The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Katrina, editor of Muddy Herts & Beds, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

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

Superflashy newsflash!Craving a dose of local hot gossip? You're in luck. Here's the lowdown on the latest openings, closures, plus a brand new festival - and you heard it hear first people!
A cocktail, and make it snappy!We've collated the best bars across the Muddy counties in which to whet your whistle with your favourite tipple. Ibuprofen at the ready? Then we'll begin!
6 of the best luxury afternoon teas

Fri 22 - Sun 24 March

Mon 18 - Sun 24 March

March 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

6 of the best luxury afternoon teas

Gather your girls, block out the diary and pass the bubbly and cucumber sandwiches – it’s the Muddy guide to the best luxury afternoon teas
- Shall I be mum?
  
  The Centurion Club in St Albans has extended its afternoon teas by popular demand - but is it worth the fuss? Pass the elasticated pants, I'm finding out!
- A cocktail, and make it snappy!
  
  Dry January is over, and to celebrate, we've collated the best bars across the Muddy counties in which to whet your whistle with your favourite tipple. Ibuprofen at the ready? Then we'll begin!
- Lussmanns, Tring
  
  Tring’s modern brasserie is bringing sophisticated meat-free dining to the table. Muddy Herts’ resident veggie gives it her verdict…
- Muddy Eats: Paris House, Woburn
  
  Elegance, class, sophistication...no, we're not talking about ourselves! The Michelin recommended Paris House across the border in Woburn, Bedfordshire aces fine dining.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

7 of the best B&Bs

It’s National B&B week (18-24 March) – yup, it’s a thing! – so what better time to show your local ones some love? Here’s our round-up of the most cool, quirky and cosy places to find a comfy bed and a full English.
- Family-friendly rentals
  
  Easter's approaching, you need to reconnect with your fam, and we have just the thing to help - 30 gorgeous self-catering cottages across the Muddy counties!
- Hampshire hotel hotty
  
  Shall we count the ways we love you Chewton Glen? Nah, we'll be here for days.. Instead, here's what you need to know about this coastal classic spa and hotel destination.

New season fashion – a bluffer’s guide

Spring is coming but what to wear? Here are the key six trends that’ll give your wardrobe an easy-peasy update.
- Hey sexy pants!
  
  New season, new reason to look foxy! We've hunted down the sexiest, slinkiest new lingerie around. Bridget Jones enormo-pants, be gone!
- Oh la la!
  
  Say bonjour to Sézane, your new favourite French fashion brand. Click this way and I'll tell you more, ma cherie.

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!
- 20 music festivals in Herts, Beds and beyond to book now!
  
  'Tis the season for drinking too much cider and getting sunburnt in a field under the guise of being a live music fan. Here's our pick of the best summer fests, both local and further afield. See you down the front!
- Your unmissable 2019 culture planner
  
  Want to make the most of 2019? Muddy's culture vulture Kerry Potter has curated the best new TV, music, theatre, film, books and art of the year. Get yer diary out!

Who do you think you are?

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re going to be found out? I talk to life coach Jessica Wall about Imposter Syndrome.
Kids
- York House, Rickmansworth
  
  A school with its own farm animals? Naturally, we had to check it out! This rural idyll of a school has a seriously outdoorsy culture and an academic programme that makes learning fun.
- Royal Masonic School for Girls, Rickmansworth
  
  A girls' day and boarding school with stellar results, that's perfectly placed for Herts and Bucks but also deliciously close to London.

Muddy meets Tom Kerridge…

… and talks Marlow’s Pub in the Park (Kaiser Chiefs, people), his favourite local eateries, and work life balance issues – yup, he has them too!
- Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
  
  Muddy talks to Harriet Kelsall about 20 years in the jewellery business, making Hertfordshire sparkle
- Muddy meets… Craig Revel-Horwood
  
  Want the hot goss from the BBC ballroom? Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood dishes the dirt on this year's show.