The urban guide to the countryside -

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Well, hello!

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

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Gotta Have It

Father's day incoming! (It's 21 Jun for all you naughty children). If you're stuck on what to buy the paternal figures in your life, here, take some inspo from us.

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

EatView more

Quarantini time! Heston’s Gold Rush

Looking to up your cocktail creds during lockdown? We’ve rifled through Heston Blumenthal’s cocktail bible, so perk yourself up with a Gold Rush.
- Provençal fougasse with green and black olives
  
  Lockdown is the perfect time to get to grips with our favourite chewy loaf: sourdough. Ready, set, bake with this savoury share-and-tear number (you can skip the sharing bit if you like).
- Nettle recipes from The Pig, Brockenhurst
  
  Why hit the supermarket queue when you can forage in the hedgerows? We consulted kitchen garden experts The Pig for two simple nettle recipes you can make at home.
- Speedy supper, anyone? Make THIS tonight
  
  Looking for healthy dinner ideas - take inspiration from Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock for a meal that's quick, tasty and packed with protein.
- Pimp your roast this weekend
  
  Give your cooking some welly with a zingy springy herb crust. We've twisted the arm of the Wellington Farm Shop butchers to reveal their secret recipe that'll rub your roast up the right way.

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Arts & CultureView more

What’s in – the curated guide to fun

Looking for some online entertainment? Look no further – I’ve rounded up all the best theatre, virtual tours, telly and hot new film releases right here just for you. Mwah!
- The best ‘holiday’ reads for lockdown
  
  Okay, 'holiday' might be stretching it - but these tomes offer welcome escapism during lockdown! Here are the new releases the Muddy editors are reading in the back garden with a cocktail.
- 18 must-watch documentaries
  
  While we're all about TV escapism right now, the truth can be more entertaining than fiction. Reclaim the remote and pick from our edit of the best Netflix documentaries.
- To be or not to be, David?
  
  The Broadchurch star and RSC Associate has been answering your kids' lockdown queries on Shakespeare as part of the #RSCHomeworkHelp initiative - and we're all ears!
- 20 rom-com classics blokes will love!
  
  Looking for a date night movie? Suggesting a rom com to a man is like offering garlic bread to a vampire. But we've found 20 will-watch films to cosy up to.

HomeView more

- Recipe: Elderflower Cordial
  
  Nothing heralds summer like the scent of elderflowers. Here's a gorgeous cordial recipe from the team behind The Elderflower Fields Festival. Get picking!
- House swap: what does £250k get you?
  
  £250k for a house? You betcha! If that mortgage is feeling like a millstone, take a peek at these properties across the Muddy counties and start mentally moving in ASAP.
Wellbeing
- 7 steps to better sleep in lockdown
  
  You've downed a chamomile tea, ignored your phone for an hour and mentally shoved your 900th sheep over a gate - but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
- Lost the will? Go see your solicitor and sort it!
  
  Corona virus has forced many of us to confront our mortality, but that also means facing up to the practicalities of making a will. Here's why you need to take action asap.

WorkView more

- Which entrepreneur won Tide’s £2000 helping hand?
  
  Thanks for asking! Say hello to Jade and her delicious bakery business and find out how the money has helped her boost her business to the next level.
- How to WFH (without going stir-crazy)
  
  Working from your home office (or, er, the sofa) for the foreseeable? Don't panic! These top tips will help you stay calm, collected and productive - or at the very least, sane.
Kids
- To school or not to school?
  
  It's the dilemma that's dividing the nation - is it safe to send our children back to school on Monday? Two Muddy editors, one pro and one against, explain why they've made their personal decision.
- 17 new-season buys for kids for under £25
  
  Don't let your kids' sartorial standards slip as much as yours have this spring with our edit of corona cash friendly buys for little ones
- Sherborne Prep School
  
  Muddy says: Non-pushy yet achieves academically, strong on music and art and with an innovative approach to sport and fitness.
- How to keep your kids learning in lockdown
  
  It’s tricky enough for adults to stay motivated right now, but how on earth do you keep your kids positive, bright and ready to learn? Two top local schools offer some great advice.

FashionView more

Add to basket! 10 bags to buy now

Light to carry, and gorgeously artisan, perfect your summer picnic style with one of these lovely wicker and woven totes.
- Hot new swimwear for summer
  
  Sunbathing is my specialist subject and the weather's hotting up. Check out the Muddy edit of must have swimwear to suit every shape and size.
- Sunglasses to suit your face shape
  
  The weather's perked up - time for new sunnies! We have you covered with our guide to the hottest frames to suit your face shape this summer. Just don't sit on them.

BeautyView more

- 5 glow-getting tinted moisturisers
  
  Coming out of lockdown with a healthy glow but haven't worn make up on yonks? Ditch the foundation for a lightweight tinted moisturiser. Here's 5 on the Muddy radar.
- 5 chic hand sanitisers (that aren’t sold out)
  
  Quit fighting over the last bottle of hand sanitiser in the supermarket and opt for one of these trendy, in-stock options instead (oh yeah, and we have a bunch to give away!)

People

Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer

He’s worked with Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, and Rudimental, and now record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands – raising money for the NHS in association with theatres like The North Wall. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- Where Willow Crossley goes
  
  Renowned floral stylist, local gal and friend of Muddy, Willow Crossley, knows some stylish local spots that she thinks you'll love. Ready to take notes?
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.
- Muddy meets… Olivia Burt
  
  We catch up with the 'Masterchef: The Professionals' finalist to find out her backstage goss, favourite dishes and top spots to eat in London.
- Muddy Meets Kristina Rihanoff
  
  We chatted to the former Strictly pro turned yogini and entrepreneur about her passion for helping others to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

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TravelView more

58 staycation self-catering stays

Planning a staycation for when lockdown eases up? It’s your resident travel agent here with 58 gorgeous self-catering stays across the 24 Muddy counties.
- Restaurants with rooms
  
  Dreaming of a foodie getaway? We've scoured the Muddy counties for hotel stays with serious culinary credentials for when lock-down lifts. Tuck in.
- Insider’s guide to Reigate
  
  This medieval market town is bursting at the seam with independent shops, pubs and restaurants, beautiful green spaces and annual events you'll be desperate to attend.