Eat

Review: The Victoria, Oxshott

A destination pub if ever I met one, The Victoria in Oxshott is worth going out of your way for - fabulous food, excellent wine list and a gorgeous country pub setting.
Plant power! 13 local vegan & veggie eateries

Permanently plant-powered or just trying to cut down your meat consumption? Try one of these local joints that put veggies front and centre and deliver on flavour.
Review: The Great Shefford, nr Hungerford

A riverside pub that's full of surprises. The Great Shefford is a gastro gem with a former Hand & Flowers chef at the helm. Intrigued? You should be.
Muddy eats: The Factory Kitchen, Ilkeston

With Michelin creds and hipster-cool interiors, this award-winning restaurant in Derbyshire should be at the top of your hitlist for a brilliant brunch or dinner with friends.
Chopsticks ready! 15 best local sushi & Japanese joints

Did you know Bucks & Oxon are home to some amazing, authentic and under-the-radar Japanese restaurants? Here's where to get your sushi, ramen, katsu and bento box fix
Lunch with a view: 23 top riverside eats

Ahh, is there anything better than a stroll along the riverside? Actually, yes - a riverside that includes a long lazy lunch an some stonking views across Bucks or Oxon! Come on landlubbers, let's tuck in.
Ding dong! Cracking food at the Five Bells

With mega-fresh food and cosy country interiors, The Five Bells at Wickham, West Berks, is a classic British pub through and through. It's also pretty darn close to the Bake Off tent.
Tickle your tastebuds! It’s a foodie newsflash

The UK's hottest new hotel opens, a snazzy new restaurant to spice up your life, a cool new deli and more tipples than you can shake a bottle opener at. It's all going on in Berks
Supper Clubs: the 9 hottest tickets in town

From bijoux vegan eats in Oxford to a secret riverside table by boat in Marlow, we've dug deep to root out the finest Supper Clubs in Bucks & Oxon, but shhh! Book them before they sell out.
51 brilliant afternoon teas to book now

Celebrate spring with clotted cream and dainty sarnies! We've found 51 of the best afternoon teas across the Muddy counties. But you'd better book 'em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
Review: The Hare & Hounds, nr Newbury

A little bit of country, a little bit of rock 'n' roll. The Hare and Hounds is a boutique inn with 30 stylish rooms, fuss-free food and a focus on fun - Muddy Berkshire editor Rachel checks in.
EXCLUSIVE! First review of Kitchen Food Company

This reincarnation of the Michelin-starred 215 in Oxford to a bistro/ deli is going to hit all your buttons. I've tried it ahead of its opening today, so here's everything you need to know.
52 roasts with the most across the Muddy counties

Why bother basting potatoes with goose fat when this lot do it so much better? Grab your gang and head to one of these gorgeous gastropubs across the Muddy counties.
30 best Sunday roasts with the most in Kent

Bring on the Yorkshire puds! But no point slaving away in that kitchen yourself. Where are the best spots for a weekend nosh up? Here's 30 of the best places to try in Kent...
10 Insta-worthy cafés in Bucks & Oxon

Vintage teacups, hanging plants, neon signs and almost too pretty to eat pastries (hey, we said almost!): these stunning cafés are guaranteed a double tap on your feed.
Best cheap eats in Bucks and Oxon

There's no shame in seeking out the cheap-but-chic! From charming hole-in-the-walls to bargain set menus, these 16 eateries are Muddy-approved for light pockets.
Review: José Pizarro at the Swan Inn, Claygate

Spanish chef José Pizarro serves up a feast of tasty tapas at this neighbourhood pub with boutique bedrooms.
Top 50 Gastropubs 2022 revealed

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs have been revealed – and Berkshire’s triple cooked chips stacked up very nicely with FOUR foodie pubs shortlisted.
Muddy eats: The Filly Inn, Brockenhurst

To the New Forest! Cosy rooms, hearty dishes and stunning walks right on the doorstep - pull up a chair and join us at the £1m newly refurbed Filly Inn...
Make this: Daylesford Vegetarian Chilli

Did someone order a cockle-warming winter dish that's super healthy to boot? Try this delicious and quick Vegetarian Chilli supper saviour, direct from the Daylesford chefs.
Muddy eats: The Hind’s Head, Bray

Step into Heston Blumenthal's culinary time machine. The HInd's Head in Bray takes its inspiration from the past to bring you an elegantly eccentric menu of comforting classics.
The Boxing Hare, Swerford, Oxfordshire

A strong Muddy favourite, The Boxing Hare in Swerford comes out fighting with a Michelin chef, experienced owners, a newly renovated orangerie and celeb clientele. Book us in!
How to choose the best cheese and wine this Christmas

It’s the best bit of every party (right?!), but how to pick the right products? We got the lowdown on pairings, favourites, and festive essentials from four lovely local suppliers.
Review: The Yurt restaurant at Nicholsons

Banish the word café from your mind: The Yurt at Nicholsons in North Oxfordshire has gone full stylish restaurant. Muddy stopped by for a lunch, but did its new menu live up to the hype?
Autumn roasts with the most

Can’t be bothered to baste potatoes with goose fat? I hear you. Instead grab your gang and head to one of these local gastropubs that do roasts with the most.
Glug! Vineyards in the Berkshire ‘hood

English wine is officially having a moment – and what better time to try it than in English Wine Week (19-27 June)? Top up your glass with a drop from one of these local Berkshire vineyards.
Seafood and eat it! 8 best local fish restaurants

Spend the summer at the seaside this year - and indulge in lobster, oysters and the finest fish around. From Cambs fisheries to Norfolk fine-dining, East Anglian seafood is some of the best.
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.
Try this light but warming spring supper

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's healthy take on this Scottish fish soup makes for a quick and hearty but healthy supper that's perfect for cool spring evenings.
Comforting classics from The Pie Room

Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two tasty recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.
Asian-inspired healthy dinners for reboot February

January didn't quite live up to your healthy living expectations? Cosy food doesn't have to come at the cost of health. Try these tasty plant-based recipes made with warming ginger and miso.
Take the night off! Get the kids to cook this

Sick of cooking? Take the night off. Here's an easy-peasy two courses – perfect for date night lockdown love in – that's so simple your kids can cook it for you. Mine are going to do just that!
48 Mother’s Day afternoon teas that deliver

Can't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
Muddy reviews: Roasted by Jack and Scott

Blumenthal's boil-in-the-bag roast! Not Heston but his son Jack who is delivering posh Sunday Roasts to your door. Spoiler alert! They're delicious.
Fast and filling recipes for Feb

No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
Yardley Hastings’ special occasion takeaway

Give yourself a break from being a kitchen slave. The pro team at The Red Lion are laying on swanky takeaways. We donned our stretchiest waistbands and gave their Moroccan Feast a whirl.
Eat Better Forever, Hugh? Oh, OK then.

Spent December scoffing mince pies? Whip up a veg-packed soup or hot pot from Hugh's new cookbook and feel the smug glow of a healthy New Year.
The best cookbooks to buy now

Sick of making the same seven dinners, week in, week out? Or just a sucker for tempting pictures of food? If any of the above apply, we’ve got you covered.
Review: Gin cocktail afternoon tea

Afternoon tea with artisan Surrey gin cocktails in a sumptuous manor house garden setting? Who's in?
The Surrey Cook Book

A new cookbook celebrating some of the best foodie venues in Surrey has just launched - and Muddy Stilettos has a sneak preview of some of the recipes. Read on chef!
Is this Surrey’s best-kept secret?

A bit of a hidden gem, the restaurant at Warren House offers intimate fine dining in sumptuous surrounds. Muddy nails three delicious courses.
REVIEW: The Ultimate Veganuary Treat!

Pinkies at the ready! Muddy pops in to review the Vegan Full Afternoon Tea at Mallory Court Country House Hotel, nr Leamington Spa.
The Bull Inn, Limpsfield

This community-owned 16th-century pub is the heart and soul of Limpsfield village life. And with great food, a friendly vibe and super-stylish interiors it's one to add to your list.
Chichester Harbour Hotel – The Ship

Good value set menus and a Burns Night event coming up make this a great place to beat the January blues. You can even chose veganuary dishes
The Olive Branch, Clipsham

For a village pub, this one punches well above its weight. We head into the Rutland countryside for a memorable meal as it celebrates its 20th birthday.
Is this Warwickshire’s quirkiest bar + kitchen?

At Leamington Spa's Hart+Co, meals are served school lunch style, then there's the bottomless cocktail brunch from 5pm-9pm! But why is there a bathtub in the middle of the room? Muddy's Rhiannon Pursall investigates...
Coppa Club, Brighton

Large and loungey, Coppa Club has landed in Brighton. Make a dinner date or linger in an armchair over a coffee, cocktail or light bites
The Frogmill

Big flavours, a big grill and a big, friendly welcome is the order of the day at this newly zhuzhed up country pub near Cheltenham.
Hallo Halulu!

Say aloha to a new surfer-style bar on Teignmouth's sea-front complete with cool graffiti art and amazing sea views.
John’s House Restaurant

A few phone calls and a six month waiting list later, I finally made it to 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
Little Barwick House, Barwick

Michelin-listed country house fine dining restaurant – with gorgeous rooms and gardens – in south Somerset
Bistro du Vin, Winchester

Ooh la la! The Bistro du Vin, Winchester serves up très bon French fare in a relaxed Anglo-Gallic ambience.
The Green Man, Thriplow

This community-owned village pub has it all – its own micro farm, a dizzying array of craft ales and - oh joy! -a free taxi service at the end of the night.
The Royal Oak

Awarded an AA Rosette four years on the trot, Muddy books a table at this Long Whatton pub with rooms to see what all the fuss is about.
The Bull Inn, Limpsfield

Saved from an uncertain future by an enterprising group of local investors, this historic pub is now at the heart of Limpsfield village life. Food's darn good too.
The Cricketers, Cobham

This gorgeous 17th-century inn just out of Cobham has a cosy bar and a bright and airy brasserie offering quality gastropub grub with a Gallic twist.
Lussmanns, Tring

Tring’s modern brasserie is bringing sophisticated meat-free dining to the table. Muddy Herts’ resident veggie gives it her verdict…
The White Hart, Somerton

Light lunch or blow out in this relaxed rustic chic pub on the edge of Somerton's ancient Market Square
17 pubs to get cosy in

Fancy a crisp walk then a pint in a pub. Or maybe you'd rather just curl up with a book in a cosy corner? We've got it covered.
Join the Wine Rebellion

The perfect gift for foodies - or to self - Muddy tries the Wine Rebellion version of the award-winning Brighton Food Tours
The Queens Arms, Corton Denham

Night out or weekend away at a cracking Somerset village pub with cosy rooms and great atmos, Michelin-listed nosh – or just a handmade pork pie from the bar.
On the Waterfront

The Encore overlooking the River Avon in historic Stratford-upon-Avon has just reopened after a swish complete makeover. Shall we?
The Mulberry Inn

Big flavours and a big friendly welcome is the order of the day at this newly zhushed up Surrey country pub owned by Chris Evans.
2019’s Michelin Stars

It's the accolade that all chefs want – so who's reached for the stars in Glos, Wilts and surrounding counties this year?
The Castle at Edgehill

Muddy goes all 'Rapunzel' and checks into an impressive 15th Century folly for the night with panoramic views over a famous Civil War battlefield.
Muddy’s fave new hangout, The Priory

After a stylish gastro pub for lunch or dinner? We've found just the joint down Loughborough way.
The White Horse, Haselbury Plucknett

Foodie alert: an unpretentious family-run pub serving truly outstanding food, with a personal touch.
Rathfinny’s new vineyard restaurant

Enjoy fine seasonal food with a view, and perhaps the diverting antics of 'Kevin' the kestrel, at this new Sussex eatery
Dorset Arms, Withyham

Find Winnie-the-Pooh connections on the doorstep and great home-reared food on your plate at this Ashdown Forest pub
There’s a chef in my kitchen!

Planning a special celebration in Cornwall? Hire this brilliant private chef and let the restaurant come to you.
The Longstore, Charlestown

You had us at steaks and seafood! This Cornish harbour-side eatery was named ‘Best Restaurant’ in this year’s Muddy Awards. Here's why...
The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Muddy tucks into a 6-course Tasting Evening at this 4* top golf, leisure and spa resort in the North Warwickshire countryside. It was definitely well above par.
The Daneway

This one-time rural boozer near Cirencester is full of rustic charm and too-good-to-miss gastro-pub inventions.
Helen Browning’s Royal Oak

Homespun charm, yummy, wholesome food and dreamy rooms to overnight in, there is NOTHING not to like here!
Grey’s Brasserie

Whatley Manor’s revamped eaterie is cutting quite a swathe with its chic European interiors and innovative menu.
Superflashy newsflash

Food and booze news! Check out the latest Sussex food and drink launches and more - including a big wineries weekender, new pubs, dining experiences and tipples.
The Ivy Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s new The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie delivers on food, drinks, service and glitz. Muddy was there to review it first.
Cornwall’s Healthy Eating Haunts

12 Cornish cafes and health food shops that will help you eat better and feel positively saintly, as recommended by the experts.
185 Watling St…

Revisited this gem in Towcester - a great spot for groups of friends looking for a good bar vibe in the evening and a classy dinner. Nom!
The Best Pub in England!

Into the winner's enclosure! A lovely village pub that's only gone and got itself the accolade of AA Best Pub in England
Perfect eats in town for Mudlets

Heading to the big smoke this month? Check out our top places to feed the Mudlets
Spread Eagle, Midhurst

Fancy preparing for layer removal with a spa day, or holing up and fine dining in cosy surrounds? The Spread Eagle Hotel at Midhurst has you covered either way and it's so historic Elizabeth I stayed here!
The Potager Garden & Café

This idyllic cafe near Falmouth serves up delicious, organic, veggie food, fresh juices and gluten-free cakes - you can't help but feel good here.
The George Townhouse

Officially Warwickshire's Best Pub (and who knows what will happen at the National Pub & Bar Awards grand final), this Shipston-on-Stour inn is a winner.
5 Artisan Gins from Hants

Gin, gin, wonderful gin and of course Hampshire has some of the best. Read on to find out the perfect botanic for your local life.
New spa & afternoon tea

A cosy new spa in an old seafront cellar and a show-stopping afternoon tea at the stylish Brighton Harbour Hotel
Sundays At The Star & Garter

An amazing slow-cooked Sunday roast and stunning waterside views await at this gastro pub on Falmouth's old high street.
Chic sleeps and Sunday roasts at Rathfinny Wine Estate

Ever keeled over on a settee hugging a bottle of Pinot Noir? No, me neither <cough>. Anyway, here’s a much more sophisticated way to sleep with wine. Rathfinny vineyard perched in the South Downs has some gorgeous cosy-yet-stylish accommodation in the Flint Barns on site. It’s perfect for either a house party or a rejuvinating […]
Funky new Brighton cafe

I’m not saying I’m a jinx but my two favourite Brighton & Hove cafes have closed in the last year. Farm just down from Wagamama did the BEST carrot cake (and believe me I’ve done extensive research) while little Pic-nics up an alley off the Hove seafront was my go-to place for a big breakfast […]
Muddy eats: The Garibaldi – Northampton

Driving into a chilly Northampton today I was reminded of our first ever Pub review… In the Garibaldi blurb it says where the pub stands (on the corner of Ash Street and Bailiff Street) was a renowned meeting point for women of the night, blaggards and general wrongdoers of all persuasions. It seemed appropriate […]
Bistrot Pierre, Weston-super-Mare

Over the half term, the Muddies and I made a deal. We would all go to Weston-super-Mare and I would endure an hour of hell amongst the amusements on the pier if we all went for a bracing walk on the flat, flat sands. I didn’t know of any good places to eat round in […]
Let’s Ensemble in Wells

I chanced upon Ensemble in Wells last Saturday, when I was Googling something completely different (possibly killer clowns). The restaurant's only been open since June and as I always love trying out somewhere new, I quickly nabbed a friend and we popped ourselves over there to catch the tail end of lunch. Come and see what we found...
Muddy Eats: The Alford Arms rises from the ashes

The fire that closed The Alford Arms in Frithsden earlier this year left good food and beer lovers across this end of the county howling and bereft. And understandably so. But it's back -- and it's just as lovely, as welcoming, as comfortable, and as popular as it ever was...
Cole Manor Tea Rooms, nr Bruton

Do your bit to support National Afternoon Tea Week by stuffing yourself silly with tea and cake as often as possible from now until next Sunday. I started supporting our Great British institution early by taking the Muddy Ma for afternoon tea in the stunning gardens of the Cole Manor Tea Rooms at the weekend. […]
Salt & Malt, Chew Valley Lake

A former tearoom enjoys the golden (crisp, lightly battered) touch of Somerset’s Super Chef Josh Eggleton to become the Salt & Malt fish cafe, restaurant and tearoom. It’s in a fab location overlooking the Chew Valley Lake – actually the largest artificial reservoir in the west country – in north Somerset. Josh Eggleton (of Michelin-starred […]
Take me to church

I’ve driven past The Church loads of times. I see it, nod and say to Mr M, we really must try it there, it’s meant to be very good. Well it must be pretty special, because it won the Muddy Stilettos Awards for best restaurant, and of course, I had to go and see what […]
The Firehouse, Curry Rivel

Just checked out the new kid on the rural block: the newly opened The Firehouse, a pub and restaurant in the village of Curry Rivel, just a few miles to the west of Langport. Located off the main drag, in what was previously the Old Forge Inn, the old village pub has had a complete […]
Muddy meets: Devine Betty’s & Rockabilly Rose

The greatest wonder of the them all is that the stars of your dinner party could ever align. Why would the melee of choosing the right (and impressive) menu, co-ordinating cooking times, giving good front of house, floral arrangements AND keeping certain guests off the cooking sherry before 8pm cause any consternation – after all […]
Getting Hygge with it: Muddy Drinks

Look guys, it doesn’t matter how you choose to phrase the word Hygge, do what it takes to beat a path to a cosy candlelit table at Northampton’s smart new Scandinavian bar. And when there, treat yourself to an ice cold glass of wine, or challenge yourself (as Mr. Muddy has) to working through a […]