The urban guide to the countryside -

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

A little mood-boosting treat is something we all need right now, I reckon. A dollop of luxe hand cream seems a rather good place to start.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

What's IN this weekWe may not be able to venture out, but we’ve found a whole load of stuff to keep you entertained indoors. Week two of lockdown, let’s go!
Where's the best place to live in Berkshire?The Sunday Times has revealed its top spots to live in 2020 – but did your hometown make the cut?
8 mood-boosting Spring walksThere's nothing like fresh air and a shot of Vitamin D to boost your mood. Call it medicine for your mind. Here's 10 Spring walks to stop you going stir crazy.
A Muddy call to armsThe escalation of you-know-what means our beloved local businesses are battling to survive - but we have some ideas to help. Ready, steady, support!
Say hello to your new Netflix obsessionWe're not going to mention the C-word but if you're staying in more right now, isolate yourself with the Netflix remote and watch these corkers pronto.

FRI 27 – SUN 29 MAR

We may not be able to venture out, but we’ve found a whole load of stuff to keep you entertained indoors. Week two of lockdown, let’s go!

March 2020

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Eat Out View more
Muddy updates – if we can’t go out, order in!

No clue what’s going on? We’re here to help! Here are the local businesses that are open, offering takeaway, delivery and more.
- Chaaaaarge! Muddy eats at The Wellington Arms
  
  Local food, cosy interiors and a grand ol' duke next door, The Wellington Arms at Stratfield Turgis is a classic British pub through and through. Are you ready for a big portion?
- Shall I be mum?
  
  Sorted for Mother's Day? If in doubt, book afternoon tea. But where can you get your fix of diddy sandwiches and scones? I know, I know!
- FOUND! Berkshire’s most Instagrammable pub
  
  If you love supercool London street food scene, then you're gonna love The Market House in Reading a laidback hangout to eat, drink and sleep on repeat.
- 1 night, 2 chefs, 3 stars
  
  Fancy a supercharged foodie supper? Canter to Coworth Park for posh nosh, luxe starfishing and a laidback vibe we could get used to.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

Travel View more
Restaurants with rooms

Dreaming of a foodie getaway? We’ve scoured the Muddy counties for hotel stays with serious culinary credentials for when lock-down lifts. Tuck in.
- Holiday planning? 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.
- Love is in the air! The best local Valentine’s Day stays
  
  Grab your fanciest pants and pack your overnight bag - we've rustled up some romantic Valentine's Day stays in Berkshire and beyond to get you in the mood for love.

Fashion View more
5 of the best… trench coats

It’s a style classic for a reason – the trench is probably the most chic, useful piece you can buy (banish all thoughts of Inspector Clouseau). Here are our new season favourites.
- 5 of the best… French slogan jumpers
  
  Bonjour, sexy new knitwear! These chic slogan jumpers are guaranteed to add a little je ne sais quoi to any ensemble - we adore.
- One bag, three trends nailed
  
  SS20's hottest trends in one bag. No need to splash the cash or sacrifice wardrobe space on lots of new arm candy, grab this one tote and you're good to go.

Arts & Culture View more
Culture in quarantine

Brain melting from Netflix overload already? Culture vultures, rejoice – here’s the best of arts and theatre you can stream online.
- Press mute! 10 mood-boosting books
  
  While it feels like your starring in a very bad disaster movie right now, turn the volume down on the gloom and read feel-good books only.
- Say hello to your new Netflix obsession
  
  We're not going to mention the C-word but if you're staying in more right now, isolate yourself with the Netflix remote and watch these corkers pronto.

Work View more
How to work from home (without going stir crazy)

Working from your home office (or, er, the sofa) for the foreseeable? Don’t panic! These top tips will help you stay calm, collected and productive – or at the very least, sane.
Kids
- St Andrew’s, Pangbourne
  
  This bucolic co-ed prep school in the rolling hills of Berkshire is family-oriented, outdoorsy with great results – and the Duchess of Cambridge raves about it.
- Lockdown literature for kids
  
  If the novelty of staying at home with your kids is wearing a bit thin, here are 14 brilliant books to keep them amused and out of the fridge for at least five minutes.

People View more
Muddy meets… Melissa Hemsley

It turns out the healthy cooking queen has culinary disasters too! Melissa spills the beans (then whips them up into a tasty frittata) on burnt pans, how to waste less food and keeping an endless supply of cookie dough in the freezer.
- The 4 funniest people on social media
  
  Fancy a giggle? These Instagram and Twitter accounts are happy to oblige.
- Exclusive interview! Muddy meets…. Laurence Fox
  
  The actor-turned-singer has been front page news since an incendiary appearance on Question Time last week. In this exclusive interview, he talks midlife crises, death threats and groupies with Muddy's Kerry Potter.