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

Superflashy newsflashYour resident nosey parker reporting for duty, with the latest, hottest goings on across the 'shire. Reeeeeeead all about it!!
Top 20 things to book in 2020Crack out your calendar, folks (and maybe your credit card). Here are the hottest tickets for Berkshire in 2020 - see you there!
This Girl Can!Juggling motherhood, jiggly bits and the barriers to exercising, This Girl Can is back with its brand new campaign and we love it!
Special Muddy hotel deal!January getting you down? I know, go on holiday. Marvellous Muddy extras for you and yours if you book one of the five stunning Luxury Family Hotels before 31 Jan. Get in quick!
5 of the best booze-free bevviesBanishing the booze this month? Sobriety doesn't need to be a sacrifice with our pick of the best alcohol-free drinkies.

FRI 17 – SUN 19 JAN

MON 13 – SUN 19 JAN

JANUARY 2020

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

The best cheap eats

If you caned the credit card, swanky dinners are probably off the menu. What you need is a Muddy-approved cheap, chic and, er, some healthy dining spots.
- Hello 2020! Local NYE parties
  
  What you doing for New Year's Eve? One of these 25 awesome gatherings, that's what! From overnighters to pub parties, dinner destinations to bar crawlers, raise your glass to 2020.
- The perfect Espresso Martini
  
  Every hour is cocktail hour from now until 2020 and The Hind's Head is calling the shots with an Espresso Martini – just the way Heston likes it.
- Cliveden’s Spa-kling tea
  
  Do not be defeated by the Xmas shenanigans, take a break from the to-do list and head straight to Cliveden. Muddy takes one for the team to review its new Festive Afternoon Tea Spa Day.
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.

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.

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.
- 5 West country wellbeing stays
  
  Looking for a Devon or Cornwall escape? Hell yeah! Check out these stunning self-catering properties, all with on-site extras, from yoga and wine tasting to massage.
- 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!

J’adore/ J’abhor

Leopard-print has come a LONG way from Bet Lynch’s barmaid wardrobe. It’s flipping everywhere now. But is it still chic? Cue an almighty rumble in the jungle with two Muddy staffers with very different views.
- Witness the fitness
  
  New year, new fitness routine? We're with you! Here's the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear that'll have you in tip-top form in no time.
- Let it snow
  
  Heading on a skiing holiday this winter? Here's our shopping checklist for looking stylish on the slopes.

January’s best books

What kind of insaniac leaves the house in January? Retire to the sofa pronto and get stuck into one of pro bookworm Kerry Potter’s enthralling new literary picks.
- Book now! The 2020 cultural picks
  
  There's a ridiculous amount of amazing art, books, film, TV, music and theatre landing this year. Muddy's culture vulture Kerry Potter picks out the best of the bunch.
- Muddy’s best books of 2019
  
  So many rip-roaring reads, so little time. But Muddy's books editor Kerry Potter has made it easy for you - here's her definitive list of the year's best books. Get stuck in!

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
- Moulsford School
  
  Moulsford School is a boys' prep on the Berkshire-South Oxon border with an idyllic riverside setting and a reputation for sporting excellence. Read the review.
- Waverley Prep School, Wokingham
  
  A modern day school in Wokingham for boys and girls, aged 0-11 years. This family focussed prep is ranked highly in the Sunday Times Top 100 for its superb academic record.

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.
- How Helen Glover does it…
  
  Champion rower, mother, partner to Steve Backshall and all round marvel - Muddy meets Helen Glover to talk fitness, family and breaking her Olympic gold medal (oops)
- Hair today for a greener tomorrow
  
  If you're an anti-plastic ninja, eco warrior princess who wants super-sexy hair meet Jo of Gilded Hair, a woman who's big on style and sustainability.