Rom-com enthusiasts are flocking to cinemas nationwide to catch the highly anticipated fourth instalment of the Bridget Jones franchise, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, which is shattering box office records nearly 25 years after the series first captivated audiences in 2001. Renee Zellweger reprises her iconic role as Bridget, navigating a fresh romantic chapter amidst the challenges of work, motherhood, and loss. The film, which also features Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor, has achieved the highest box office opening for a romantic comedy in the UK and Ireland, as reported by Universal. Given the enduring popularity of the Bridget Jones series, which solidified Hugh Grant and Colin Firth’s status as Britain’s most beloved romantic leads, this accomplishment comes as no surprise. As this poignant final chapter is poised to evoke a wave of nostalgia among fans, I opted to take my Valentine’s Day celebration to the next level by fully immersing myself in the world of Bridget Jones.
The room was equipped with an electric guitar and functioning record player
(Image: REACH)
Experiencing the Ultimate Bridget Jones Room Package at The Cumberland Hotel Upon discovering that the historic 900-room hotel, The Cumberland, was offering a special Bridget Jones Room Package for Valentine’s Day, I was eager to learn more. Prior to our arrival at Marble Arch, my partner and I were simply instructed to “ask for Mr Darcy” at the front desk, which only piqued our curiosity (although I suspected Colin Firth might have prior commitments, my excitement remained unwavering). Upon arriving at The Cumberland, I was struck by how music is woven into the very fabric of its identity, with its vast lobby decked out in electric guitars, rock ‘n’ roll collectables and a dazzling multicoloured bar backed by a live band setting the scene on stage. Unsurprisingly, given that the hotel has been a hotspot since 1933, it’s played host to musical icons like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna and Diana Ross, reports the Mirror.
The Cumberland houses a huge bar and stage with live music playing each night
(Image: THE CUMBERLAND HOTEL)
At the reception, we asked for Mr Darcy and were promptly led to another room where a welcoming glass of prosecco was thrust into our hands. Then the full ‘Bridget Jones Room Package’ was unveiled and we excitedly ascended to our suite to uncover the treasures within. As a sucker for a well-executed theme, walking into a suite that was a shrine to all things musical featuring both a vinyl record player and a vintage electric guitar brought me a lot of joy. On the desk sat a handwritten note from the devoted team encouraging us to indulge in a rom-com extravaganza in utter style, coupled with a chilled bottle of fizz, a sumptuous fruit arrangement and my personal pink Bridget diary. The room boasted other fab touches too, like an exquisite standalone bathtub, a supremely snug bed and unparalleled views over Mayfair.
The Cumberland is one of London’s most historic hotels
(Image: THE CUMBERLAND HOTEL)
Plus, a quirky mirror caught my eye listing the heights of various famed artists with a cheeky reminder: “We’re all a little bit Bridget.” Our Valentine’s Day was nothing short of fabulous, filled with tasty (mostly fried) food at the Sound Bar, live band performances, a bottle of prosecco in cosy robes, and of course, a classic rom-com movie night in bed (Notting Hill, naturally). The next morning, we were treated to a complimentary breakfast buffet before checking out. The spread was impressive, featuring everything from a traditional Full English to pastries, and even some delightful hummus and falafel. Our package also included two tickets to see Bridget Jones, Mad About the Boy. After our Bridget-themed Valentine’s night, I was buzzing with anticipation.
The bathroom was also very luxurious
(Image: REACH)
Watching Bridget Jones 4 When it comes to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions – although it may not be as polished as its predecessors. The film does lose momentum around the middle, with an excess of scenes set in the production studio and outside school gates. However, its compelling start and heartwarming conclusion prevent it from feeling tedious. The cast is predictably stellar, with many familiar faces making a welcome return. A special mention goes to child actor Casper Knopf, who delivers a particularly strong performance as Billy Darcy. There were also plenty of cringe-worthy moments – an inevitability of any British rom-com – but one cannot deny that the film fully succeeds in moving the audience to tears on more than one occasion (judging by the frequent sobs I could hear coming from all corners of the cinema). It’s also understandable that a lot of fans might be angered by one significant character’s absence in this film and, if you choose not to see it for that reason, I do not blame you. However, if you can get past this sobering fact – and if you already love the first three films – you will find Bridget Jones 4 is still worth the watch. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is in cinemas now. The Cumberland’s Bridget Jones package is also available to book up until February 28.
