Eat

Best wines to buy for Christmas 2020

From the perfect red to pair with mince pies to the best bubbles for your NYE celebrations, these are the bottles to pick up for the festive season (with an exclusive Muddy discount thrown into the mix).
40 of the best indie coffee roasters

Can't function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends, from indie coffee roasters across the Muddy counties, to kickstart your day with a caffeine boost.
Ding dong! A cracking roast 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.
Stroll and scoff: 11 Autumn walks with pubs

Is there anything better than a beautiful Autumnal walk that ends in a pub lunch? (spoiler alert: NO). Here's my starter for 10 across Bucks & Oxon.
What to drink when you’re over rosé

New season shopping? Step away from your Zara basket, we're talking autumn wines. Ditch the rosé and tickle your tastebuds with some foxy reds and whites.
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.
Launch review: The Pig, Harlyn Bay, Cornwall

On its opening day, Muddy's ed-in-chief Hero Brown was the first to eat lunch at the brand new Pig hotel in Harlyn Bay (what a trooper!). So what was the verdict - and is it worth a trip to North Cornwall?
Review:The Greyhound, Beaconsfield

The Greyhound in Beaconsfield launched mere moments before Covid struck. Thankfully it's now open again, and my review of this superior pub can run. Read and book in, you'll love it.
Review: Gin cocktail afternoon tea

Afternoon tea with artisan Surrey gin cocktails in a sumptuous manor house garden setting? Who's in?
Lunch with a view: 16 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.
Rum – it’s the new gin, m’hearties

In honour of National Rum Day, we’re benching our usual G&T for something a little spicier. Here’s what to buy and how to drink it (spoiler: no coke allowed!).
Eat out to help out in Bucks and Oxon

Sick of cooking? Good news - from 3 Aug, you can get a 50% discount on your dinner and drinks when you eat in. Here are the pubs and restaurants to make your reservation at.
Recipe inspiration, courtesy of Giffords Circus (yes, really!)

Roll up, roll up! ... Put some razzle-dazzle back into mealtime monotony with a double whammy of scrumptious, summery dishes from Giffords Circus' new cookbook.
In the pink: the rosé revolution

Once dismissed as "lady petrol" rosé wine is now officially the drink of the summer. Read on for tips on the best to buy, and that all important question - does it give you a hangover?
Smokin’! The perfect summer burger recipe

The weather's pulling a blinder this week, so fire up the BBQ and rustle up this bad boy with homemade ketchup (fancy!) from Muddy favourite The Pig group.
Recipe: posh tomato salad, m’lady?

Light, fresh, and the perfect summer serve, sink your chops into Heston's posh Tomato Salad. The secret is all in the prep.
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.
Recipe: gourmet spaghetti bolognese

There's Spaghetti Bolognese and then there's Tristan Welch, from The University Arms's Spaghetti Bolognese. We share the recipe to take this classic dish up a notch...
Ready, set, cook! 8 new cookbooks for spring

Looking to up your cooking creds whilst in quarantine? Then you'll be needing our curated guide to the most useful and inspiring cookbooks for spring. Yes, chef!
Cook THIS for dinner tonight

Running out of ideas for midweek meals? Yup, us too. Take inspiration from the hottest new cookbook on the block by pop star Jessie Ware. Yum!
Speedy supper: smoked Haddock Curry

Desperately seeking dinner inspiration? We've got a 30 minute fab fish curry for you from Tart London - the super-cool caterers of choice for the fashion set.
FOUND! Berkshire’s most Instagrammable pub

If you love supercool London street food scene, then you're gonna love The Market House in Reading a laidback hangout to eat, drink and sleep on repeat.
1 night, 2 chefs, 3 stars

Fancy a supercharged foodie supper? Canter to Coworth Park for posh nosh, luxe starfishing and a laidback vibe we could get used to.
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!
Best cheap eats in Bucks and Oxon

Caned the credit card but still fancy a dinner date? What you need is a Muddy-approved cheap but chic dining spot. Table for two, madame?
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.
Top 50 Gastropubs 2020 revealed

Whose tripled-cooked chips have got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Roomy pants on, Let's tuck in because FOUR of Berkshire's foodie pubs made the grade.
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...
The Globe, Newbury

One of Newbury's oldest pubs has become a dog-friendly hip hangout that boasts a cool culinary collaboration with a Muddy Award winner. Who's up for yappy hour?
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 perfect country pub?

The Old Boot in Stanford Dingley, West Berks, has comfort food and countryside views to die for. Pull up a chair.
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?
20 Sunday Roasts! But not all at once…

Bring on the Yorkshire puds! Where are the best spots for a weekend nosh up? Here's our round up of our fave cosy pubs for you to try...
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
INSIDER GUIDE: FOLKESTONE

This town has not only gained a reputation for its artistic heart - it's also making convincing marks on the foodie map. What more reason do you need to visit?
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!
Mullins Coffee Shop

I've hit on a great place for lunch in Dorking. Wanna know more? Yes? Huddle in, I've got lots to tell.
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
The Black Horse

The newly refurbished Black Horse in Reigate is creating quite a stir locally, not least because of its Michelin starred ties.
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 […]