The urban guide to the countryside -

Herts & Beds

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

Anyone else's kids shot up a few inches during lockdown? We've got you covered with our pick of the coolest, colourful childrenswear to style out the summer.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Little Black Book

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Style My Kid

Thread Tales

The Red Lion, Milton Bryan

Moo Boutique, Tring

The Waterfront Hotel, Wyboston Lakes

ROAR Coaching Ltd

Armstrong Landscapes, Redbourn

Spa Experience, Welwyn Garden City

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery

Kite at the Red Hart, Hitchin

The AL5 Aesthetics Medispa, Harpenden

The Odyssey Spa, Knebworth

Eat View more
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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...

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Arts & Culture View more
We’re all going on a big-screen holiday

Choose your destination, fasten your seats and get ready for take off. Here’s 21 films, set in exotic locations that are almost as good travelling abroad.
- Staying indoors? Here’s what to watch this week
  
  Bored of boxsets? I hear ya loud and clear lady! Here's our latest round up of what's new for TV, film, theatre and music to keep you entertained this week.
- 24 throwback films to watch with your kids
  
  Time to stage an intervention! Sick of hearing your kids' shows on repeat? Free the remote from their clutches and settle in for a fabulously retro family film night.
- Read these new releases this month
  
  After a little escapism? With flights grounded, we're reaching for the next best thing - a good book! Here are seven sizzlers to add to your reading list.
- Say hello to your new Netflix obsession
  
  We're not going to mention the C-word but if you're staying in more right now, isolate yourself with the Netflix remote and watch these corkers pronto.

Home View more
- Muddy ‘Lockdown Gardens in Bloom’ is GO!
  
  Calling all green fingered goddesses! We want to see your lockdown gardening handiwork. Snap your space and post it on Instagram for the chance to win vouchers (there’s £1000 up for grabs) to spend online at gorgeous garden and homewares boutique Olive & Sage.
Wellbeing
- 7 steps to better sleep in lockdown
  
  So you've downed a chamomile tea and ignored your phone but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
- Five useful things I’ve learned in lockdown
  
  What I wouldn't give for a sunny afternoon, a few bottles (barrels) of rose and my girlfriends, right now. Lockdown has been bloody hard. Hugs, holidays, popping out for a coffee and weekend getaways seem a long way off. BUT this monumental shift hasn't been totally bad. One day, when I was totally fed up, I jotted down a few of the positive things I've learned in lockdown.

Work View more
How to work from home (without going stir-crazy)

Working from your home office (or, er, the sofa) for the foreseeable? Don’t panic! These top tips will help you stay calm, collected and productive – or at the very least, sane. Find your space Creating a specific (ideally well-lit) space to work from home is spot-on for your sanity. If you have to work […]
- How to be ambitious (and still be kind)
  
  Muddy chatted to author and comedian Viv Groskop - about redefining female ambition for 2020. Need a life reboot? Viv can help with that.
- Let’s Reset: Workplace Wellbeing
  
  We talk to media entrepreneur and proud Hertfordshire resident Suki Thompson about mental health, wellbeing and success.
Kids
- Bedford School, Bedfordshire
  
  Muddy says: One of the top independent boys’ schools in the country, Bedford School excels in the arts, empathy and sport, in addition to its outstanding academic results
- Lockers Park, Hemel Hempstead
  
  Muddy says: A traditional boys’ prep school and co-ed pre-prep with an intimate, home-from-home feel and an emphasis on inclusivity and individuality.

Fashion View more
Wear the rainbow (and find gold)

The weather’s been pants, but we’re giving Joseph and his technicolour dream coat a run for his money with the best rainbow brights. Prepare to be dazzled.
- Trend alert! Artisanal style
  
  Delicate embroidery, expert craftsmanship and dreamy fabrics - we're coveting chic for summer. Here are 16 pieces to add to your (handwoven) basket, including a few local gems.
- The 9 most stylish face masks
  
  Well, who could have predicted THIS as the must-have summer 2020 accessory? If you've gotta wear one, it may as well look chic, right?

Beauty View more
- 5 of the best hair masks to buy now
  
  Split ends up to your ears? We've found five quick-fixes for treating neglected locks - and to stop your hair stylist from screaming when salons finally reopen
- 5 glow-getting tinted moisturisers
  
  Coming out of lockdown with a healthy glow but haven't worn make up on yonks? Ditch the foundation for a lightweight tinted moisturiser. Here's 5 on the Muddy radar.

People View more
Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer

He’s worked with Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, and Rudimental, and now record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands – raising money for the NHS in association with theatres like The North Wall. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.
- Muddy gets chefy with Olivia Burt
  
  We catch up with the 'Masterchef: The Professionals' finalist to find out her backstage goss, favourite dishes and top spots to eat in London.
- The 4 funniest people on social media
  
  Social media can be a depressing place at times but these Instagram and Twitter accounts never fail to make us smile – go funny up your feed with these guys.
- Exclusive! Muddy meets…. Laurence Fox
  
  The actor-turned-singer has been front page news of late. In this exclusive interview, he talks midlife crises, death threats and groupies with Muddy's Kerry Potter.

School Reviews

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Read the reviews

Fun Finder

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

Travel View more
The Muddy insider guide to Norfolk

Summer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).
- Muddy’s insider guide to Devon
  
  If Devon's on your holiday hit list this year you'll be needing our totally brilliant insider guide to the county. PLUS we have £2,888 of summer goodies up for grabs!
- The Muddy insider guide to The Cotswolds
  
  Prepping for a staycay this summer? Our curated guide to The Cotswolds is packed with our-in-the-know tips and up-to-date openings. Just add sandals and sunshine. PLUS read on for £2,888 of sultry summer goodies to give away).