Spotlight

Muddy stays: The Great House, SonningFancy spending the night with George Clooney? OK, so he won't actually be in the same room, but he's within flashing distance of The Great House in Sonning – a fun, funky, riverside hotel.
Top 50 Gastropubs 2022 revealedThe Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs have been revealed – and Berkshire’s triple cooked chips stacked up very nicely with FOUR foodie pubs shortlisted.
Blues begone! This week's local funPhew! It's the last week of January Find the fun with our curated guide to the coolest local events from Strictly dance shows and cool exhibitions to live music.
Roll out the white carpet! Lovely snowdrop walksThe carpets of white are coming! Here are the loveliest places to catch winter snowdrops in Berkshire over the next few weeks.
Property flirt: a room with a royal viewTake a tour of this period cottage with a crown-wearing neighbour, cosy living space, garden office and VIP access to the Long Walk. Can you guess the price?

Well, hello!

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

There's loads of gorgeous new sportswear in the shops and online at the moment. Hop, skip and jump this way for the Muddy edit.

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

Top 50 Gastropubs 2022 revealed

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs have been revealed – and Berkshire’s triple cooked chips stacked up very nicely with FOUR foodie pubs shortlisted.
- 8 local hidden gems on industrial estates
  
  Thought industrial estates were only good for parking practice and MOTs? Think again! We’ve found a clutch of super-cool cafés, restaurants and taprooms you’re going to want to visit.
- Asian-inspired healthy dinners
  
  Running out of healthy eating inspo this January? Cosy food doesn’t have to come at the cost of health. Try these tasty plant-based recipes made with warming ginger and miso.

Feet up! 7 sizzling new releases to watch this week

Banish the blues with Muddy’s master list of what to watch and stream this week, from comic murder mysteries to Julian Fellowes’ new big-budget period drama. We feel better already.
- 22 fab and free things to do this month
  
  Money too tight to mention this month? Here’s a ton of ideas for a day out with mates, family or solo – from art and artefacts to adrenaline rush bike rides and bookish chats.
- Culture’s calling! What to see in London in 2022
  
  Thrilling theatre, exhilarating art, fantastic festivals – these are the tickets you need to book now. Settle in for a capital city culture hitlist, and a jam-packed 2022.

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

Muddy stays: The Great House, Sonning

Fancy spending the night with George Clooney? OK, so he won’t actually be in the same room, but he’s within flashing distance of The Great House in Sonning – a fun, funky, riverside hotel.
- Hotting up! Best new hotels for 2022
  
  Introducing the hottest new hotel openings around the world. Warning: contains images of sexy bedrooms, turquoise seas and infinity pools.
- The must-read Muddy skiing guide
  
  Want to book a ski holiday this year but not sure where to go? Snow problem! Whether you’re a family with beginners, hitting the après ski with friends or want an extreme mountain peak adventure, read on.

Property flirt: a room with a royal view

Take a tour of this period cottage with a crown-wearing neighbour, cosy living space, garden office and VIP access to the Long Walk. Can you guess the price?
- Recipe: Pappardelle with tomatoes & burrata
  
  Raise your pasta game with a simple, delicious pappardelle recipe from Muddy Award winners Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi. Psst… it’s delicious and healthy.
- House swap – what will £850k get you?
  
  Considering a move or just need a bit of escapism from the same four walls? We’ve popped £850k in the fantasy property pot, but what does that buy you across the Muddy counties?
Wellbeing
- Commit to fit! Cool local gyms and classes
  
  Trying to find your fitness mojo? Wrestle into your Lycra and head to the best boutique gyms and the coolest classes in Berkshire. Whisper it, it might even be fun.
- Fitness goals! 2022 events to train for now
  
  On your marks, get set, and go! Fancy challenging yourself in the new year? Then get booking onto these Berkshire races and triathlons. Lace up your trainers, take a breath, and dig deep.

Time to split? Here’s how to do it, from the queen of breakups

She’s got a podcast, comedy show, award-winning books and celeb following – Rosie Wilby is the one to listen to if you’re breaking up
Kids
- What to ask before you book a kids’ holiday camp
  
  The experts at Camp Beaumont (the UK’s most experienced day camp operator) have all the answers, popping up in Berkshire this Feb. That’s half term SORTED!
- Shiplake College, nr Henley
  
  This day and boarding school near Henley has a stunning river location, fab facilities, nurturing vibe and a new head. It’s also about to go fully co-ed. Read my updated review.

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: mumsy mane, begone!
  
  Stuck in a hair rut? See Muddy Berkshire editor Rachel’s chic style update here – the third video in our series with the fabulous Haringtons salons
- Hair trends 2022: the new styles to try this year
  
  Is this the year to shake up your style? From the French bob to buttermilk balayage, awesome award-winning salon group Haringtons give the lowdown on 22’s most coveted looks

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.