Spotlight

What’s in: what to watch this weekHiding inside to escape the heat, or need to shelter from the storm? No fear: these new TV and film releases will keep you entertained.
What's on this week in BerkshireA sizzling social scene awaits. There's a whole week of outdoor fun and air conditioned cultural loveliness to lure you away from your desk fan.
Into London: the capital reopensWith the tourist count at an all-time low, now is the time to swerve the endless queues and enjoy London's cultural bounty.
Feel good fitnessIf you've fallen off the fitness wagon during Lockdown, fear not. Wrestle into your Lycra and head to the best boutique gyms and the coolest classes in Berkshire. Whisper it, it might even be fun.
August fun coming right upWhat's that coming over the hill? Is it a social life? Oh yes it is. You Muddy Guide is back and we've gathered up all the fabulous August fun just for you.

Well, hello!

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

Who needs foreign shores when you can bring the Med to your living room? Here are the best destination-inspired candles money can buy.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Eat View more
10 of the best local afternoon teas

More scones, madam? Nibble your way through petit fours and finger sandwiches with our round up of the best afternoon teas in the area – Champagne with ours, please.
- Eat out to help out! Where to get a discount in Berks
  
  Sick of cooking? Good news - from 3 Aug, you can get a 50% discount on your dinner and drinks when you eat in. Here are the pubs and restaurants to make your reservation at.
- In the pink: the rosé revolution
  
  Once dismissed as "lady petrol" rosé wine is now officially the drink of the summer. Read on for tips on the best to buy, and that all important question - does it give you a hangover?
- Wicker basket packed?
  
  I'm heading off to Berkshire's 17 top picnic spots to scoff some scotch eggs. Who's with me?
- 18 fab waterside hangouts
  
  Water, water everywhere and there's more than a drop to drink (thank god!). Watch the world float by at Muddy's fave waterside spots to eat and drink.

Arts & Culture View more
What’s in: what to watch this week

Hiding inside to escape the heat, or need to shelter from the storm? No fear: these new TV and film releases will keep you entertained.
- Culture Queen! My August highlights
  
  A whole month of lolling in the sun (hopefully) requires a whole host of entertainment. Here are the culture picks I'll be soaking up this August, from must-see art to new albums
- Into London: the capital reopens
  
  With the tourist count at an all-time low, now is the time to swerve the endless queues and enjoy London's cultural bounty.

Home View more
- Scented candles that bring the holiday vibe
  
  Who needs foreign shores when you can bring the Med to your living room? Here are the best destination-inspired candles money can buy.
Wellbeing
- Core strength? What’s that? Muddy tries pilates
  
  How do you banish the post-lockdown couch potato vibes? Er, call on Sophie at FLEX.Pilates to reacquaint you with your core.
- Feel good fitness
  
  If you've fallen off the fitness wagon during Lockdown, fear not. Wrestle into your Lycra and head to the best boutique gyms and the coolest classes in Berkshire. Whisper it, it might even be fun.

Work View more
J’adore/ J’abhor: video calls

Are you a FaceTime fanatic or a Skype cynic? After months of video call catch-ups, two Muddy editors battle it out over the digital face-to-face.
Kids
- The Parents’ Guide to Surviving Exam Results…
  
  … because it's not just the kids who are bricking it on GSCE and A level results days this year!
- Feeling hot hot hot? 13 places to keep your cool
  
  Hey hot stuff! Bit sweaty? Here's Muddy's pick of the best pools, river spots and watery fun to cool down in. Just add SPF.

Fashion View more
Pump up the volume

Puff sleeves are as du rigueur as a mojito in hand this summer and we’ve found eight totally wearable sartorial stunners to add to your summer wardrobe now.
- Flop it like it’s hot! 10 stylish summer flip flops
  
  Flip flop season is in full swing so treat your feet to a pair of these summer beauties on our wish list (just remember to paint your toenails!).
- The final straw: 7 chic hats to buy now
  
  What keeps you cool, but is this summer's hottest accessory? The straw hat, of course! Nail the trend with one of these affordable woven beauties.

People View more
Muddy meets: iconic photographer Nick Knight

He’s worked with everyone from Alexander McQueen and John Galliano to Lady Gaga and Kanye West – so it’s a surprise to find photography genius Nick Knight’s newest exhibition is of flowers shot from his garden and showing at Waddesdon Manor! Blooming heck Nick, what’s going on?
- Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer
  
  Record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands - raising money for the NHS in association with UK theatres. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.

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.

The insider’s guide to the Top 200 places to live outside London

Travel View more
J’adore/j’abhor: camping

Does the sight of a sleeping bag pique your sense of adventure, or break you out in a cold sweat? Two Muddy behemoths duke it out over camping – let’s hope it doesn’t get too tents (sorry).
- Mini break anyone? The best hotel deals to book now
  
  If you're hankering for a few days away from your own four walls, then you'll need these mini break deals from hotels across the Muddy counties. Race you to check in.
- This way to the beach!
  
  The sun's making an appearance this weekend (at long last) so we're thinking impromptu, socially-distanced day trip to the coast. Who's in?