Five years ago, Netflix brought the world of regency-era drama to its viewers through Bridgerton. Now in its fourth season, the show has amassed a massive fan following, consistently ranking among Netflix's all-time most-watched TV series. If you’re planning to watch the last part of Bridgerton Season 4 with fellow fans of all things romance, drama, and royalty, then you must host the ultimate viewing party. And as any hostess from the ton will tell you, a party needs good food!
What makes the British Regency era relevant today? Well, the historians may have a data-backed answer for this, but for the lovers of all things drama and romance, it’s the era of Bridgerton! The highly acclaimed Netflix ticks off all the check boxes of a binge-watch — engaging leads, witty conversations, subtle and grand romantic gestures, and, of course, royal drama. Now, you may love to binge-watch the show alone, with your chips, drinks, and phone for company. Or you may end up viewing it with fellow show lovers, arguing and theorising over tea cakes and sangria. If you belong to the second group, then bookmark this list of dishes to make for a Bridgerton viewing party. This is one list even Lady Whistledown would approve!
Finger sandwiches, also known as tea sandwiches, are small, crustless (remove the crust after assembling), bite-sized sandwiches traditionally served at afternoon tea, parties, or for light lunches. The size is important, as they are designed to be eaten in two or three bites. Common fillings include thinly sliced cucumbers with cream cheese or butter, shredded chicken with a curried mayonnaise sauce, and thinly sliced ham with butter or grain mustard.
They are also not grilled, because they may not be consumed as soon as they’re prepared. Cold sandwiches remain sturdy, while hot grilled sandwiches can turn soggy. Simply put, it’s an elegant snack or appetiser, and not a hearty main like the crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Borrow from the desserts but make it savoury — that’s the idea behind savoury tartlets that feature a crisp pastry shell (often shortcrust or puff pastry) filled with various savoury ingredients. Their portable size makes them an excellent choice for potlucks, and they can be customised with creative stuffings that cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets.
Popular vegetarian flavours are caramelised onion and gruyère, spinach and feta, roasted tomato and pesto, and mushroom and brie. For meat lovers, you could opt for a chicken with brie combo. Or even try a fusion filling, like aloo chana chaat (for a touch of Indian street food), or kimchi with feta.
If Kate and Edwina Sharma can make it to Bridgerton, Samosa can make it to a Bridgerton viewing party. But since disguise is the theme of the latest season, the beloved samosa transforms into a samosa pie. Instead of frying individual samosas, the filling is encased in a single, flaky crust (such as puff pastry) and baked. You can use the samosa pie as the showpiece of your viewing party, allowing guests to carve slices and enjoy with a side of chutney, or even a pickled salad.
Pound cake is rich, dense, and buttery, much like the drama unfolding on screens. Add lemon zest to the mix, and you have a slightly tangy but still incredibly sweet treat that pairs beautifully with hot tea or even a glass of sparkling wine. You can also opt for the classic vanilla-forward pound cake or experiment with other, modern variations like chocolate, marble, or even sour cream.
If you thought the list would just have one dessert, you’ve clearly not been paying attention to the parties and fetes hosted by the ‘ton. Cookies are an easy grab-and-go option, and you can include more than one type to create a more diverse plate. Store-bought versions like the Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Choco Fills are premium enough for any party. It features a crisp, golden-brown cookie crust with a soft, gooey, molten chocolate centre that makes for a rich and indulgent experience, indeed.
Arguably one of the most traditional British dishes on the list, scones are a cross between bread and cake. From afternoon tea to Sunday brunches, scones are a staple of most British get-togethers. They are flaky, moist, and tender on the inside with slightly crisp, crumbly edges. They’re mildly sweet and meant to be topped with jam or clotted cream.
This fruit-forward cocktail is easy, breezy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It combines a wine (red, white, or rosé wine) with brandy (or vodka), mixed berries, citrus, and a sparkling element like club soda or ginger ale. It is best prepared ahead of time to allow the fruit flavours to infuse into the wine. For a Bridgerton-themed party, you can try the rosé berry sangria. It’s called the "perfect spring sipper" and made by mixing dry rosé with raspberry liqueur, club soda, and strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. You can also add berry-flavoured brandy to the mix. Combine all ingredients except club soda, chill overnight, and stir in soda just before serving.
Pimm’s, a gin-based liqueur from the 1840s, is the unofficial go-to spirit for most Britons. Pimm’s Cup, as the name clearly indicates, uses this as the base spirit to create a light, floral, and highly popular summertime cocktail. It’s refreshing and characterised by low alcohol content and elegant garnishes. To make a Pimm’s cup at home, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour the Pimm's and lemon juice over the ice. Top with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Add garnishes of your choice (cucumber is one of the most common and easily available) and stir gently. For a royal version of the drink, replace the ginger ale/lemon soda with Champagne or sparkling white wine.
A perfect non-alcoholic option, this spritzer screams English summer. It is made by mixing elderflower cordial with apple juice and soda water. Serve it in a tall glass, like a highball and garnish with a mint sprig. For an alcoholic version, you can replace apple juice with gin, white wine, or vodka.
Depending on the size of your gathering, you can add or reduce items from the list. If the dishes feel too difficult or varied, you can also fall back on classics or host a potluck. Here are some easy food and drink options:
It’s always fun to enjoy your favourites with the right company. Add good food to the mix, and you’ve got all the right ingredients for a memorable night. If only the show creators wouldn’t make you wait years for the next season. Then again, that’s what you have comfort food and reruns for!