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

32 perfect pop up film nightsPass the popcorn, top up the Pimms and, brrr, grab your parka. Follow the usher this way, it's outdoor cinema season.
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.
Wonderful weddingsPlanning a wedding? Don't do anything until you've consulted our comprehensive wedding guide for all 21 Muddy counties.
First past the post styleAnd they're off! Make sure your race day ready and trot straight into the winners' enclosure – and there's not a fascinator in sight.
Best bluebell walks in BerksThe carpets of blue are coming and will look their blooming finest throughout April. Here's the best walks in Berkshire with plenty of pubby pitstops.

FRI 17 – SUN 19 MAY

MON 13 – SUN 18 MAY

MAY 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Gastropub heaven at The Newbury

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.)
- Muddy eats: Monkey Island Brasserie, Bray
  
  A new hotel brasserie in foodie Bray with an ex-Simpson’s on the Strand head chef in the kitchen. We felt it our duty to nail three courses *ahem* actually make that five and report back. Seriously, the things I do for you.
- Sun’s out! 18 fab pub gardens in Berks
  
  It's going to be scorchio this Easter bank holiday weekend, so here’s where to soak up some rays with a chilled glass of rosé to hand. Cheers!
- Bored of Pinot?
  
  Love a cheeky vino but feel you're stuck in a rut? I hear you, sister. Jump off the Pinot-Sauv BlanC bandwagon and uplevel wine o'clock.
- Three star thriller
  
  The Roux's Waterside Inn in Bray boasts 3 Michelin twinklers, river views, classic cookery and you don't have to sell a vital organ to eat here. *Dabs napkin*.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

For the best things happening in Berkshire

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

This way to the beach

Scorchio! The sun has got his hat on (at long last) so we’re thinking impromptu daytrip to the coast. Who’s in?
- The dreamiest new hotels
  
  In need of an indulgent weekend away? Er, ALWAYS. Here's our pick of the best new - and downright desirable - hotels to book pronto.
- Family-friendly rentals
  
  Easter's approaching, you need to reconnect with your fam, and we have just the thing to help - 30 gorgeous self-catering cottages across the Muddy counties!

Babies on the brain

Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!
Beauty
- Natural skincare + bio-active science = RESULTS
  
  Two sisters, one multi-award winning beauty brand and - oh hello - 10 Balance Me bundles worth a total of £1200 to give away!
- Six hangover hiders
  
  In the interests of not being mistaken for a dug-up corpse this festive season, behold our five favourite morning after skincare saviours.

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.
- 32 perfect pop up film nights
  
  Pass the popcorn, top up the Pimms and watch a movie under the stars. Follow the usher this way, it's outdoor cinema season, so wrap up and don't forget your waterproofs.

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
- 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 Marist School,
  
  A pastorally strong day school for girls aged 3-18, The Marist School in Sunninghill carefully balances intellectual firepower with kindness and community.

Muddy meets Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw is laconic, laid-back, and *very very* funny – read on for his views on Live Aid, embarrassing his kids, the Let’s Rock the Moor pecking order and (OMG) being a grandfather!
- Well, hello you!
  
  How has Keanu Reeves not aged in 30 years?! The laconic Hollywood star is back in a fashion campaign that's got social media a-swooning. Shall we examine the evidence?
- No, Tom, Noooooo!
  
  Is this the most excruciatingly cringey celebrity advert ever? Quite possibly Mr Hiddleston, quite possibly!