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

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

The 30 best local artisan ginsRack them up, throw in some Juniper berries and rosemary, and let's get drinking!
Superflashy newsflash!All your local goss right here, in one delectable dose, from a super-exclusive new spa opening, to a hospitality hero, and the best indie high streets in Britain.
The Muddy Award Winners 2019!Hundreds of local businesses across Herts & Beds battled it out in this year's prestigious Muddy Awards. Want to see the winners? We won't keep you in suspense any longer...
54 outdoor film screeningsPass the popcorn and top up the Pimms - it's outdoor cinema season! So, pack your picnic blanket and head to one of these al fresco screenings in some of the counties' coolest settings...
6 of the best luxury afternoon teasGather your girls, block out the diary and pass the bubbly and cucumber sandwiches - it's the Muddy guide to the best luxury afternoon teas.

Fri 21 - Sun 23 Jun

Mon 17 - Sun 23 Jun

June 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 in Woburn, Bedfordshire aces fine dining.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

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

40 Quirky Stays for Summer

Fancy an escape that’s a leetle bit different? From yurts to lodges, shepherd’s huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Book in once you’ve taken your jaw off the floor.
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.
- A cool Cornish hotel – without the crowds
  
  The Polurrian on the Lizard has had a style makeover - and then some. Fancy winning a 3 night £1800 stay at Cornwall's best kept secret?

First time fashion

Ready for an adventure? Us too! At Muddy we’ve committed to new experiences this summer (both cultural and clothes related, natch). Read on for inspo – and win a sizzling £400 hush wardrobe while you’re at it!
- 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.
- Say my name
  
  Fashion gets personal with the trend for emblazoning your name across your T shirt, handbag or phone case. Think school uniform name tags but cooler!

The books you MUST read this summer

Need a great page-turner for your summer holiday? Chek out Kerry Potter’s reviews of June’s best new books, including Eat, Pray, Love author, Elizabeth Gilbert’s breathtaking new novel.
- Need a brilliant new read?
  
  A stunning debut novel, a futuristic thriller and an exquisite memoir are among books editor Kerry Potter's marvellous May picks.
- Well, hello you!
  
  How has Keanu Reeves not aged in 30 years?! The laconic Hollywood star is back in a fashion campaign that's got social media a-swooning. Shall we examine the evidence?
- April’s best new books
  
  Quick, spring-clean your bedside table or Kindle to make room for Muddy books editor's Kerry Potter's awesome April picks.
- 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!

Need a speedy supper?

I declare salad season officially open! This hearty chicken one is easy-peasy to make but packed with flavour.
- Groovy garden accessories
  
  Finally we can start planning barbecues and al fresco gatherings, so here's the coolest cooking and homeware kit you need to jazz up your garden.
- Burn baby burn!
  
  Muddy HQ is even more fragrant than usual right now - thanks to the coolest new indie candle brand on the block.
Wellbeing
- Run for the hills!
  
  Actually don't just yet - let me tell about these brilliantly inspiring running books first.
- Are you sober curious?
  
  Whether you're doing Dry January or merely cutting down, we're all re-examining our relationship with alcohol right now. Could "sober curious" be for you?

Sexy stationary

Stationery is one of my specialist subjects. And – whoop! – it’s National Stationery Week. Check out this sexy lot.
- Who do you think you are?
  
  Do you ever get the feeling that you're going to be found out, that people will realise you're a bit of a fraud? Life coach Jessica Wall on how to deal with Imposter Syndrome.
- How to be a workplace warrior
  
  With a third of our lives taken up by work, figuring out how to enjoy the ride has never been more important. Here's how to do it.
Kids
- Bedford Modern School
  
  Muddy says: The superb facilities and friendly, unpretentious atmosphere at this selective co-ed make a refreshing change from traditional old-school independents.
- St Columba’s College, St Albans
  
  Muddy says: This Catholic boys' school puts equal stock in moral guidance as it does in academia, making for well-rounded young men, eager to reach their full potential and give something back to the wider community.

Muddy meets Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw is laconic, laid-back, and *very very* funny – read on for his views on Live Aid, embarrassing his kids, the Let’s Rock the Moor pecking order and (OMG) being a grandfather!
- Everyone’s talking about… The Guilty Feminist
  
  Love the podcast? Good news - its creator is coming to a theatre near you this spring. We grabbed super-talented comedian Deborah Francis-White for a chinwag.
- 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.