Where to Get in on the Royal Wedding Action in Style

The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is shaping up to be the must-see event of the weekend. Local restaurants and bars are capitalizing on the pagaentry — which is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 — by throwing elaborate viewing parties, afternoon teas, and other festive gatherings.

Here are some of the best bets for wedding watching enthusiasts.

Dish & Dram

10301 Kensington Parkway, Kensington, Md.

This neighborhood restaurant is celebrating the union between the U.S. and U.K. starting at 7 a.m. Brunch includes bangers and mash, a traditional British breakfast with sausages and mashed potatoes ($18) and pints of Lowest Lord ESB ($6.50). A boozy tea party option includes a pot of gin-spiked tea for two featurring Kensington Grey tea with elderflower (an ingredient in the royal wedding cake), orange bitters, and dry Beefeater Gin ($25). There’s also British bubbly, sparkling rosé, and two all-American hot dogs topped with champagne mustard and crispy onions ($85).

Iron Gate

1734 N Street NW

Limited edition cupcakes honoring the Royal Wedding will be served here this weekend. In honor of the royals’ elderflower and lemon wedding cake, pastry chef Paola Valez will create lemon cupcakes with whipped elderflower mascarpone icing; 12 cupcakes ($4 each) will be available on both Saturday and Sunday on a first come, first served basis.

Mandarin Oriental

1330 Maryland Avenue SW

Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 the hotel is hosting a special royal wedding tea and viewing party. Attendees can don fascinators or top hats while watching the live televised coverage of the ceremony and events in the Empress Lounge. The Royal Tea includes specially selected teas, delicate finger sandwiches, traditional teacakes, scones, a variety of preserves, and sweets. Also expect an English wedding favor. From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with seating at $58 per adult and $27 per child. Reservations are required; requested timed reservations are not available.

Ritz-Carlton - West End

1150 22nd Street NW

During its big viewing party on Saturday, May 19, the Ritz-Carlton in the West End is serving three eye-catching cocktails featuring spirits from local producer Joseph A. Magnus & Co. The specialty drinks include Marry Me, Markle, stirred with edible gold leaf flakes; the Windsor Ginger with Royal Seal Vodka and Earl Grey simple syrup with sloe berry and ginger-Infused foam; and Big Ben Calling with Joseph Magnus Bourbon and cold-pressed coffee.

St. Regis

923 16th Street NW

A royal wedding package (starting at $775) includes a ticket for two to the breakfast viewing and celebration, glasses of sparkly upon arrival, and a wedding-inspired cake for two featuring the British flag and a Meghan & Harry monogram. A to-go, six-inch version of the Meghan & Harry monogrammed cake is available for $55. Other festivities include a royal tea service all week ($55 per person) in the lobby with English pastries, and savory sandwiches. A pet-friendly “doggy tea” service is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 18. And an official vodka cocktail, called the Royal Sparkler, is available for $17.

Upper West Side Cafe

2233 M Street NW

The modern sports bar will be airing the big event on its big-screen TV and serving a Hibiscus Royale on special all day Saturday for $9.

Upper West Side Cafe [Official photo]

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