Spotlight

What's on in Berks this DecemberWhat a festive feast we have for you this month, with local events for party people, shoppers, foodies, festive fun-seekers, music lovers and sports fans in Berks.
Cool Yule! 20 fun things to do this weekNo more bah humbug! Crank up Mariah, grab a mince pie and plan a week of festive fun. We've got pantos, a nose at the Royal decs, Christmas fairs and more.
Hair transformation: Muddy goes 'petrol'Time for a new 'do? From subtle styling to bold design (read on!) Haringtons has you covered with slick service and skill. See what happened when Muddy sat in the salon chair...
Christmas gift guide: for himWhat to buy the bloke who has everything (or 'wants nothing')? We've sorted his Christmas list with 25 cool gifting ideas from independent brands and businesses across the Muddy counties
12 of the best Christmas markets near BerkshireIs it even Christmas if you haven't eaten scalding chestnuts from a chalet hut? Do your festive shopping right this year with these 28 merry markets worth a visit in Berkshire and beyond.

Well, hello!

I'm Rachel, editor of Muddy Berkshire, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

Party season essentials to add to your beauty bag

It's Christmaaaaas! Treat yourself to some festive glam, and pick up some some gorgeous stocking fillers in one fell swoop at Next Beauty & Home's shopping event (11-12 Dec).

Gotta have it

What’s on this month

Fancy doing something fun? Er, always! Read on for our curated picks of the best things happening near you right now

See What's On

Eat

A cocktail, garçon, and make it snappy

Is it even party season if we’re not head to toe in sequins working our way through the cocktail menu? No it is not. Here are 16 of the best bars in Berkshire. Ibuprofen at the ready?
- Muddy eats: The Hind’s Head, Bray
  
  Step into Heston Blumenthal’s culinary time machine. The HInd’s Head in Bray takes its inspiration from the past to bring you an elegantly eccentric menu of comforting classics.
- Review: The Halfway Inn, nr Newbury
  
  The Halfway Inn nr Newbury, West Berkshire, has had a stylish revamp. The result? A buzzy pub with a growing reputation for tasty seasonal food! Muddy dons her lucky napkin and tries it out

Culture

Pass the remote: 6 things to watch this week

It’s freezing! Definitely the only excuse you need to catch up on some sofa time. On our watchlist this week: Benedict Cumberbatch’s cowboy “career-best”, on-demand opera, award-winning BBC comedy, and more.
- 25 festive films to get you in Christmas spirit
  
  ‘Tis the season to hit the Baileys and get on a Christmas movie marathon. Here are 25 festive films for your viewing pleasure – full fat cheesy and dairy free.
- Your festive guide to the big smoke this Crimbo
  
  Eat, drink, and be merry in the capital this festive season with our holly jolly hitlist. From glam pop-ups and glittering fairgrounds to cocktails and carols, here’s the best of the best.

Little Black Book

Want to support local? Our curated pick of the most creative, unique and brilliant businesses near you.

Vicar's Game, Ashampstead

Stokes Farm Barn, Wokingham

Four State, Windsor

My Little Green Wardrobe

The Summer House Collection

JUNO Education

The Crown & Anchor, Ham

The Post Barn, Newbury

The Pack Saddle, Mapledurham

South Hill Park, Bracknell

Sonning Flowers

Bridge Street Skin Clinic

Travel

Green for go! 10 sustainable holidays

Want to do your bit for the environment while enjoying your hols? Check out these eco-friendly hot spots which are clean, green and keen on a bit of luxury too.
- Escape by rail to these 7 heavenly new hotels
  
  No flight, no faff… hop on the train to these gorgeous new hotels from the newest Pig Hotel to a Peaks treehouse and a cheeky little number in Paris
- Muddy reviews: Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, Italy
  
  Looking for an easy to reach, hassle-free, action-packed family getaway? This South Tyrol playground ticks all the boxes for a year-round Muddy escape.

Home

Fir real! Where to buy your Christmas tree this year

Time to untangle the fairy lights and haul in the Norwegian spruce. We’ve found the best local options, from pick your own and potted firs to tree rentals. Up she goes!
- Christmas wreath-making workshops – updated
  
  There’s nothing like a wreath-making workshop to let off some creative steam and get into the festive mood. Before you say it’s too early, they’re selling out already, sweetie! Grab your tickets now.
- A quick and tasty mid-week veggie supper
  
  Ruby Tandoh is known for her fuss-free, delicious recipes like this dish of gnocchi with harissa butter and broccoli. Plus, you’ve got a chance to win a copy of her latest book, Cook As You Are
Wellbeing
- Morning routines for happy women: the author
  
  Nescafé Gold Blend, to-do lists and occasionally a pair of killer heels – this is what a morning looks like for author Natalie Livingstone.
- 10 super spa days in Berkshire
  
  A little pampering goes a long way especially as we head into the colder darker months. Here’s the best spa days in Berkshire. And relaaax.

Life

Five gripping reads to give your working life a boost

What better inspo for giving your career a shake-up than the story of a creative genius who defied her generation and became a living legend. We’ve found the best books that embrace the Clarice Cliff spirit…
Kids
- Caversham Prep School, Reading
  
  As a dedicated iPad school, this small co-ed prep offers an innovative approach to learning using tech and traditonal methods to achieve academic success.
- St George’s, Windsor Castle
  
  More than just a chichi address, St George’s is leading the charge in educational reform as the UK’s first IB prep. It’s a school with academic rigour, royal links and a place where kindness is king.

Instamuddy

Fashion

Keep calm and carry on! 7 stylish totes for shopping

With luxury designer Anya Hindmarch launching a bag for the big supermarkets, it’s time to raise your shopper game. Check out these seven beauties.
- Where to rent, repair and sell gorgeous designer clothes
  
  Madonna’s cone bra is now available to rent! It’s ethical, eco and everywhere… here’s where you can rent, repair and sell-on stylish clothes, from Christmas party outfits to eye-catching clutch bags
- 6 of the best… trench coats
  
  It goes with everything — from knockout dresses to comfy tees. Shop this workhorse of the fashionista wardrobe with Muddy’s top six picks for autumn / winter 2021.
Beauty
- Hair transformation! Muddy goes ‘petrol’
  
  Time for a new ‘do? From subtle styling to bold design (read on!) Haringtons has you covered with slick service and skill. See what happened when Muddy sat in the salon chair…
- Hair transformation: Muddy goes ‘petrol’
  
  Time for a new ‘do? From subtle styling to bold design (read on!) Haringtons has you covered with slick service and skill. See what happened when Muddy sat in the salon chair…

People

Meet gastro green queen, Romilla Arber

Welcome to the food revolution: With sustainability more important than ever, Honesty Group founder and writer Romilla Arber talks about her mission to be green.
- Morning routines for happy women: the author
  
  Nescafé Gold Blend, to-do lists and occasionally a pair of killer heels – this is what a morning looks like for author Natalie Livingstone.
- Berkshire’s Olympic giants going for gold
  
  Addicted to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics? With Maidenhead’s Tom Dean winning gold, meet your local Team GB stars medal hunting in Japan.