Muddy Stilettos


<p id="#KENT"></p><h2>KENT</h2><p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-chimneys-biddenden-off-a229-nr-sissinghurst"><a href="http://thethreechimneys.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Chimneys</a>, Biddenden, off A229 nr Sissinghurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/01/three-chimneys-biddenden.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35950" /></figure>



<p>Slope of the A229 and in less that 10 mins you&#8217;ll discover The Three Chimneys at Biddenden. The beautiful old building, surrounded by exceptional scenery and steeped in local history. The kitchen uses local produce where possible and the food has an outstanding reputation. With five different dining areas, there is a place for everyone to eat, from the distant traveller to the country rambler. There&#8217;s a great garden space to stretch your legs which is overlooked from the terrace. If you need some shut eye, the pub has several rooms in a separate building across the pub gardens – giving added peace and privacy – with views directly onto open countryside and sliding doors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-macknade-faversham-just-off-the-m2"><a href="https://macknade.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macknade</a>, Faversham, just off the M2</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/macknade-food-village.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85569" /></figure>



<p>Whizzing down the M2, swerve the soulless services and head straight for Macknade – less than two miles from the motorway. The Kentish-Italian business has been in the same family for six generations and in 1979 they began retailing – opening Macknade Farm Shop, which later became Macknade’s famous Faversham Food Hall. What started life as a tent in a field on the family farm is now a 10,000 sqft food emporium, delicatessen, butcher, café and kitchen, complete with an outdoor Food Village with regularly rotating street food vendors, well renowned locally for its quality and range of produce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-truffle-pig-hythe-off-m20-nr-sandling"><a href="https://thetrufflepighythe.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Truffle Pig</a>, Hythe, off M20 nr Sandling</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/The-Truffle-Pig-Fleur-Challis-Photography-Hythe-277.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84098" /></figure>



<p>Located on the old Hythe High Street, The Truffle Pig is an exciting new deli-restaurant.&nbsp; Offering everything from delicious deli dishes, to afternoon tea or five-course tasting menus, this new eatery boasts pedigree cooking credentials. Locals love it and it’s the perfect destination for any foodies holidaying on the coast in Kent. It&#8217;s definitely worth the 10-min detour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=thedogwingham&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dog</a>, Wingham, off A2 nr Canterbury or A257 between Sandwich and Canterbury </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/the-dog-wingham.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80615" /></figure>



<p>Superbly located on the road that links Canterbury and Sandwich, this pub has recently undergone a total refurb and won the Muddy Awards for Best Boutique Stay in 2022. With eight beautifully designed bedrooms, a Dog Walking Club, great food and stylish sun terrace for al fresco eating this one is well worth a visit. The food and drink offering is well thought through here with spectacular seasonal dishes and a brilliantly stocked bar – including top English wines and a collection of more than 40 eclectic gins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-albion-inn-boughton-monchelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Albion Inn</a>, Boughton Monchelsea, off A229 and nr Leeds Castle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/albion-inn-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86955" /></figure>



<p>We love this cosy pub, situated in Boughton Monchelsea, down a quiet suburban street, between the North Downs and the Weald of Kent and within easy reach of Maidstone. This is a lovely spot to meet up with family or friends. A relaxed atmosphere with good honest pub grub, comfortable seating and a pretty garden to sip a drink or two. The real star of the show are their pop-up events and Chef&#8217;s Nights brought to you by event specialists, The Curious. These events include a delicious multi-course experience and are popular so be sure to book!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://theeight-bells.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eight Bells</a>, Hawkhurst, off A21 nr Flimwell</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/the-eight-bells.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68466" /></figure>



<p>Situated on the beautiful Moor on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Hawkhurst,&nbsp;it&#8217;s become a real foodie (and Muddy!) favourite. This 18th century pub offers a wide selection of local and national real ales, delicious wines and great lagers. The lunch and dinner menus – which&nbsp;change regularly with the seasons – are fresh, and offer ‘rustic country’ food. Think delicious (local beef) burgers, Harveys beer battered cod loin and sticky toffee pudding. Full of rustic charm, The Eight Bells is the perfect spot to relax after a walk (dogs are welcome in the bar and garden).</p>



<p id="#SUSSEX"></p><h2>SUSSEX</h2><p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-old-piggery-farm-shop-amp-tea-room-chichester-off-chichester-road"><a href="https://www.the-old-piggery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Piggery Farm Shop &amp; Tea Room</a>, Chichester, off Chichester Road</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/1-13.jpg" alt="afternoon tea at The Old Piggery tearoom " class="wp-image-64820" /></figure>



<p>Picture this, thick slices of malted brown bloomer, struggling to contain fresh crab meat paired with a healthy dollop of organic mayonnaise &#8211; this is the signature sandwich at The Old Piggery Tea Room and for good reason. If you&#8217;re making a beeline for Selsey Bill or the Witterings, just 15 mins south of Chichester, it&#8217;s a pit stop to have in your locker. Also on offer is traditional British classics from afternoon tea to Ploughman’s, and special pork scratchings. Don&#8217;t forget to head to the Farm Shop which caters for all your foodie demands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-halfway-bridge-lodsworth-off-the-a272-towards-petworth-or-midhurst"><a href="https://www.halfwaybridge.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Halfway Bridge</a>, Lodsworth, off the A272 towards Petworth or Midhurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/2-14.jpg" alt="The Halfway Bridge exterior" class="wp-image-64821" /></figure>



<p>Smack dab in the sensational South Downs National Park is The Halfway Bridge, between the market towns of Midhurst and Petworth &#8211; where mid Sussex meets West. It&#8217;s a purveyor of top class meals and luxury bedrooms and boasts a 250 year heritage. For dining, the interior is simple and cosy, and there&#8217;s a leafy garden and shaded terrace for sunnier months and on the menu there&#8217;s a good balance to please everyone. If you&#8217;re staying the night, there are eight cushy rooms to choose from, and a very pretty shepherd&#8217;s hut. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-royal-st-leonards-off-the-a259-that-runs-along-the-south-coast"><a href="https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal</a>, St Leonards, off the A259 that runs along the South Coast</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/3-13.jpg" alt="Interior of The Royal pub St Leonards" class="wp-image-64822" /></figure>



<p>Unpretentious and unassuming this ‘old boozer’ pub (their words, not ours) prides itself on keeping things low-key. The perfect pitstop for anyone visiting, or living in the Hastings area, it’s a foodie destination in its own right. The pub prides itself on offering seasonal ‘unfussy’ dishes (again, their words). Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is highly recommended. You may want to head to their sister business, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bottle-of-hastings-hastings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bottle of Hastings</a> wine shop to stock up on some of the 300 wines they have all from smaller vineyards. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-amp-lobster-sidlesham-off-the-selsey-road-towards-the-coast"><a href="https://www.crab-lobster.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crab &amp; Lobster</a>, Sidlesham, off the Selsey Road, towards the coast</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/4-11.jpg" alt="Exterior of the Crab &amp; Lobster pub" class="wp-image-64823" /></figure>



<p>Sitting pretty on the banks of the picturesque Pagham Harbour in Sidlesham, the Crab &amp; Lobster is a 350-year-old pub turned fine dining restaurant with rooms. With a menu that (shocker!) puts a big emphasis on fresh fish, local produce, presented in a mix of Mediterranean and traditional British dishes. If you fancy staying the night once suitably stuffed, there&#8217;s a selection of comfy bedrooms, as well as the Crab Cottage next door, done up in a mix of modern and traditional stylings, it has two plush double bedrooms and a fully-fitted kitchen. The clincher? You&#8217;re still entitled to the slap-up full English served in the main pub.</p>



<p id="#HAMPSHIRE"></p><h2>HAMPSHIRE</h2><p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-white-hart-overton-nr-the-a34-a303-and-m3"><a href="https://www.whitehartoverton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a>, Overton, nr the A34, A303 and M3</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdbw-Ly48D7arXewYCJ5RJIK0AwOG7xz0oA27R043ph8XhN2I4uxf5kvAcS8wTkLOFpDOkNM6sBTykx8u1cVXhjw3gc_h2ENXd7UMiqMFV-zRklYAnz9TZTSBX5A747PmwQsjYT-SO8FYKeQb05E_4rHyg?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="" /></figure>



<p>The charming North Hampshire village of Overton is very well connected (but doesn’t like to shout about it). Sitting at the crossroads and a very good spot for a meal or dog and family friendly stay, The White Hart was built in 1442. The oldest inn in the village with rooms upstairs, it’s part of the Upham Inns group and a real social hub with a sizable menu of brunches, tapas, steak and other pub classics, along with a very tasty Sunday Roast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.watershipdowninn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Watership Down Inn</a>, Freefolk Priors, Whitchurch, nr the A34, A303 and M3</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcjzTGo6GeA9q9adRvTZ22EcOIHbe1BZbVJ_yR6-NDbesSd2jIOis9jKf_Dm1YCQ3UKqVZ6ivM2bvIpQodHH4rbu49TVZWuVzqJipRRY8A2V_5SOKFAojP0dFs2gJBg5ykg81uSXRlRGuKrVwQyJdQpXC3e?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="Watership Down Inn Whitchurch Hampshire gastropub" /></figure>



<p>A scenic gastropub just off the A34 going south from Oxford, the rabbity-fronted Watership Down Inn  sits in the tiny hamlet of Freefolk Priors in the beautiful Test Valley. Close to Basingstoke, Andover, Newbury and Winchester, it’s in easy reach of the M3 and A303 with top local produce on the menu, including buffalo mozzarella from ex-racing driver turned farmer Jodi Scheckter’s nearby Laverstoke Park. A Muddy Award-winning boutique stay, kids and Fido can be happily accommodated. And if you do decide to overnight (sans kids or pooches), make the most of the brilliant <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bombay-sapphire-distillery/">Bombay Sapphire Distillery</a> being in easy walking distance…</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk/cobbs-winchester">Cobbs Farm Shop &amp; Café</a>, Winchester, off the A34</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcw1y89YRIjyAsvPN54j1I3j0qebpeVBVjMTno3z_cNz9n5gSqD00kQ6Lv__7BUkxhZrX5qIR1DattZF_pB8fD5BUgYlPlPcA_f4S5frNmYTkKAGSoz1b7j0GaINFy199-OgxeuIboLpHzm3V1P5BnS_dAL?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="Cobbs Farm Shop Winchester" /></figure>



<p>Further down the A34, Cobbs at Winchester is a pretty Farm Shop and café in the hamlet of Headbourne Worthy, just north of the city. Once a watercress shed, the legacy of local, seasonal produce continues with a menu that changes seasonally and uses as many local products as possible. While you’re here, you can stock up in the farm shop ready to fill a holiday stay fridge with gourmet goodies or get foodie gifts for grateful hosts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thecartandhorses-kingsworthy.co.uk/">The Cart and Horses</a>, Kings Worthy, close to the A34 and M3</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfEYVU6EspKbrG-mWD76GXQ0ZJgl4UWWPIw7K_40VrIu2muLZdq9hWKbdht1NGssKQ50uaaYKKRdfqEoy29f693Uq0Y4SgX5eByq_14S5iMEKO2U-NsOKguALIOUZQLbu5ZlSofK7o4JnPbE2yc3GYMAKjk?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="" /></figure>



<p>Just a few minutes’ drive from Winchester, the Grade II-listed Cart and Horses in the heart of Kings Worthy reopened in summer 2023 following a million-pound investment. A perfect pitstop (without having to get embroiled in traffic and parking in the city), the 250-year-old building features restored heritage features including original brickwork, 18th century oak beams and open fireplaces. Outside, there are wild countryside-inspired gardens and plenty of tables for alfresco dining and drinking. Daily specials made with the best of in-season produce share the menu with Mediterranean-inspired small plates and sharing boards and pub classics such as dry-aged steaks. If you drive electric, it’s worth noting there’s charging points here to juice up your motor while you refresh yourself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aviatorhampshire.com/">Aviator</a>, Farnborough, just off M3</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdXSfolw9Ct_YSAkytg_PgBRs_QSK8_WN8K7JiChK3uqELKnsZzm169VAFGTaO02BYJcxfTrtqRExc5w4eVUw1LMhdXkiQBfyTWosG1IUcy4IEajPHmiHHkUt3IyA33CVjrEdFt8_G3v2DM4qgbty3CEG1i?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="" /></figure>



<p>If you’re heading out of London along the M3, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/aviator-farnborough/">Aviator</a> makes a convenient and lovely luxe pitstop. A swish, contemporary, design-led hotel, guests here get runway views over the private Farnborough airport. Lunch or a stay means elevated fine dining in the award-winning Brasserie, casual meals in the One Eleven restaurant and signature Silver Jet, Air Mail and Virgin Jet Club cocktails in the stylish Sky Bar. <em>Top Gun</em> sunglasses optional.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://bellinn-newforest.co.uk/">The Bell Inn</a>, Brook, New Forest, off the M27/A31</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfQP41x5YK4s6LRnKFBG-Qft0IG8zTExDqrdpI1tWn8_P01sG8X5drT8n3KdzXYHu7MPNvuJVTfJ1gHMEr7-okeTTbrhbI9_IRuHyzXdKAfrYObna1TWodt1wPHexa7YZwcBb0tnvoE9-l3W8koh1v4HEE?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="The Bell Inn New Forest Hampshire places to eat stay" /></figure>



<p>Going through or past the New Forest? <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-bell-inn-lyndhurst/">The Bell Inn</a> at Brook is a characterful coaching inn with a gastropub menu, comfortable rooms and wild New Forest ponies regularly clip clopping by. Just a few minutes’ drive from where the M27 meets the A31, it’s a perfect pitstop for a meal or afternoon tea. There are plenty of comfortable boutique rooms for an overnighter, including dog-friendly options. And if you do decide to base yourself here, you can also book in a few rounds of golf, too. Fore!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.hawkinnamport.co.uk/">The Hawk Inn</a>, nr Andover, off the A303</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcb8n6TA0tvKceA8hqzcStbvcA911DpC-TGleYiPnqERypiPsmUMuM4qqJieyvqgemkb3yuotjGVyW1mR-Z6oCUSvggB9foKGrBGMiC6b7N2IZKldAyX65MX0_XH-Jmg9LnOQ8wC2rShW-BUprzgoteBtc?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="The Hawk Inn Amport Andover places to stay eat near A303 Hampshire" /></figure>



<p>Westward bound? The Hawk Inn in the tiny hamlet of Amport is invitingly close to the A303, just around the corner from the brilliant Hawk Conservancy Trust and less than 20 minutes’ drive from the mystical Stonehenge. Outdoors, a covered terrace and picnic bench tables make the most of green, countryside views over Pillhill Brook, a pretty chalk stream tributary of the River Anton. Indoors, rooms are cosy and well-appointed and there’s a large, convivial pub dining room with kids menu and a ready welcome for visiting pooches.</p>



<p></p>


Take a break! Top places to stop when you’re heading South

You may also like