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

Venturing out into your garden for the first time this year? Here's all the cool cooking and homeware kit you need to jazz it up for summer. BBQ round mine, everyone!

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

Eat OutView more

Sun’s out! 23 brilliant pub gardens in Bucks & Oxon

The temperatures look set to soar this Easter bank holiday weekend so here’s where to soak up some rays with a chilled glass of rosé to hand. Cheers!
- The Green Man, Thriplow
  
  This community-owned village pub has it all with its own micro farm, a dizzying array of craft ales and - oh joy! - a free taxi service at the end of the night.
- Little Barwick House, Barwick
  
  Michelin-listed country house fine dining restaurant – with gorgeous rooms and gardens – in south Somerset
- Three star thriller
  
  The Roux's Waterside Inn in Bray boasts 3 Michelin twinklers, river views, classic cookery and you don't have to sell a vital organ to eat here. *Dabs napkin*.
- A 3AA star treat at Humphry’s, Stoke Park
  
  A stylish, relaxed, grown-up 3AA restaurant in one of the most luxurious hotels in Buckinghamshire - and no, you don't need to stay there to enjoy it!

TravelView more

Day at the beach, anyone?

The sun has got his hat on (at long last) so we’re thinking impromptu daytrip to the coast. Who’s in?
- Do you live in the best place in Britain?
  
  A new survey of the UK's loveliest locales sees Bucks and Oxon trending. But you knew that already right? So does your neighbourhood make the list?
- The dreamiest new hotels to book now
  
  In need of an indulgent weekend away? Er, ALWAYS. Here's our pick of the best brand new - and downright desirable - hotels to book pronto. Breakfast in bed and late check-outs all round!

FashionView more

Ready to get crafty?

Forget its naff ’70s connotations, macramé is a big news in interiors and fashion this summer.
- Killer kicks
  
  Kick off spring in style with a pair of super-cool new season trainers. Here are our 9 faves - plus how to wear them when you're not heading to the gym.
- Say my name
  
  Fashion gets personal with the trend for emblazoning your name across your T shirt, handbag or phone case. Think school uniform name tags but cooler!

BeautyView more

- Natural fit
  
  Organic, vegan, super-pure beauty products used to be worthy but not that effective. Well, not any more! Meet your new favourite no-nasties brands.
- Natural skincare + bio-active science = RESULTS
  
  Multi-award-winning skincare brand Balance Me has built its reputation on totally natural products backed by serious scientific credibility. I caught up with inspirational founders, sisters Clare and Rebecca, to find out more.

Arts & CultureView more

Behind-the-Scenes of The Provoked Wife

Rufus Hound and Les Dennis join Caroline Quentin, Alexandra Gilbreath and Jonathan Slinger in the RSC’s upcoming revival of John Vanbrugh’s Restoration comedy at the Swan, Stratford, from Thur May 2.
- April’s best new books
  
  Quick, spring-clean your bedside table or Kindle to make room for Muddy books editor's Kerry Potter's awesome April picks.
- It’s a Woman’s World
  
  Muddy has a sneaky behind-the-scenes look at some of the stunning costumes made in Stratford-upon-Avon for the RSC's new gender-switched revival, The Taming-of-The Shrew.
- Need a new book?
  
  You're in the right place - Muddy's pro-bookworm Kerry Potter has picked this month's seven sexiest reads. And you can win the lot!
- REVIEW: As You Like It
  
  Audience participation, a disco mirror ball, Post It notes and puppetry feature in Kimberley Sykes’ lively take on Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy at the RST, Stratford-upon-Avon.

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HomeView more

- How to be a canapé queen
  
  Does your usual party snack planning involve opening a bag of Kettle Chips? Here's how to raise your game with three easy recipes.
- Need a speedy supper?
  
  I declare salad season officially open! This hearty chicken one is easy-peasy to make but packed with flavour.
Wellbeing
- Mud Monsters Run tips
  
  Tackling this super muddy obstacle course this June or thinking about it? Here's how to prep and what to expect on the day.
- Nail your work/life balance
  
  The juggle is real - and not going anywhere - so how the hell can we to get it right?! Let's ask the work/life balance experts for some help.

WorkView more

- Calling all creatives!
  
  Networking used to be naff but new collective The Creative Duck is anything but. Plus they sell stylish gifts handmade locally by their talented members.
- Nail your work/life balance
  
  The juggle is real - and not going anywhere - so how the hell can we to get it right?! Let's ask the work/life balance experts for some help.
Kids
- Thorpe House School, Gerrards Cross
  
  A small, friendly day school for boys aged 3-16 between Gerrard's Cross and Chalfont St Peter, set in 7 acres and high on inclusivity, priding themselves on knowing every child individually.
- The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon
  
  Check out my update on this highly-regarded day school in Abingdon with fantastic ISI reports (excellent across the board) for kids 2-11 years old.

People View more

Muddy meets Terry

Eighties skankers The Specials are back with a brilliant new album and a headline slot at Cornbury festival this summer. We nabbed the delightful Terry Hall for a natter about shopping, selfies and his alternative career as a barber.
- No, Tom, Noooooo!
  
  Is this the most excruciatingly cringey celebrity advert ever? Quite possibly Mr Hiddleston, quite possibly!
- Diary of a Showgirl
  
  Muddy meets Melissa James, who stars as sultry showgirl Dora Chance, in Emma Rice's racy, "life-enhancing" adaptation of Angela Carter's Wise Children.