The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Hero, founder of Muddy Stilettos, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable across the counties.

Gotta Have It

I've got my eye on this gorgeous graphic cushion, part of Habitat's new collaboration with supercool artist Quentin Jones. Wanna see more?

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

A Muddy exclusive!The hottest new five star hotel in Bucks was open a mere day before I reviewed. Here's my verdict on The Langley.
First time fashionAt Muddy we’ve committed to new experiences this summer (both cultural and clothes related, natch).
The 33 best local artisan ginsRack them up, throw in some Juniper berries and rosemary, and let's get drinking!
Meet the winners!The 2019 Muddy Stilettos Awards are now closed. Find out who our fabulous winners are.

John’s House

A few phone calls and a six month waiting list later, I finally made it to John’s House, Leicestershire’s only Michelin-starred restaurant…but was it worth the wait?
- The Old Crown Inn, Kelston
  
  Cracking pub classics in an atmospheric 400-year-old inn on the edge of Bath, with a large garden, outdoor bar, fire pit, lodge – and bee house
- The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis
  
  Best-selling author Clover Stroud dons the elastic-waistband trousers before getting fully acquainted with this friendly Ridgeway pub.
- Do Henley Regatta in style
  
  The annual rowing fandango is fast approaching (3-7 July), and this year there's a flash VIP experience that's got Muddy's name written all over it. Shall we?
- Monkeying around in Bray
  
  A new hotel brasserie in Bray with an ex-Simpson’s on the Strand head chef. We felt it our duty to nail three courses *ahem* actually make that five.

40 Quirky Stays for Summer

Fancy an escape that’s a leetle bit different? From yurts to lodges, shepherd’s huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Book in once you’ve taken your jaw off the floor.
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.
- The Langley is… OPEN!
  
  Superluxe The Langley in South Buckinghamshire opens its doors for the first time today! Here are 6 reasons why you should put it to the top of your hotel wish list.

All hail the Pearly Queen

Claudia Bradby is the chic jewellery designer who’s put the pizzazz back into pearls, with celeb fans including Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton (who’s also a pal!). Go meet her at Biagio’s Prosecco and Pearls night, but start here first – it includes goss on the Royal Wedding!
- First time fashion
  
  Ready for an adventure? Us too! At Muddy we’ve committed to new experiences this summer (both cultural and clothes related, natch).
- Well, hello you!
  
  How has Keanu Reeves not aged in 30 years?! The laconic Hollywood star is back in a fashion campaign that's got social media a-swooning.

The books you MUST read this summer

June’s best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert’s breathtaking new novel. Check out Kerry Potter’s reviews – and then win the whole lot!
- Miley goes mental
  
  Hello, who's speaking please? This fruity promo for her new album be Miley Cyrus' naughtiest stunt yet. Creative juices flowing or cynical marketing ploy - you decide!
- Eliot *who?*
  
  Eliot Hodgkin, duh! (OK I didn't know him either). A surprise hit with my kids, this charming exhibition at Waddesdon Manor re-introduces the celebrated 20th century still life and landscape painter. Well worth the detour to the Coach House.
- Need a brilliant new read?
  
  A stunning debut novel, a futuristic thriller and an exquisite memoir are among books editor Kerry Potter's marvellous May picks. And you can win the lot!
- Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
  
  Melly Still and Rona Munro’s adaptation of Louis de Bernières classic novel is a triumph of theatre - turning a glorious mixture of drama, dance, movement and music into a satisfying whole.

The toughest woman in sport

She’s lost teeth and blacked out, but nothing will stop jockey Hollie Doyle getting back in the saddle. Muddy talks to racing’s pocket rocket in the run up Ladies Night at Windsor Racecourse.
- All hail the Pearly Queen
  
  Claudia Bradby is the chic jewellery designer who's put the pizzazz back into pearls, with celeb fans including Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton. Muddy is impressed!
- Muddy meets Nik Kershaw
  
  Nik Kershaw is laconic, laid-back, and *very very* funny - read on for his views on Live Aid, embarrassing his kids, the Let's Rock the Moor pecking order and (OMG) being a grandfather!
- The Guilty Feminist
  
  Love the podcast? Good news - its creator is coming to a theatre near you this spring. We grabbed Deborah Francis-White for chinwag.
- No, Tom, Noooooo!
  
  Is this the most excruciatingly cringey celebrity advert ever? Quite possibly Mr Hiddleston, quite possibly!