. Right next to the tea room sits The British Pantry, a shop stocked with treats imported from the UK.
The selection runs deep. You’ll find British groceries, teas, chocolates, frozen foods, and gifts.
Products come from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, so all four nations get a say.
It’s a fun place to hunt for snacks you’ve only seen on British TV shows. Trying a new chocolate bar feels like a mini trip abroad.
Bring a list, or just wander and see what calls your name.
The shop also makes gift shopping easy. A box of tea or a tin of biscuits suits teachers, neighbors, and coworkers.
Anglophile friends will be especially thrilled.
Shop hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. On Sundays, it’s open from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Here’s a smart move. Browse after your High Tea, when you know which flavors you loved most.
Then grab a box of tea to recreate the afternoon at home, minus the borrowed hat.
Book Ahead, Then Wander Old Colorado City
Reservations are required for High Tea, so don’t just show up hungry and hopeful. Planning ahead is the secret ingredient here.
High Tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. Weekends fill up, so booking early makes sense, especially for birthdays or larger groups.
You’ll find The British Pantry & Tea Room at 2403 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. It sits in the heart of Old Colorado City, a historic district full of character.
That location makes it easy to build a whole day around your visit. After tea, stroll the nearby streets and browse local shops.
A little walking after three tiers of treats never hurts anyone.
Colorado Springs also sits close to the Pikes Peak region, so mountain views are never far away. Pairing a scenic drive with afternoon tea feels like a winning plan.
Visiting Colorado from out of town? Put this stop on your list early.
I believe a proper British tea surrounded by Rocky Mountain scenery is a combo few trips can match. Your teacup, and your camera roll, will be glad you did.