Eat, drink, and be Merryton at this Regency-themed pop-up

Merryton // Photo by Sarah Sipple

There’s a new holiday pop-up this year, and it blends pop culture and history for a family-friendly experience. 

Merryton is a Bridgerton-inspired holiday theme at The Mandarin, an event space on the grounds of Vivilore in Independence. Merryton is open for reservations Thursdays through Saturdays, now through December 28. It is less of a pop-up bar than a temporary, festive dining experience.

The Mandarin is known for its elegant decor reminiscent of Victorian design. Its high walls are clad with luxurious wallpaper in muted pastel tones and enhanced by sculptures and chandeliers. This provides the ideal backdrop for 500 stems of silk delphiniums that owner Jollene Hastings and her staff hung from the ceilings for the occasion.

There are no Christmas episodes of Bridgerton, so Hastings drew inspiration from the intricate garden and ball scenes featured on the Netflix show. The delphiniums are paired with a few dozen simply lit trees, garlands, and wreaths. White tablecloths and script table numbers round out the look.

Merryton // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Besides the one-of-a-kind style, Merryton’s food and drink menu helps it stand out among the many holiday options. A thoughtful list of on-theme cocktails ($14), mocktails ($9), and tea ($6) pairs with the food menu, which ranges from $8 – $18.

My Regency Romance, a warm mulled wine drink, was a popular choice during my visit, but the Gingerbread Goss non-alcoholic option was a visual delight–complete with a custom-baked gingerbread cookie garnish. I could not resist ordering Eloise’s Enlightenment for a precious tea moment. Chamomile tea and honey were served in a delicate teacup and accompanied by a scone bite. 

Eloise’s Enlightenment at Merryton // Photo by Sarah Sipple

To complete the high holiday tea feeling, I recommend ordering mini crab cakes and crown jewels. The crown jewels are baked brie cups topped with pomegranate arils and served with sliced pears, crackers, and honey. 

Lady Vivilore took a chance on this theme, dear gentlereaders, but with Vivilore’s established reputation behind it and equal thought put into the menu as the decor, it’s likely to be this season’s diamond.

The Mandarin Event Space at Vivilore is located at 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052.