About

Why, hello!

I’m Ellie and I’m the Berkshire editor of award-winning lifestyle platform Muddy Stilettos. If you’re in the market for discovering where the coolest cocktail bars, trendiest events, and best under-the-radar spots are for eating insanely good food around the Royal County then you are exactly where you need to be.

 Thankfully, the county is stacked with hidden gems and it’s my job to scream and shout about them. My previous role saw me working as a national magazine journalist in London. But now, gone are my days of commuting (good riddance) and instead, I get to enjoy eating and drinking my way around Berkshire. It’s a tough gig, I know. I’m proud to say stuffing my face is what I do best, but discovering all the newest, coolest and quirkiest events happening is also my forte. Forest yoga, moonlight paddleboarding, and supper clubs with Olympians? Yep, I’ve covered it all.

The Muddy Stilettos launched in Bucks & Oxon in Nov 2012 and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest lifestyle websites, helping readers get the most out of where they live in 35 counties. 

So, if you want to be first to get the hottest goss on our doorstep, you’ll want to sign up here.

This is the Muddy Mantra, so you know what to expect from the site:

1. I try everything out myself so that you can fully trust my opinions. On the occasions that I haven’t been somewhere myself, I let you know that’s the case.
2. I don’t write advertorial. This means I will never accept payment to write about something I don’t believe in.
3. I accept tickets to free shows, festivals, restaurants, events etc with the purpose of reviewing or publicising them on Muddy Stilettos, as I’m sure you appreciate it’s pretty expensive zipping around trying stuff out all the time. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars – if you want me to try you out, please get in touch at: ellie.ball@muddystilettos.co.uk, or via Instagram @muddyberkshire.
4. I’ll never write a nasty review. I’m not into trashing people, brands or companies. But if you’re not good enough, I won’t write about you in Muddy Stilettos, regardless of whether I have paid for the experience or not. This gives me the editorial control I need and the trust that my readers demand.
5. Muddy Stilettos is a commercial site and accepts advertising and payment to feature products and brands. However, we believe passionately in only working with brands that share our ethos and are relevant to our readers. We retain editorial control and independence at all times.