Eat Out

Ain’t no party like a Muddy party!

For our office 'do' this year, we shimmied over to Stoke Park in Bucks for dinner, dancing and drinking. Here's how we got on. Anyone got any paracetamol, please?
Muddy eats: The Five Arrows, Waddesdon

We despatched top crime novelist Sharon Bolton to nail three courses at this mid-refurb fine dining restaurant. Was her meal all killer or pure filler?
Gastro Heaven!

30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
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.
Kingham Plough, Kingham

This renowned Cotswold inn has just been relaunched by its new owners - but is it still up to Kingham's relentlessly high foodie standards? Pass the napkin, we're going in.
The Maytime Inn, Asthall

Wine tasting and a slap-up three-course dinner, you say? Muddy's Anna Brech is in there like swimwear at this gorgeous Cotswolds village gastropub. Like what you see? We've got a gorgeous Reader Treat overnight stay for two up for grabs.
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...
17 Sunday roasts with the most

Release the Yorkies! No need to slave over a roast, out you go. Here Muddy's Berkshire hot spots for a weekend nosh up.
The Chequers, Churchill

The Chequers in Churchill is one of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds' loveliest pubs - now with new owners, an interiors makeover and (but of course) a brand new Muddy review!
The poshest curry ever?

Sindhu by Atul Kochhar is a curry restaurant but not as we know it. Muddy reviewer Jessica Jonzen whizzed off to Marlow to eat her way through the menu.
The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood

Did someone say quintessential Cotswold pub with a twist? Let us in, right now. We go deep into the Oxfordshire countryside to have a gander (sorry) at the brand spanking new Swan.
The Boxing Hare

A strong Muddy fave, The Boxing Hare in Swerford comes out fighting with a Michelin chef, experienced owners, a newly renovated orangerie and celeb clientele. Book us in!
The Crown Inn, Church Enstone

Fine art and luxe design: this Cotswolds pub is upping its game thanks to a fresh new fleet of B&B rooms. Muddy checks in and checks it out.
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?
The Bull on Bell Street

I'm a big fan of this stylish brewery/restaurant - it ticks the boxes for cocktail drinkers, girl's lunches, family roasts and pretty much everything in between. Read on for my brand new review.
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
Is this Oxford’s best kept secret?

Quirky, under-the-radar and totally delicious - Fish 4 Lunch is the kind of business that Muddy Stilettos exists for. Muddy's Nancy headed down to this hidden gem of a lunch spot for a fishy feast.
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.
The best brunch in town

The most lipsmackingly indulgent meal of the day and we have 47 of the best ones to tempt you with, from vegan to full English, flat white to green detox. Just add friends and a hangover.
The 20 best beachside eats

Make the most of the British summer while it lasts at one of our Muddy-recommended coastal eateries. Ready, steady, deep dive into the menu!
46 stunning pubs for sunny days

Everyone knows that one of summer's great pleasures is sipping a cold one in a pub garden. So here's the best of the bunch across all the Muddy counties. Cheers!
First past The Winning Post

Bounding around Berkshire in search of pubby perfection? I saddled up for a 3-course nosebag and a comfy sleepover at The Winning Post, Winkfield.
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
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.
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*.
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.
That’ll Roux nicely

It may have the name Roux over the door (and on the floor) but Roux at Skindles is not hunting for Michelin stars. This is gallic, comfort food at its best.
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.
Skip brekkie for a hipster brunch

Fancy a lie in? Hit that snooze button, body swerve the granola and dive into avo and eggs at Reading's super-stylish Malmaison.
A cocktail, garçon!

We've collated the best bars from in which to whet your whistle with your favourite tipple. Ibuprofen at the ready? Then we'll begin!
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…
31 Below

You can keep your Oxford, Bond and Kensington High Streets - it's Marylebone High Street and its new watering hole, 31 Below, all the way for me!
The White Hart, Somerton

Light lunch or blow out in this relaxed rustic chic pub on the edge of Somerton's ancient Market Square
Carnivores unite!

All the fuss about clean eating and vegan this-and-that driving you insane? Get your chops around the unashamedly meat eats at The Corn Stores.
Heston’s egg-centric pub

Elegantly eccentric from the decor to the menu – Heston Blumenthal's Michelin star Hind's Head is THE place to scoff and quaff in Berkshire.
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?
The Curlew, Bodiam

Beautiful food in an unstuffy atmosphere - Muddy visits one of Sussex's best restaurants, perfect for a special occasion or romantic treat
Dorset Arms, Withyham

Find Winnie-the-Pooh connections on the doorstep and great home-reared food on your plate at this Ashdown Forest pub
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

A year-round star of the local food scene. Retreat to this west Cornwall bolthole for a leisurely lunch or cosy supper and a sleepover.
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
Coppa Club, Tower Hill

Where to take 17 Muddy editors for lunch in London? Oh hello Coppa Club and your riverside views!
The Harcourt

5 reasons why Marylebone's The Harcourt is officially our most favouritest (yes it's a word) public house in the big Smoke.
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 […]