Muddy Stilettos Berkshire

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.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Superflashy NewsflashWhat's hot in the Berkshire 'hood? We've got news on the Pussycat Dolls, Stormzy, Mabel, new restaurants and big refurbs. Read all about it.
Day trippersHalf term's here (*smiles through gritted teeth*). Please the little people and save your sanity by checking out these 28 top family day trips.
Half term savioursHarrassed parents, breathe deep. We know 36 ways to entertain the kids across Berkshire - from Lego film courses and cookery to the best theatre and days out.
Is it getting hot in here?Apply a cold compress and loosen that corset! It's historical hunk time in film and telly with three new sizzling period dramas to look forward to.
Snowdrops everywhere!They're coming out! The loveliest places to catch winter snowdrops across Berks and beyond over the next few weeks.

FRI 28 FEB – SUN 1 MAR

MON 24 FEB – SUN 1 MAR

Feb 2020

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Flippin’ fabulous! Where to eat this Pancake Day

Can’t be bothered with the faff of Pancake Day? Drop the spatula and make a reservation at one of these eateries instead.
- Date night hot spots
  
  Valentine's Day leave you cold? Feel the love for Berkshire's romantic restaurants and pubs and you can stare into each others' eyes today or any of the other 364 days of the year.
- The boutique bar, it’s a thing
  
  Sit, sip (or guzzle), Wokingham's new boutique bar Sit & Sip, with its industrial details and funky neon is our top spot for an impeccably-made G&T and some light grazing.
- A cocktail, garçon
  
  We love the cosy vibes of a country pub, but sometimes we need heels, sequins and the pizzazz of a bar where only a Porn Star martini will do. Dry Jan begone, we're all about Wet Feb.
- Top 50 Gastropubs 2020 revealed
  
  Whose tripled-cooked chips have got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Roomy pants on, Let's tuck in because FOUR of Berkshire's foodie pubs made the grade.

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.

Holiday planning? 10 European-style staycations

Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.
- Love is in the air! The best local Valentine’s Day stays
  
  Grab your fanciest pants and pack your overnight bag - we've rustled up some romantic Valentine's Day stays in Berkshire and beyond to get you in the mood for love.
- Call me Cupid! 46 romantic stays across the Muddy counties
  
  In the mood for love? Of course you are, pussy cat! Here, allow us to assist with the rumpy pumpy with 46 romantic boltholes across the Muddy counties.

Why heritage Laura Ashley is trending

When was the last time you set shopped in Laura Ashley? Er, never. And yet vintage pieces are making a mint on eBay and have inspired SS20’s high street collections.
- 4 new season trends to try (and one to avoid)
  
  The high street is awash with new spring/summer goodies. Overwhelmed? Here's our pick of the new trends worth exploring - and how to wear them.
- Gotta have it
  
  Hey sexy pants! We've found 5 chic lingerie brands to spice up your life this Valentine's Day. And - bonus - they're all British.

The funniest show on TV is back!

The Cotswolds is all creamy stone cottages, exquisite gastropubs and picture perfect villages, right? Erm…
- 5 best books out in Feb
  
  Muddy's pro bookworm Kerry Potter has got five Feb fancies for your delectation. Read all about 'em - and then win the lot!
- The Tempest is midwinter magic
  
  Nothing ropey about South Hill Park's new adaptation of Shakespeare The Tempest, apart from the brilliantly creative stage design. Read on for the verdict.

Win £2000 to kickstart your business dreams

Have a brilliant business that needs a helping hand? We’ve teamed up with business banking alternative, Tide, to offer a whopping two grand (yes, you read it right) to give you the boost you need. Win it here.
Kids
- Day trippers
  
  Half term's here (*smiles through gritted teeth*). Please the little people and save your sanity by checking out these 28 top family day trips.
- Long Close School
  
  Muddy says: A highly-regarded co-ed day school in the Slough suburbs, rated excellent across the board, for 3-16 year olds.

The 4 funniest people on social media

Fancy a giggle? These Instagram and Twitter accounts are happy to oblige.
- Exclusive interview! Muddy meets…. Laurence Fox
  
  The actor-turned-singer has been front page news since an incendiary appearance on Question Time last week. In this exclusive interview, he talks midlife crises, death threats and groupies with Muddy's Kerry Potter.
- Muddy meets Josie Long
  
  We caught up with (we reckon) the most positive comedian in the business about motherhood, MasterChef, making people laugh and her new tour, Tender.