Bridgerton Experience is scandalous Waterford treat for all gentle readers
"You didn't hear that scandal from me," said the housekeeper during the Bridgerton Experience.
The Bridgerton Experience in Bishop’s Palace and Mount Congreve in Waterford is most definitely an experience for those, who not only adore the popular Netflix series, but anyone who has a wicked sense of humour with a combined love for history and elegance.
Beginning at the Bishop’s Palace, which is situated on the Mall in Waterford City, the tour of the Treasure’s Museum was guided by the housekeeper, who was in character and dressed in appropriate clothing and accent, from the moment the key turned in the door. She was well-versed in the background of all items on display, but also in the side notes of gossip that you could imagine would appear in pamphlets (or scandal sheets, as one may call them) issued for the Gentle Readers, along with some whispered tones as we moved from room to room.
"You didn't hear that from me" is what the housekeeper whispered on numerous occasions, while sharing as many scandals as she possibly could; which included stories involving murder, poison, copper mines, Napoleon Bonaparte, and a nun from Thurles who received harp lessons "and lessons in something else."
Taking those present on a journey through the history of Waterford, the housekeeper's savviness included hosting those who joined her and having them fully engaged from start to finish.
"I'm very naughty to talk to you in such a familiar way," said the housekeeper with a cheeky grin from ear to ear.
The housekeeper would also, from time to time, scorn at the work of the lazy scullery maid, with dusting needed in places that had "supposedly already been dusted".
With the fantastic tour having come to an end and the second part of the collaboration between the two establishments to provide the Bridgerton Experience about to commence, the initial thought was that it was a shame not to have the 'Bridgerton Afternoon Tea' available on site at the Bishop's Palace, considering the facilities available and the divine café already in place. However, the incorporation of Mount Congreve into the experience is a wonderful addition, and worth the 15-minute journey out of the city.
While the scorching weather on the day of the visit certainly added to the enjoyment, neither part of the experience was dependent on the weather - which should come as a delight to anyone who wishes to book anything in advance in our beautiful but wet country; but the sunshine did make the arrival to the 1800s Mount Congreve a striking moment.
As we dined in the small room with a beautiful and scenic view of some of the garden walkway, a lady, her daughter and grandchildren were also enjoying their afternoon tea to the background music of the record playing the Bridgerton soundtrack, which, for those who haven't watched the series, includes an adaptation of modern-day music to an era of orchestral suites.
The lady took a moment to herself outside in the garden, and upon her return, she shared that she had just been acquainted with another visitor of the gardens, who was a chef to Ambrose Congreve 35 years ago. The excitement of the conversation made the Bridgerton Experience much more realistic - especially when she criticised her grandson's stylish ripped jeans, resulting in an eye-roll.
The conversation lead to the lady opening up about her time as a nurse, before meeting her late husband and moving to County Waterford. She shared a memory of a time prior to the refurbishment of the Mount Congreve House and Gardens, one which involved her arriving to the door of the vacant house during one of her walks some years ago, with not a soul in sight. She opened the door and in she went to have a look around.
It was at this point when a staff member of Mount Congreve, Nelson, said there was great excitement among employees and the community, when something previously belonging to the house became available at an auction or on sale. Nelson explained to the attendees of afternoon tea that with many items stolen from the house and others being sold, they would love to retrieve them to put them on display.
"I didn't rob anything", said the lady, while her grandchildren chuckled and exchanged looks with each other in the background, and despite the family's efforts to leave when they had finished their tea, the conversation kept flowing between the strangers in the room.
The refreshments of Afternoon Tea were delightfully filling, consisting of a variety of homemade sweet and savoury treats including Guinness brown bread, traditional Irish scones, forest fruit jam, lemon tart and much more. The floral decorations and tea settings certainly gave it the look of a 'Bridgerton' experience in Mount Congreve, but the characters along the way, even if unintentionally involved, made it even more worthwhile.
