The Beehive Tea Room

A few weeks ago I was out of town on business/fun with friends, and made a little unexpected discovery~ The Beehive Tea Room, in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. My friend Deb and I were just taking a walk around the block of our hotel and I did a double take. (I think my heart even skipped a beat.) I went to the door to check the hours and take a peek. They were closed, but the owner, Lisa, came to the door and invited us in and ended up giving us a little tour. I'm so glad that she did!!This cozy, comfy tea room is a little gem in the heart of the city. When you walk in, you feel like you've stepped into a 1920-30's bohemian scene where artists and writers hang out. Lisa use to work in set design for film and television, and she definitely used her talent to create an incredibly inviting place to meet with friends, stop in for lunch, or just hang out and drink tea. That evening a book club was starting to gather in the lounge, and let me tell you-- I didn't read the book--but wow, I would have loved to have joined them!

These photos are from a couple days later, when my friends and I came back for lunch and tea. (I have no idea who those people in the photo are, but I really wanted a shot of this corner.) My awful photos just don't do it justice. There isn't a lot of natural light in The Willow Room, so I had to use a flash-- and well, you know how great that makes a photo look.

These rooms were vintage heaven... the furniture, the art and accessories... all of it! She hired an artist to paint the scenic murals. She told him that she wanted it to have the feel of a Maxwell Parrish painting. I think he did an incredible job!

This is the funky-fun hallway heading back to the front of the shop...

I love this cafe area in the front also. Lovelovelove those lanterns hanging from the ceiling. I tell you, this place has a magical feel to it. Again, my photos just don't do it justice!! Luckily, there's a pro out there who filmed a music video at the Beehive Tea Room, so you can enjoy a little bit of a "tour" also... oh, and the guy in the video is not so bad to look at either.

Although I'm not a food blogger, I've just got to mention that the food is great. I had the best quiche of my life here. I kid you not. Everything is made fresh-- including those wonderful warm scones that Lisa surprised us with! (Thank you sooo much, Lisa-- if you are reading this-- that was so thoughtful, and they were delish!) I sort of wish that I had taken photos of our food (like a good blogger), but I just wanted to be-in-the-moment with my friends. Oh, and I was hungry. Heehee.

So, if you somehow find yourself in downtown Salt Lake City, this is a great place to eat lunch and to drink from a great selection of tea. (They have other beverages also, if you aren't a tea drinker.) Give yourself time to enjoy the surroundings and to chat with your friends while they prepare everything fresh.

Seriously, if I lived or worked near downtown Salt Lake City, this would be my hangout. I'd buzz right back in a heartbeat.

Hugs,

PS: Be sure to check out their website for more details than I could fit in this post. Oh- and word has it, The Beehive Tea Room will be moving to Trolley Square, another historical location-- with very convenient parking and a beautiful new Whole Foods!