EAT
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10 Brilliant Beer Gardens in Herts & Beds
It's National Beer Day on 15 June in case you needed an excuse to check out our counties' best pubs with gardens. Here's where to head to quaff a chilled pint in the sunshine.
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10 local places to eat vegetarian
We've rounded up the local restaurants and cafés that really deliver on colourful and flavour-packed veggie food that could convert even the most devoted meat eater.
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10 fab foodie (and drinkie) things to do this month
Fancy some foodie fun this month? Step this way for our pick of the tastiest crop of events happening in Herts and Beds throughout May.
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Go wild for spring’s hottest foodie ticket
Wild dining co, Woodfired Canteen, is coming to Herts in May, with an extraordinary line-up of fab foodies raring to cook up unforgettable open-air feasts. We caught up with Founder, Ben Quinn, to find out more.
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Review: Wild Thyme & Honey, Ampney Crucis
Cotswolds corker! Brand new for this year and showing all the honey-stoned charms you'd expect of an historic 16th century inn (with some multi-million pound mod-cons), read on and book in. You'll love it.
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51 brilliant afternoon teas to book now
Celebrate spring with clotted cream and dainty sarnies! We've found 51 of the best afternoon teas across the Muddy counties. But you'd better book 'em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
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Review: The Hare & Hounds, nr Newbury
A little bit of country, a little bit of rock 'n' roll. The Hare and Hounds is a boutique inn with 30 stylish rooms, fuss-free food and a focus on fun - Muddy Berkshire editor Rachel checks in.
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52 roasts with the most across the Muddy counties
Why bother basting potatoes with goose fat when this lot do it so much better? Grab your gang and head to one of these gorgeous gastropubs across the Muddy counties.
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10 insta-worthy cafés in Herts & Beds
Vintage teacups, hanging plants, neon signs and almost too pretty to eat pastries (hey, we said almost!): these stunning cafés are guaranteed a double tap on your feed.
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Flipping fabulous! 7 local pancake parlours
Can't be bothered with the mess of making your own? Ditch the spatula and order off the menu instead. Here are our top pancake picks in Herts & Beds.
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9 of the best local Sunday Roasts
It's one of life's greatest pleasures (in our humble opinion) - a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Here's our pick of the pubs serving the best in Herts and Beds.
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Top 100 gastropubs 2022 revealed!
… and one stellar Herts' hotspot made the top 100. Find out which one, and read all about oushortlisted faves from our neighbouring counties... Ready to tuck in?
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10 fabulous local farm shops
All hail the humble farmshop! Your one-stop shop for locally grown fruit, veg, meat and much more. Here's our pick of the best around Herts & Beds.
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Your festive guide to the big smoke this Christmas
Eat, drink, and be merry in the capital this festive season with our holly jolly hitlist. From glam pop-ups and glittering fairgrounds to cocktails and carols, here's the best of the best.
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Local refill and zero waste stores you’ll want to shop in
Check out these sustainable grocery, gift and household stores - it's refill, but not as you know it - tempting products, stylish stores and online ordering - it's a no-brainer!
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Best beaches in the South & South West
Heading south for the summer? Then you'll be needing our guide to the 18 best beaches including the inside line on the best activities, foodie joints and sundowner spots.
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Try this light but warming spring supper
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's healthy take on this Scottish fish soup makes for a quick and hearty but healthy supper that's perfect for cool spring evenings.
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Comforting classics from The Pie Room
Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two tasty recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.
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Asian-inspired healthy dinners for reboot February
January didn't quite live up to your healthy living expectations? Cosy food doesn't have to come at the cost of health. Try these tasty plant-based recipes made with warming ginger and miso.
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48 Mother’s Day afternoon teas that deliver
Can't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
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Fast and filling recipes for Feb
No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
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Eat Better Forever, Hugh? Oh, OK then.
Spent December scoffing mince pies? Whip up a veg-packed soup or hot pot from Hugh's new cookbook and feel the smug glow of a healthy New Year.
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The best cookbooks to buy now
Sick of making the same seven dinners, week in, week out? Or just a sucker for tempting pictures of food? If any of the above apply, we’ve got you covered.
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40 of the best indie coffee roasters
Can't function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends, from indie coffee roasters across the Muddy counties, to kickstart your day with a caffeine boost.
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Launch review: The Pig, Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
On its opening day, Muddy's ed-in-chief Hero Brown was the first to eat lunch at the brand new Pig hotel in Harlyn Bay (what a trooper!). So what was the verdict - and is it worth a trip to North Cornwall?
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Ready, set, cook! 8 new cookbooks for spring
Looking to up your cooking creds whilst in quarantine? Then you'll be needing our curated guide to the most useful and inspiring cookbooks for spring. Yes, chef!
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Cook THIS for dinner tonight
Running out of ideas for midweek meals? Yup, us too. Take inspiration from the hottest new cookbook on the block by pop star Jessie Ware. Yum!
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Asparagus tart with quails egg and prosciutto ham
This super-simple tart recipe, from Cotswolds based Gluts & Gluttony, makes the most of seasonal ingredients and takes a mere 30 minutes. Count us in!
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Recipe: A salad for sunny days
This peach and lentil salad with warm pork tenderloin by renowned chefs Kate & Giancarlo Caldesi, is easy peasy, looks amazing and tastes delicious.
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Restaurants with rooms
Dreaming of a foodie getaway? We've scoured the Muddy counties for hotel stays with serious culinary credentials for when lock-down lifts. Tuck in.
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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.