Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOLLYWOOD COMES TO HERTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1221" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Timothee-chamalet.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69152" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Timothee-chamalet.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Timothee-chamalet-246x300.png 246w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Timothee-chamalet-410x500.png 410w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Timothee-chamalet-430x525.png 430w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Instagram / <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU3Cg6XIzAy/" target="_blank">@tchalamet</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re a St Albans local you&#8217;ll probably have picked up on an excited buzz around Verulamium Park recently&#8230; that&#8217;s because it&#8217;s one of the sets for the brand new <em>Wonka </em>movie (due for release next year) &#8211; a prequel to Dahl&#8217;s<em> Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</em>. It will star Timothée Chalamet as the eccentric protaganist, joined by Olivia Colman and Rowan Atkinson. Golden ticket for the first one to spot an A-lister! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A grand opening</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/grand-junction_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/grand-junction_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/grand-junction_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/grand-junction_Fotor-668x500.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/grand-junction_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Local gastropub group Oakman Inns are all set to reopen the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Grand Junction Arms in Bulbourne (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thegrandjunctionarmstring.co.uk/" target="_blank">Grand Junction Arms in Bulbourne</a> later this month (28 March), after an extensive refurb. The canal-side pub has been through a series of closures and set-backs in recent years, but since the Oakman takeover things have been looking up and we&#8217;re expecting big things, not only because the menu looks rather tasty! Seafood features heavily, with Fruits de Mer platters, Lobster Rolls and Goan King Prawn Curry, plus there&#8217;ll be plenty of meat from the grill, Sunday roasts and cocktails. Sold! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MICHELIN MARVELS</h2>



<p>Ok so we didn&#8217;t win any stars in Herts &amp; Beds for this year&#8217;s Michelin Guide but we did get a good few mentions, with three Beds eateries and eight Herts ones claiming a sought-after spot in the 2022 guide. Wanna know which they are? Course ya do&#8230; then get booking those tables! </p>



<p><strong>Herts</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1003" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69157" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers-499x500.png 499w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers-523x525.png 523w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Crockers-200x200.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Instagram / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXQsEeIJuF/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="@crockers_tring (opens in a new tab)">@crockers_tring</a></figcaption></figure>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Crockers Chef's table, Tring (opens in a new tab)" href="https://tring.crockersuk.com/" target="_blank">Crockers Chef&#8217;s table, Tring</a> &#8211; my local &#8216;special occasion&#8217; spot and where you can watch the chefs at work around the kitchen. Or book the more informal dining room or cocktail bar.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Alford Arms, Frithsden (opens in a new tab)" href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/alford-arms-frithsden/" target="_blank">The Alford Arms, Frithsden</a> &#8211; one of my fave pubs for the super-friendly atmos and superb grub with British and global influences. </li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Thompson, St Albans (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thompsonstalbans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thompson, St Albans</a> &#8211; a long-time foodie hotspot in the town, with its contemporary interiors and creative tasting menus.</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Fox, Willian  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/fox-willian/" target="_blank">The Fox, Willian </a>&#8211; a cosy village pub with a modern British menu and stylish country rooms. </li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1256" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Zebra-riding-club.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Zebra-riding-club.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Zebra-riding-club-239x300.png 239w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Zebra-riding-club-398x500.png 398w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Zebra-riding-club-418x525.png 418w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Instagram / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQQ9UEqHo5C/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="@the.zebra.riding.club (opens in a new tab)">@the.zebra.riding.club</a></figcaption></figure>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Zebra Riding Club, Cheshunt (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thezebraridingclub.com/" target="_blank">The Zebra Riding Club, Cheshunt</a> &#8211; the brasserie at Birch &#8211; a community-inspired hotel, wellbeing and activity hub &#8211; with a rustic feel, farm-to-fork dining and fab cocktails. </li><li><a href="https://foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Fox and Hounds, Hunsdon (opens in a new tab)">The Fox and Hounds, Hunsdon</a> &#8211; this high street pub has a Bib Gourmand for its quality ingredients, flavour combos and hearty portions. </li><li><a href="https://falconrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Falcon, Buntingford (opens in a new tab)">The Falcon, Buntingford</a> &#8211; a 17th Century pub, noted for its trad interiors, unfussy mains and particularly good puds! </li><li><a href="https://www.foxandhoundsbarley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Fox and Hounds, Barley (opens in a new tab)">The Fox and Hounds, Barley</a> &#8211; cosy up by the inglenook fireplace at this characterful inn and enjoy food cooked with locally sourced ingredients, such as rare breed meats.</li></ul>



<p><strong>Beds</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="478" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Paris_House_Summer1-720x478.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60310" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Paris_House_Summer1-720x478.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Paris_House_Summer1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Paris_House_Summer1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption>Paris House</figcaption></figure>



<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Paris House, Woburn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/paris-house-woburn/" target="_blank">Paris House, Woburn</a> &#8211; the tasting menus at this fab mock-tudor restaurant, set within its own parkland, (you can watch the resident deer as you dine), are equally as impressive as the setting. </li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Eileen's by Steve Barringer, Ampthill (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.eileensampthill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eileen&#8217;s by Steve Barringer, Ampthill</a> &#8211; with only 8 tables, this bijou restaurant is dedicated to Steve&#8217;s grandmother and bases tasting menus around one or more seasonal ingredients. </li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="John O Gaunt Inn, Sutton (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.johnogauntsutton.co.uk/" target="_blank">John &#8216;O Gaunt Inn, Sutton</a> &#8211; the highly experienced owners bring good honest food to this cosy village inn. </li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HAVE YOU TRIED THESE YET? </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1247" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Bagels.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Bagels.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Bagels-241x300.png 241w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Bagels-401x500.png 401w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Bagels-421x525.png 421w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Instagram / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTrCHTVjMLN/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="@bagelsandschmear (opens in a new tab)">@bagelsandschmear</a></p>



<p>The fab bagel bakery, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bagels + Schmear (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bagelsandschmear.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bagels + Schmear</a> opened their brand new site on Battlers Green Farm just a few weeks ago. They bagged a Muddy award for best new biz last year and are going from strength to strength with their bagels practically flying out of the door. Schmear? It&#8217;s a topping of course, and my goodness, do they have some tempting ones&#8230; Lotus Biscoff anyone? Get thee to Battlers Green Farm to try them at once! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BOOK NOW! THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="956" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Giffords.png" alt="" class="wp-image-69162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Giffords.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Giffords-300x287.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Giffords-523x500.png 523w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Giffords-549x525.png 549w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you have never experienced the magic and enchantment of Giffords Circus before, you absolutely <em>must</em>&#8230; and now&#8217;s your chance, as it&#8217;s coming to Herts this year for the first time! The lo-fi traditional Victorian circus is bringing its new show Carpa to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Home Farm Glamping in Elstree (opens in a new tab)" href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/home-farm-glamping/" target="_blank">Home Farm Glamping in Elstree</a> from 9-13 June. Taking inspiration from the art, music and history of rural Mexico, Carpa sounds like it&#8217;ll be a colourful and lively celebration of Mexican culture. It&#8217;s Always a sell out at its regular Oxfordshire and Cotswolds haunts, so make sure you <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="catch those tickets while you can (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.homefarmglamping.com/whats-on" target="_blank">catch those tickets while you can</a>, before they run away with the circus!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">POPPING UP NEAR YOU</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/WILD-RAVEN-LUCKY-LOBSTER_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/WILD-RAVEN-LUCKY-LOBSTER_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/WILD-RAVEN-LUCKY-LOBSTER_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/WILD-RAVEN-LUCKY-LOBSTER_Fotor-668x500.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/WILD-RAVEN-LUCKY-LOBSTER_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Instagram / <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="@luckylobsterart (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/luckylobsterart/" target="_blank">@luckylobsterart</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5FLv-hSTz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="@little.greenhouse.tring (opens in a new tab)">@little.greenhouse.tring</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>A couple of local Herts businesses are going to be popping up at brand new creative collective at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wild Raven Farm Shop  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wildraven.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Raven Farm Shop </a>(just over the border in Rowsham, Bucks) later this monrh. Fab and funky illustrator <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Lucky Lobster Art  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.luckylobsterart.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lucky Lobster Art </a>and cute houseplant co, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Little Greenhouse Tring (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/littlegreenhousetring/" target="_blank">The Little Greenhouse Tring</a>, will be bringing their wares to the launch weekend of The Barn Stores on 12-13 March, so come and support local if you can and grab yourself some gorgeous goodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WEDDING WINNERS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Wedding-marc-a-sporys-NO8Sj4dKE8k-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69168" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Wedding-marc-a-sporys-NO8Sj4dKE8k-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Wedding-marc-a-sporys-NO8Sj4dKE8k-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Wedding-marc-a-sporys-NO8Sj4dKE8k-unsplash-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Wedding-marc-a-sporys-NO8Sj4dKE8k-unsplash-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tying the knot and don&#8217;t know where to start? Wedding planning site, Hitched, has run its first ever Wedding Awards (based on reviews from real brides and grooms) and announced the winning venues, caterers, photographers, cakemakers and more. Check out the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Herts winners here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-awards/hertfordshire" target="_blank">Herts winners here</a> and the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beds winners here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-awards/bedfordshire" target="_blank">Beds winners here</a> for informed inspiration before booking. And don&#8217;t forget to read our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Muddy venue guide here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/weddings/best-wedding-venues-herts-beds/" target="_blank">Muddy venue guide here</a>, too for our local faves. Big Day, sorted! </p>


Superflashy newsflash!

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