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

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Clink! Cheers to our wonderful winners24 worthy winners and plenty of Berkshire gin and bubbles – it must be the Muddy Awards do. Here's the lowdown on our high jinks at Forest Edge Tipis.
The 30 best local artisan ginsThe 30 best artisan gins across the Muddy counties - rack them up, throw in some Juniper berries and rosemary, and let's get drinking!
The toughest woman in sportShe's lost teeth and blacked out, but nothing will stop jockey Hollie Doyle getting back in the saddle. She talks to Muddy about racing, relaxing and steak.
Superflashy newsflash!So much hot goss across Berkshire, you'll need a lashing of SPF. New bars, new pubs, and lots of cake…
How to do Henley Regatta in styleThe Hidden Garden: the only way to watch Henley Regatta in style this year – book in, drink up and enjoy the view.
Bright and beautifulField and Hawken's vibrant outdoor furniture is all about the fun and sun. If the sun won't shine, we'll make our own.

FRI 28 – SUN 30 JUN

MON 24 – SUN 30 JUNE

JUNE 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Ooh la la L’Ortolan

A French fancy in Reading? You betcha! L’Ortolan has managed to keep hold of its Michelin twinkler for 17 years, and Chef Tom Clarke’s pud almost made Mr M cry…
- First past The Winning Post
  
  Bounding around Berkshire in search of pubby perfection? I saddled up for a 3-course nosebag and a comfy sleepover at The Winning Post, Winkfield.
- The way to Dad’s heart…
  
  … is through his stomach. Duh! Of course it is. Here are Muddy's favourite hang outs for Father's Day (that you'll love too).
- 9 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.
- Gastropub heaven
  
  New chef, new menu and a cool new gin distillery. We're back at Muddy Award winner The Newbury and it's just the tonic. (Sorry, I'll get my coat.)

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.

40 Quirky Stays for Summer

Fancy an escape that’s a leetle bit different? From yurts to lodges, shepherd’s huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Book in once you’ve taken your jaw off the floor.
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.

Speedy summer style

The holiday countdown starts now. Pack smart and not a minute will be wasted worrying about what to wear. Minimum effort for maximum fun. *Rack up the Negronis*
- All hail the Pearly Queen
  
  Claudia Bradby is the chic jewellery designer who's put the pizzazz back into pearls, with celeb fans including Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton. Muddy is impressed!
- First time fashion
  
  Ready for an adventure? Us too! At Muddy we’ve committed to new experiences this summer (both cultural and clothes related, natch).

Summer’s MUST reads

June’s best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert’s breathtaking new novel. Check out Kerry Potter’s reviews – and then win the whole lot!
- Review: Matisse – Drawing with scissors
  
  In need of culture fix? No need to schlep into the big smoke. Newbury's cool, new art gallery The Base has brought a piece of the London art scene to Berks.
- Review: The Importance Of Being Earnest
  
  Who needs Love Island when you can have Oscar Wilde's 24-hr (Victorian) party people – a group with loose morals, bad manners and a low opinion of marriage.
- Need a brilliant new read?
  
  A stunning debut novel, a futuristic thriller and an exquisite memoir are among books editor Kerry Potter's marvellous May picks. And you can win the lot!
- Drama queens reign in Windsor
  
  Take four strong women, add one violent man and you've got more drama than Meghan's birth plan. Napoli, Brooklyn makes its UK premiere in Windsor and it's all kicking off.

Calling all creatives!

Networking used to be naff but new collective The Creative Duck is anything but. Plus they sell stylish gifts handmade locally by their talented members.
Kids
- May half term sorted!
  
  But Easter was only yesterday I hear you cry! Don't worry, Muddy has you covered with the best family-friendly things to do over May half term in Berks and beyond.
- Upton House School, Windsor
  
  Muddy say: Upton House is a nurturing school for girls and boys aged 2-11. It's got a family feel, is rated 'excellent' with a princessy past.

The toughest woman in sport

She’s lost teeth and blacked out, but nothing will stop jockey Hollie Doyle getting back in the saddle. Muddy talks to racing’s pocket rocket in the run up Ladies Night at Windsor Racecourse.
- Miley goes mental
  
  Hello, who's speaking please? This fruity promo for her new album be Miley Cyrus' naughtiest stunt yet. Creative juices flowing or cynical marketing ploy - you decide!
- Muddy meets Shappi
  
  Comedian Shappi Khorsandi discusses new tour, her tips on how NOT to be funny and why you should do things that scare you (hell yeah!)