Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado is a special treat anytime. But combine it with seeing a performance at the Colorado Ballet, with three generations, and it’s something very memorable. Writer Claudia Carbone tells us what makes it the perfect plan. It’s worth noting that Colorado Ballet performances are held at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), a walkable distance from the Brown Palace Hotel. DCPA is also where the Colorado Symphony, Denver Center Theater Company, and touring Broadway shows happen, making pre-performance tea a great way to round out some wonderful Denver experiences. 

Save this article about the Brown Palace Tea to Pinterest to help you make plans to visit and attend Colorado Ballet while you’re there. Photo by Claudia Carbone. Graphic by Real Food Traveler.

Tea and Tutus – A Three-Generation Experience in Downtown Denver

Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel

Though Brits typically enjoy Afternoon Tea around 3 or 4pm, Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel starts serving it at noon with the last seating at 4pm (weekends, 11am-4pm).

Afternoon Tea started in the early 19th century when a British Duchess (so the legend goes) got hungry between lunch and the dinner hour that didn’t come until well after 7:30. The Brown began its tradition around 1910 when it served tea and pound cake to women in the ladies’ lounge. It cost 35 cents. Today, it is $45 per person.

With the noon start time, it was the perfect place for us to have a bite before Colorado Ballet’s Sunday matinee at 2pm. Plus, I wanted my granddaughter, Leona, to experience this lovely tradition in the historic hotel where my parents spent their wedding night in 1936.

Leona bought a new dress for the occasion and felt very grownup as we entered the hotel, early so we could explore this exquisite city landmark built in 1892. Light from the stained-glass ceiling illuminated the eight-story Italian Renaissance atrium. Tables set for elegant tea service were sectioned off in the lobby, and we were shown to ours.

Tea at the Brown Palace takes place in the hotel’s historic atrium.

All the trimmings for tea were purposefully placed on the table. Next to small china plates and matching cups and saucers little silver loose tea strainers rested in their holders. In the center, cubes of brown and white sugar huddled in a silver bowl. A healthy dollop of Devonshire Cream in a swirly pattern waited next to a dish of lemon curd and a small pitcher of cream. A tiny jar of strawberry preserves sat at each place.

As we were identifying each item, a server came to take our tea order from the menu. We studied a large selection of teas with exotic names and finally made our choices. Leona picked Peach Blossom, an organic white tea blend infused with peach, tangerine, and aromatic blossoms. My daughter, Kathleen, choose Masala Chai, a robust organic black tea with aromatic Indian spices; and I opted for Tropical Coconut, an oolong tea blend. Champagne and other spirits were also on the menu.

After pouring our teas with a bit of showmanship, our server placed a three-tiered holder of plates in the center of the table. On the bottom plate were three fluffy blueberry and buttermilk scones. The middle plate held finger sandwiches of egg curry, cucumber and cream cheese, chicken salad on wheat bread, and a bite-size pastry cup filled with an artichoke and spinach mousse. They were fresh and flavorful. We scarfed them down, and I was a bit embarrassed when our server asked if we’d like another plate! I said yes, thank you.

A three-tiered treat for the author (right), her daughter (left), and granddaughter (center).

We experimented with spreading the Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream (imported from Devonshire, England) on our scones. They were both delightful, but I think the Lemon topping won.

The top plate held miniature pastries that looked too pretty to eat — three of each: Key Lime Bar, Bourbon Carmel Tart, Macha Green Tea Tart, and chocolate-dipped sugar cookies.

By the time we ate through the layers, including the second helping of sandwiches, and had seconds of tea, we were full.

It was time to walk to Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for Performing Arts on a beautiful Colorado spring day to attend another fabulous performance of Colorado Ballet.

Hungry for more? Read about tea at the Royal Lancaster in London.

After the Brown Palace Tea experience, an afternoon of ballet

In its 61st year, Colorado Ballet, based in Denver, is the premier dance company in the state. In 1961, it opened with The Nutcracker that has become a cherished seasonal tradition ever since. The company presents both classical and contemporary ballet performances each season.

When I heard Colorado Ballet would be performing the full-length The Wizard of Oz, a classic tale for all ages, I got tickets for my 10-year-old granddaughter, my daughter, and myself. How, I wondered, could they interpret the scope of the 1900 book and 1939 movie in dance form?

We were amazed. It was all there.

The dance language—a wide variety of dance forms including a sensuous pas de deux in Emerald City—was up to the usual high standards of Colorado Ballet.

The visual effects and colorful costumes required for such a fanciful production were outstanding, and together with the masterful dance performances, created an unforgettable experience for the three of us.

The author with her daughter, Kathleen, and granddaughter, Leona, at the Colorado Ballet in downtown Denver.

-Story and photos by Claudia Carbone

Hungry for more? Learn about the historic company, Harney & Sons Tea.