Spotlight

Superflashy newsflash! The latest local gossPiping hot news, coming atcha! This week: a stunning boutique hotel, new pub openings and why the show must go on in theatres this Xmas.
Is it time to start your own business?2020 has forced many of us to radically rethink our careers, goals and dreams. Muddy meets four inspiring women who took control and started their own businesses during Covid. Are you ready to take the leap, too?
What's on this week in BerkshireFun incoming in the Berkshire 'hood. We've got cool comedy, epic exhibitions and a BGT star's new magic show that'll blow your mind. Out. You. Go.
Is this the ultimate family escape?A five star hotel so fabulous you and your kids will never want to leave. Pack your bags, Coworth Park is calling for fresh air, great food and fun on tap.
13 arboretums to explore this autumnAll change! The trees are turning from green to gorgeous red-brick, crimson and gold – and the best places to see them are these beautiful local arboretums.

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

Halloween interiors – no tricks, plenty of treats

Halloween approaches and, quite frankly, this year, we'll take any excuse for a party. Invite five friends over and dress up your house with these interiors trinkets.

It’s all about the staycay! Our handpicked selection of the hippest hotels, pubs, restaurants and cottages to help you book that well-deserved break

Little Black Book

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

Aspire Clinic, Reading

Balance Pro Reformer Pilates

Strong & Together Design, Newbury

Thameside Rum Company

Five Bells, Wickham

Veeno, Reading

Coworth Park, Ascot

The Market House, Reading

The Wellington Arms, Stratfield Turgis

Strange The Jewellers

The Little Gym Windsor

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Twyford

Eat View more
Caffeine boost! 40 of the best indie coffee roasters

Can’t function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends, from indie coffee roasters across the Muddy counties, to kickstart your day with a caffeine boost.
- Local gins to celebrate G&T Day
  
  It's International Gin and Tonic Day, so what better reason to pick up a bottle (or two) of these delicious local tipples? Add tonic, ice and a slice, and relaaaax.
- Spice up your life! 3 tasty autumn cocktails
  
  Brrr! Feeling the seasonal chill? Slip into a big knit and spice up cocktail hour with three drinkies guaranteed to warm your cockles.
- The Great Berkshire Bake Off
  
  Baking falls into the two camps – the makers and the fakers. Rise to the GBBO challenge, here's five fab classes to up your game. On your marks, get set… BAKE!
- Veeno: A Sicilian mini break in Berks
  
  A trip to Italy is off the cards right now, but give your tastebuds a mini break and eat and drink your way around Sicily while staying put in Reading,

Instamuddy

Arts & Culture View more
Fright night FOMO? Here’s 25 Halloween films

Halloween parties are off, but no need into a jumbo box of Haribo. Here’s our pick of Halloween classics for a night of chills and thrills.
- Sofa surfer! 7 new TV shows and films to watch this week
  
  Anyone up for movie night? Here are six new feature-length flicks landing on the box this week, as well as a brand new Netflix mini-series you'll love.
- And now for something hilarious…
  
  Need a little light relief? Don't we all? Here are three IG accounts that have been making us laugh this week.

Home View more
- Light it up! 42 cool indie candle brands
  
  The arrival of autumn means darker evenings snuggled indoors by candlelight. Looking for a new scent? Try one of these gorgeous indie candle brands from across the Muddy counties.
Wellbeing
- 6 steps to better wellbeing this October
  
  Lockdown, curfews, general panic - the last few months have been stressful to say the least, so we're pegging October to focus on our wellbeing, starting with these six simple steps.
- Muddy slides into a Reformer Pilates class
  
  Cardio lying down? Yes please! Muddy tries Adele's fitness of choice, Reformer Pilates, at a fab studio in Hurley, Berkshire.

Travel View more
Is this the ultimate family escape?

A five star hotel so fabulous you and your kids will never want to leave. Pack your bags, Coworth Park is calling for fresh air, great food and 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
- 10 European-style staycations to book now
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.

Work View more
Is it time to start your own business?

2020 has forced many of us to radically rethink our careers, goals and dreams. Muddy meets four inspiring women who took control and started their own businesses during Covid. Is it time we joined them?
Kids
- The great October half-term escape
  
  Filled with fear at the thought of entertaining the kids this Halloween half term? Hit the road and enjoy 14 of our fave days out across the Muddy counties.
- Reading Blue Coat, Sonning
  
  Muddy says: It's hard to find fault with this boys day school in Sonning. Inclusive and amazing results. Impressed.

Fashion View more
7 stylish Pyjamas for a luxe lie in

Clocks go back this weekend, it’s dark, cold and wet outside – let’s hunker down with some chic new pyjamas to enjoy that extra hour in style.
- Trend alert! White-hot boots to buy now
  
  Forget your usual black and brown, there's a new colour on the block when it comes to winter boots and we're loving it. Here are eight white pairs to add to basket.
- 5 perky payday treats – and 15% off
  
  Before we all start moaning about the cold and Christmas, we prescribe payday treat therapy. We've scoured Berkshire's Gift Pop boutique for our favourite fashion finds – then quote MUDDY15 and get 15% off everything.

Beauty View more
- Best beauty advent calendars for 2020
  
  It's beginning to look a lot like advent calendar season! We've rounded up the top makeup, skincare and fragrance picks to get your hands on before they sell out.
- Natural selection: The essential no-make-up kit
  
  It’s a trend that’s not going away anytime soon; make-up so subtle that it just makes you look like a brighter and better version of yourself. Here’s the Muddy guide.

People View more
What’s cooking? Calum Franklin, The Pie Room

Fresh from the launch of his mouth-watering new cookbook, we caught up with the London Pie King himself to talk Scotch eggs, the Breville toastie masker and cooking for Axl Rose.
- Yes, people, this is Meg Mathews
  
  Primrose Hill party queen turned wellness guru? Stranger things have happened! Muddy chats to the always glamorous Meg Mathews about her new book, self-care and, er, vagina facials.
- Muddy meets: iconic photographer Nick Knight
  
  He's worked with everyone from Alexander McQueen and John Galliano to Lady Gaga and Kanye West - so it's a surprise to find photography genius Nick Knight's newest exhibition is of flowers shot from his garden and showing at Waddesdon Manor! Blooming heck Nick, what's going on?