Tea has always been more than a beverage. From its earliest beginnings, it has invited people to slow down, gather, and reflect. Legend places tea’s discovery nearly 5,000 years ago in ancient China, when leaves from a nearby plant are said to have drifted into a pot of boiling water, releasing an aroma that would shape centuries of culture and ceremony.
As tea journeyed across borders, it absorbed the values of the cultures that welcomed it. In China and Japan, it evolved into a quiet, intentional practice shaped by balance and respect. Across the Middle East and North Africa, tea became a gesture of welcome, offered freely to guests as a sign of generosity. Britain later transformed tea into a daily ceremony of its own—afternoon tea—where porcelain cups, shared conversation, and a brief escape from the day took center stage.
Today, tea continues to evolve, while honoring its roots. A renewed interest in loose-leaf blends and mindful sipping has brought tea culture into modern life—including here in Colorado Springs.
Glen Eyrie Castle hosts a well-known tea service in the region, featuring Afternoon Tea at the Castle—a luxurious event with dainty bites and clotted cream. Try the hand-crafted specialty teas accompanied by seasonal soup, salad, sandwiches, canapes and pastries. It is a wonderful way to step back in time in the historic Castle Music Room.
And... that is far from the only spot in town to enjoy a delightful cup of tea. Read on for a Q&A with some of the best tea shops and tearooms in the Pikes Peak region. Happy sipping!
The Queen's TEApothecary
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
Our signature tea blend of the King’s Chocolate Chai offers a handcrafted, noteworthy blend that’s rich, warming, and indulgent. ... It combines rich black tea with creamy chocolate notes and warming chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. This creates both spice and sweetness, making it a comforting, slightly decadent cup that suits the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere of our unique bouTEAque.
How would you describe the guest experience?
Guests walk into a warm and bright space that blends history and artisanal charm, starting with a soothing aroma of tea and herbs that makes you want to linger, relax with a book, or enjoy slow conversation. This 1891-built historical location features floor-to-ceiling windows with high, golden ceilings, original hardwood floors and rustic, raw brick that offers stylish and comfortable sitting areas where you can drink tea in-shop or take it to-go. The shop itself has a beautifully arranged, vintage-themed interior with unique teas, intentional accessories and apothecary-style botanicals, showcasing selections from various talented, local female vendors.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
At The Queen’s TEApothecary, we specialize in premium, small-batch teas and herbal infusions, all handcrafted with organic and ethically sourced ingredients. ... The Queen’s TEApothecary offers tea blending workshops and stands out through its handcrafted, organic blends; ethical and health-focused products; engaging, personalized service; apothecary-style offerings; and welcoming historic boutique atmosphere—creating an immersive experience that’s both educational and communal.
https://www.thequeensteapothecary.com/ | 2504 W. Colorado Ave | 719-313-9904
Miramont Castle: Queen’s Parlour Tea Room
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop and what makes it special?
There are 28 different flavors of tea ranging from high to no caffeine, herbal teas, black teas, you name it we got it. I think that's one of the things that sets us apart. Plus, everything is made in-house, including the breads.
How would you describe the guest experience?
Our tea room is set in an 1895 castle. The experience should be a "once in a lifetime" and we try very hard to achieve that goal. The tea room also has signature adult beverages to enhance the experience. Our guests have related to us that our portions of food are much more substantial than most other tea rooms.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
We simply try to provide the very best food and experience possible in an amazing setting.
https://www.miramontcastle.org/tea-room | 9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs | 719-685-1011
The British Pantry & Tea Room
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
Our signature tea is PG Tips, the classic black tea enjoyed in homes across the UK and the very same brew our owner grew up drinking in Brighton. It’s bold, comforting, and unmistakably British—exactly the flavor we want guests to experience from their very first sip.
How would you describe the guest experience?
Guests are welcomed into a cozy, quintessentially British space where afternoon tea is served with unlimited pots of PG Tips and a three‑tiered stand filled with finger sandwiches, warm scones (including our scone of the month), and a rotating dessert menu featuring classics like millionaire’s shortbread and mince pies. It’s an experience designed to slow you down, spark conversation, and make you feel like you’ve stepped into a charming tearoom on the English coast.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
We’re proudly owned by a Brit from Brighton, and that authenticity shapes everything—from the tea we pour to the recipes we bake fresh each morning. Our commitment to traditional British afternoon tea, paired with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering place, creates a uniquely heartfelt experience you won’t find anywhere else in Colorado Springs.
https://www.thebritishpantry.net | 2403 W. Colorado Ave. | 719-473-6659
Yellow Mountain Tea House
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
Our signature is the anti-inflammatory tea. It’s special for its natural ability to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, and help balance blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol—delivering a warm, energizing flavor with real wellness benefits.
How would you describe the guest experience?
A serene, relaxing escape with soft lighting and aromatic teas. The unique highlight is our expert dim sum pairings, perfectly complementing each tea for a harmonious, sensory delight.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
We brew every tea using the traditional Gongfu ceremony—precise, multiple steepings that unlock maximum flavor, aroma, and health benefits, creating a mindful, immersive ritual.
https://www.yellow-mountain-organic-tea.com | 2616 W Colorado Ave. | 719-247-8487
Toodles Tearoom
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
Our signature blend is Colorful Colorado, a naturally caffeine-free rooibos tea that captures the cozy charm and playful spirit of Toodles Tearoom. Smooth, with a touch of an amaretto undertone, it’s the kind of tea that feels like a warm hug in a teacup. We love that everyone, from little ones to lifelong tea lovers, can enjoy it at any time of day!
How would you describe the guest experience?
From the moment guests walk in, they’re greeted warmly and encouraged to settle in and enjoy! We want every guest to feel cared for, seen, and genuinely welcomed. It’s a place where conversations unfold naturally, celebrations are honored, and everyday moments feel special. Many guests tell us they love our decor and feel like they’ve been transported straight to London!
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
At Toodles, we serve bottomless pots of tea, each in your own individual teapot, so the only hard decision is which flavor to try first. Guests are encouraged to sip, switch, and sample to their heart’s content—one cozy cup can easily turn into a delightful little tea adventure.
https://www.toodlestearoom.com/ | 110 E Boulder St. | 719-660-0590
Manitou Tea Market
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
Manitou Tea Market is best represented not by our flavors, but by our curated collections. Our Back-to-Basics Heritage Collection honors classic teas that have anchored cultures for centuries, alongside our Wellness Collection and rotating Seasonal Curations. The balance between education and creativity allows our guests to explore tea in its purest form or fall in love with expressive flavors like our current favorites: banana nut bread or blueberry matcha, which feel both nostalgic and modern.
How would you describe the guest experience?
The experience was designed to be immersive and welcoming—guests are encouraged to smell, touch, and explore our tea jars together, turning discovery into a shared experience. Our shop is intentionally lively (no hushed tea time here!), where curiosity is encouraged with our friendly, knowledgeable team that will guide you through the world of tea with warmth and genuine care.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
Our Tea Bar is a unique concept, offering over 100 teas by the cup so guests can find their new favorite in a lively, social setting. Our seasonal tea-mocktails highlight how elevated drinks can be made with tea bases—recipes we happily share—alongside our small patisserie with French macarons, seasonal tartlets, and grab-and-go desserts so guests can sip, snack, and stroll through downtown Manitou Springs.
https://www.manitouteamarket.com/ | 918 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs | 719-698-0982
Tea & Tidbits
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
At Tea & Tidbits, variety itself is our signature. With 20-25 rotating tea blends, guests are encouraged to explore and discover something new with every visit.
How would you describe the guest experience?
The guest experience at Tea & Tidbits is welcoming, relaxed, and intentionally unhurried, much like visiting a friend’s home. Thoughtful touches and attentive hospitality are woven throughout, so guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
What sets Tea & Tidbits apart is our focus on thoughtful details, with menus that change monthly and special themed experiences woven throughout the year. This allows each visit to feel familiar yet fresh, giving guests something new to enjoy each time.
https://teaandtidbits.com/ | 3307 N. Academy | 719-418-5837
FestiviTEA
What signature tea or house blend best represents your tearoom/shop, and what makes it special?
We have over 100 teas we offer through retail and wholesale, including private label. The one we chose as our signature tea, which we also translated into candles and room sprays, is our Earl Grey Creme. This tea perfectly blends classic bergamot with extraordinary French vanilla. Like this tea, our tearoom is intended to give our communiTEA a sense of familiarity while experiencing something special.
How would you describe the guest experience?
We strive to make our guests feel like drinking tea is unfussy, fun, but still special. Providing hospitality and creating communiTEA is very important to us! We believe each guest deserves to feel seen, valued, and welcomed. We practice all of this while educating our guests about tea; ultimately we want our customers to get the most out of their tea experience in the shop or at home.
Is there a particular tradition or detail that sets your tearoom/shop apart?
Not only do we offer a wide selection of unique teas, but we also have products from dozens of local makers in our BouTEAque. Many of these creators also teach classes in our CommuniTEA Workspace. We take pride in offering a space focused on building communiTEA and sharing local and global culture, all revolving around a soothing cup of tea.
https://www.festiviteallc.com/ | 2336 Vickers Drive, Suite 130 | 719-963-6092