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

18 cracking Xmas wreath workshopsDeck your door with boughs of holly! These local festive craft classes are hugely popular so, quick, book now!
Christmas rappingWatch out John Lewis! IKEA's and M&S's Christmas adverts are bonkers and brilliant! Watch, laugh and tell us your favourite.
5 reasons to sort Christmas at Bicester VillageNew openings, live music, pop-ups, gorgeous gifts and fairy lights everywhere you turn - it's festive frolics all the way at BV.
Five awesome autumn walks!Grab your friends or family and try our pick of the prettiest walks in Berkshire - all with pubs nearby for that all-important pit stop.
20 fab Xmas fairs and marketsBefore we hit the parties and panto, get into the Crimbo spirit with a mulled wine, minced pie and Muddy's pick of the festive markets and fairs.

FRI 15 – SUN 17 NOV

MOON 11 – SUN 17 NOV

NOVEMBER 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Eat like a horse at the Astor Grill

Did you know Cliveden has a casual alternative to its fine dining restaurant. Muddy heads to the former Astor stable block for a posh nosebag.
- 17 Sunday roasts with the most
  
  Release the Yorkies! No need to slave over a roast, out you go. Here Muddy's Berkshire hot spots for a weekend nosh up.
- Twinkle twinkle Michelin stars
  
  It’s the gong all chefs want, so whose wish upon a Michelin star in Berkshire came true this year? Big pants on, let's meet our culinary giants.
- The UK’s sexiest restaurant?
  
  If it’s good enough for Meghan (we’re on first name terms), it’s good enough for Muddy. The Cliveden Dining Room is Deco fabulous has the swagger of Harry Styles on heat.
- Autumn Supper Clubs
  
  Forks poised? Dig in to a brand new round of supper clubs popping up over the coming months with brilliant one-offs, Sri Lankan, Asian and vegan options.

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 37 coolest party palaces

Got a big birthday celebration looming? Or fancy a weekend away with your squad? We’ve sniffed out the 37 dreamiest party palaces across the land, available for exclusive hire. Grab your gang and let’s go!
- Go West! Half-term getaways
  
  Need to make a fast getaway? Don’t move a muscle till you’ve checked out my pick of 8 last-minute family breaks in the West Country.
- 24 hours in Matera
  
  Have you seen the new James Bond car chase scenes around southern Italy? Happens that Muddy was there this summer, checking out the cool places to go. Make mine a martini, shaken not stirred while I tell you my insider tips.

Rock the band

No longer the twee accessory of the twinset brigade. Headbands have major style cred – and they’re the perfect quick fix for parties, winter weddings and hassle-free hair days.
- Ready to wrap up?
  
  Brrrrrrr! It's got a bit chilly hasn't it? Come warm yourself with these 10 stylish woolies and coats from the ever-brilliant hush.
- Doggy style
  
  You'd be barking mad to miss H&M's new knitwear line allowing you to outfit twin with your doggy. Woof!

Christmas rapping

Watch out John Lewis! IKEA’s and M&S’s Christmas adverts are bonkers and brilliant! Watch, laugh and tell us your favourite.
- The Muddy panto guide 2019
  
  It's panto season. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is! Oh no.... OK, enough! Here's 18 of the best in Berkshire and beyond. Greasepaint at the ready!
- The 10 dreamiest coffee table books of the year
  
  Clear space on your coffee table! Muddy's books editor Kerry Potter has 10 sexy, shiny visual feasts for your delectation.

The bane of your working life?

Imposter syndrome is a problem for women in offices up and down the land and it’s holding us back. Here’s Muddy chief Hero’s personal take.
Kids
- Highfield Prep, Maidenhead
  
  A celebration of girl power, this 'family' oriented school is producing fearless females who are given lot of opportunities in a non hot-housey environment.
- Coworth Flexlands, Chobham
  
  A caring, inclusive and incredibly family-focussed girls prep school and co-ed pre-prep set in an idyllic countryside location in the Surrey/Berks borders.

Meet the woman who’s declared war on plastic

We met Beth Noy, the founder of Plastic Freedom, an online shop collating the best plastic-free brands around. She’s got some brilliant advice for us all.
- Dermot: It’s personal
  
  Love ogling O'Leary? He's DJing at Ascot Races and Muddy's got all the goss on his *coughs* tooooit trousers, love of cats and mojitos with Madonna.
- Food fit for a queen
  
  Sacre bleu! L'Ortolan's creative Head Chef Tom Clarke spills the beans on cooking for the Royal family, his love of French cuisine, famous diners and his food trend regrets.