Spotlight

Newsflash! Hot goss incomingIf it's hot and happening in Berkshire you can be damn sure I'll know about it! From a new shoppable hotel and a stately TV star, here's this week's goss.
The talented locals behind The Indie StoreAs we gingerly step back into the real world, it's more important than ever to support local. Here some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special.
Letterbox cheer: best gifts by postShare the love in lockdown (we’re almost there!) with one of these fun letterbox gift ideas, from book bundles and candles, to beauty boxes and wine.
Feet up: 7 things to watch this weekA week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
Need a top up? Where to get wine deliveredGetting through lockdown one bottle of wine at a time? It's the ultimate essential purchase. Here's where to get the best bottles delivered and support local.

Well, hello!

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

Hearts are so last year! Make your feelings known this Valentine's Day with a love token that's subtle, stylish and bang on trend.

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

Home View more
Face off! Expressive interiors to buy now

Inject a little personality into your home with these interior buys that feature quirky facial expressions, all from fabulous local businesses on The Indie Store.
- Five fixer uppers on the market right now
  
  No more compromise, sieze the opportunity to design your home exactly how you want it. From self build grand designs to chapel conversions we've got just the property project for you.
- Interiors inspo: bold spring refresh
  
  Enough with cosy interiors and soft greys - here’s our edit of the fabrics, paints and tiles to lift your spirits and inject some spring into your step, hallway, walls, sofas...
Wellbeing
- Low mood > depression > and how to tackle it
  
  One in five people reading this feature will be suffering from some form of depression. Here's how to spot the signs and help yourself and those you love.
- Cheaper than therapy: self-help books for 2021
  
  Being stuck inside for a year hasn’t done us a ton of good, but help is at hand. Try one of these tomes designed to get our work, home and head space in order.

Arts & Culture View more
Feet up: 7 things to watch this week

A week’s worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
- Why Emerald Fennell is our new girl crush
  
  She juggles horror and humour and always comes out on top; and from Killing Eve to The Crown to Young Promising Woman, she's written or acted in the most talked about film and TV in years
- Top TV: 6 things to watch this week
  
  Hear-ye, hear-ye: it's this week's cream of the TV crop. Don't bother scrolling through uninspiring options — Muddy's sniffed out everything worth watching. Find it right here.

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

Eat View more
Shall I be mum? 5 teas delivered to your door

Nothing says ‘I love you’ on Mother’s Day like a doorstep delivery of finger sarnies and scones. Here are 5 of the best takeaway Afternoon Teas in Berkshire.
- Fuss-free roast chicken with a twist
  
  When you're tired of a roast, you're tired of life. But, boy, it's a bit of a faff. Until now. We've got two simple recipes for a fuss-free Sunday dinner.
- Need a top up? Where to get wine delivered
  
  Getting through lockdown one bottle of wine at a time? It's the ultimate essential purchase. Here's where to get the best bottles delivered and support local.

Work View more
Ideas to get your finances into shape for 2021

The beginning of the year is always about renewal, resolutions and healthy regimes. But the fallout from Covid has shown how financial wellbeing is also vital – and too often overlooked. Muddy limbers up for a money MOT.
Kids
- Horris Hill Prep, Newbury
  
  Muddy says: A small, high-achieving rural prep with a brand new Lower School. We think you'll love the family vibe, welcome emphasis on individuality, 'joining in' and good manners.
- Eagle House School, Sandhurst
  
  Looking for a co-ed day and boarding school (3-13 yrs) on the Berks/Surrey border with a strong all-rounder rep and first class facilities? Well, whaddya know!

Fashion View more
The trouser brigade: stylish alternatives to jeans

It’s time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We’ve found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn’t doing it for you
- Wear the rainbow! Bright knits for a lockdown lift
  
  Lockdown monotony getting you down? Here's a fun idea: brighten up your Zoom calls (and your mood) with a different rainbow knit for every day of the week.
- Let’s get physical: Best Fitness Gear 2021
  
  New year, new fitness routine? We're with you! Here's the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear and accessories that'll have you in tip-top form in no time.

People View more
The talented locals behind The Indie Store

As we gingerly step back into the real world, it’s more important than ever to support local. Here some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special.
- My favourite places: Sarah Burns MBE of Smart Works
  
  When Smart Works Reading's charity chief Sarah Burns isn't riding a bike to raise £20k to support local women, where will we find her? These hangouts, of course!
- Chefs Jack and Scott get a roasting
  
  Both their dads are chefs (one just happens to be Heston Blumenthal), they're Michelin trained and they've just launched at home dining with a difference. Let's meet the chefs…

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of fun in the sun.
- Is this the ultimate family escape?
  
  A five star hotel so fab you and your kids will never want to leave. Pack your bags, Coworth Park is calling for fresh air, great food and post-lockdown fun on tap.
- 20 Muddy approved attractions in Berks
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Berkshire