What is all the buzz about Bridgerton, Netflix’s hit Regency-Era drama series? In fact, why is it that so many period films, novels and series are set during the time of the British Regency?
The answer lies in the opulence that characterized this brief period in English history. Although it is not mentioned in the Bridgerton books or series, there was a strong bond of friendship between the real-life Queen Charlotte and the French Queen, Marie Antoinette. Derisively nicknamed Madame Deficit, the Austrian-born ruler famously devastated the French royal coffers with her lavish spending and decadent lifestyle.
Also at the time, with Charlotte’s husband, King George III’s infamous descent into madness, the reigns passed to his son, George IV, who is widely credited for the more opulent, less reserved English Court heyday now referred to as The Regency: In essence, the excess of the pre-revolution French court, tempered with the restraint and fastidious etiquette of British manners. The perfect setting for a passionate historical romance!
Of course, the Bridgerton series and its source material take extensive creative liberties with historical facts. Nevertheless, the story clearly takes its cue from the truly lavish lifestyles of the London nobility at this time. From extravagant balls to glamorous gowns of the finest silks and satins, everything about Regency-era English court was, well, somewhat over the top.
Of course, the ostentatious Regency lifestyle, as depicted in Bridgerton, would be incomplete without equally rich and luxurious food and wine pairings to flavor every thrilling moment. So, while we may not be able to take you back in time to 1813 or get you cast as an extra on Bridgerton Season 3, we can certainly teach you how to drink and dine like a Regency noble.
So, Dear Reader, allow us to take you on a meal-by-meal wine-pairing tour of some of noblest homes among Bridgerton’s London Ton:
- Champagne For Breakfast With The Featheringtons
Guest List: The whole garish, but somehow endearing Featherington clan, including the Baron and Baroness, their three daughters, Prudence, Philipa and Penelope. Who better to serve champagne and sweet treats at breakfast time?
Time: Sometime between 9am and 10am. While working-class people at the time had no choice but to take breakfast early to ensure they got to work on time, the leisurely lifestyle of the nobility posed no such time constraints.
Venue: As nobles, the Featheringtons would enjoy a relaxed, informal meal in their drawing room.
On the menu: Cakes dominated Regency breakfasts. French bread, honey cake, plum cake, and brioche were favorites. Morning cakes often featured caraway seeds, saffron, and ground ginger.
Wine of choice: Doux or Demi-Sec Champagne. While tea and hot chocolate were popular morning drinks in the Regency Era, many Dandies (including the Prince Regent himself), were partial to sweet champagne with their breakfast.
- A Ladies’ Luncheon With Ratafia At Lady Danbury’s
Guest List: Lady Danbury and all the married ladies at court.
Time: Between 1pm and 3pm. As breakfast and dinner grew gradually further apart during this era, snacking became necessary to fill the gap between main meals. This afternoon munching ultimately became “lunch”.
Venue: Lady Danbury’s drawing room. This would be her preferred locale for these regular luncheons, which she refers to as “Dens of Iniquity”, where all the married ladies of the ton get the chance to play cards and let their hair down in the absence of their husbands, but under Danbury’s watchful eye.
On the menu: Sandwiches were first seen in the Regency period, although they were little triangles eaten with a knife and fork at that time. Along with these cold meats, more pastries and fruits were generally served at lunchtime.
Wine of choice: Since Lady Danbury is the hostess, it is certain that her favorite, Ratafia would be front and center on the sideboard.
- Claret With Dinner In The Bridgertons’ Dining Room
Guest List: The whole Bridgerton brood, including Mama and Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton, Violet, and her eight close-knit offspring, Anthony, Daphne, Benedict, Colin, Francesca, Eloise, Hyacinth and Gregory.
Time: Around 5pm.
Venue: The Bridgertons’ dining room, one of the most opulently furnished spaces in their home.
On the menu: Dinner was the most lavish meal served in noble houses in the Regency Era.
At the start of the meal, the huge dining table would get covered with all the dishes for each course, usually beginning with chestnut or artichoke soup.
Other dishes might include fresh fennel-mint mackerel, roasted meat, pies and tarts, and game. Alongside the meat, vegetables were served in a rich butter sauce, showing off the host’s affluence since butter was more expensive than meat. Pickles were also popular.
Dessert likely included an array of fresh fruits and marzipan, often stacked in elaborate pyramid shapes, or perhaps a gooseberry pie.
Wine of choice: Red Bordeaux, although the Bridgertons would likely have referred to it as Claret. You could even consider this wine medicinal as it’s high in resveratrol, which is beneficial for heart health. And we all know that the ton is ruled by the heart.
- A Bit Of Everything With Supper At The Hastings Ball
Guest List: Anyone who’s anyone among the ton, hosted by the dashing yet aloof, Simon, Duke of Hastings.
Time: Sometime after 11pm.
Venue: The Hastings House Dining Room.
On the menu: Supper menus at private balls in the Regency Era mirrored these events’ grandeur. Although balls would begin at around 8pm, the dancers only sat down to dinner at 11pm, at the earliest. The food would come in the form of white soup; cold meats, such as chicken or sliced ham; poached salmon; glazed carrots and other seasonal vegetables; salads; fresh fruits; biscuits; dry (unfrosted) cake; an assortment of cheeses; shortbread; pies; ice-cream; and trifle.
Wine of choice: Claret, sweet red wine like Madeira, wine punch, and Ratafia would likely be on offer. For the gentlemen, a glass of port, perhaps together with a cigar, would be served once the ladies have retired for the evening.
Each of these pairings perfectly captures the spirit of the Regency era and Bridgerton. If you want to embrace the decadence and opulence of this time, give any of these four a try. Your tastebuds will be whisked back in time in the most tantalizing way.
