Spotlight

Wise words for back to schoolSanity resumed! We’re relieved they’re back – but a bit nervous too. Time for some more wise words from our Hampshire Heads.
Wealth - how to get it, grow it, and keep it in the familyFrom university fees to care homes and to buying property, families are stepping in like never before to beat the tax man and help their relatives. Here's what you need to know to join them.
And the Best Place to Live in Hants & IoW is…Sitting mightily alongside the South Downs with great schools, green spaces and history at every turn, we have a worthy winner!
48 Mother's Day afternoon teas that deliverCan'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.
Letterbox cheer: best gifts by postShare the love in lockdown (we’re almost there!) with one of these fun letterbox gift ideas, from book bundles and candles, to beauty boxes and wine.

Well, hello!

I'm Heidi, editor of Muddy Hampshire & Isle of Wight, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

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Gotta Have It

Enough with cosy interiors and soft greys - here’s our edit of the fabrics, paints and tiles to lift your spirits and inject some spring into your step, hallway, walls, sofas...

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

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Home View more
And the Best Place to Live in Hants & IoW is…

Sitting mightily alongside the South Downs with great schools, green spaces and history at every turn, we have a worthy winner!
- Bring the bar to you: how to have a virtual night out
  
  Counting down the days until that chilly pub garden come April? God, us too. Here's the next best thing: bar-quality cocktails, perfect ambience, and a whole lot of glam.
- Face off! Expressive interiors to buy now
  
  Inject a little personality into your home with these interior buys that feature quirky facial expressions, all from fabulous local businesses on The Indie Store.
Wellbeing
- Five ways to become more Zen
  
  Whether it's social anxiety about lockdown ending, or panic that it's not coming soon enough, a new book claims the ancient art of Zen will see us through. Ready to try it?
- Low mood > depression > and how to tackle it
  
  One in five people reading this feature will be suffering from some form of depression. Here's how to spot the signs and help yourself and those you love.

Arts & Culture View more
Pass the remote! 5 things to watch this week

From guilty pleasure TV and true-crime documentaries to cult comedy and feminist flicks – there’s something for everyone in our curated pick of new releases this week.
- Feet up: 7 things to watch this week
  
  A week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
- Why Emerald Fennell is our new girl crush
  
  She juggles horror and humour and always comes out on top; and from Killing Eve to The Crown to Young Promising Woman, she's written or acted in the most talked about film and TV in years

Little Black Book

Want to support local? Our curated pick of the most creative, unique and brilliant businesses near you.

Studio Hooton, Winchester

LOUNGERS, TEST VALLEY

Charlotte Cornelius, Southsea

XV STRIPES, COWES

H&B Style, Winchester

Hoxton Bakehouse

Morse Toad, Lymington

The Base, Greenham Common

BluBambu, Lymington and Winchester

Stanwells, Lymington and Westbourne

Wine Utopia, Winchester and Stockbridge

Strong & Together, Newbury

Eat View more
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.
- 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.
- Sunday best: 12 takeaway roasts
  
  Missing a pub-style Sunday roast with all the cheffy trimmings? Treat your bubble to a top Hampshire and Isle of Wight takeaway

Work View more
Ideas to get your finances into shape for 2021

The beginning of the year is always about renewal, resolutions and healthy regimes. But the fallout from Covid has shown how financial wellbeing is also vital – and too often overlooked. Muddy limbers up for a money MOT.
Kids
- Wise words for back to school
  
  Sanity resumed! We’re relieved they’re back – but a bit nervous too. Time for some more wise words from our Hampshire Heads.
- 7 fun things to do in the garden with kids
  
  Study a minibeast, plant a jam jar garden or measure a tree with your bum! Cabin fever begone with these cool garden activities kids will dig.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
Word up! Slogan sweats to buy now

Can’t find the words to say it yourself? Say it with a sweater! Here are eight cool slogan jumpers we’re coveting right now, all from indie shops and brands.
- 2021 fashion collabs you need to know
  
  When high fashion met high street. Here are the new season fashion collabs we're lusting after this month (with surprisingly affordable price tags).
- The trouser brigade: stylish alternatives to jeans
  
  It's time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We've found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn't doing it for you

Beauty View more
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.
- 7 divine bath oils for a long soak
  
  We've put Blue Monday behind us. I think that calls for a relaxing bath, don't you? Here's how to make your evening soak more luxurious than ever.

People View more
Six lockdown heroines to celebrate IWD

It’s been a bit of a year so to mark International Women’s Day 2021, we thought we’d big up six women who have impressed, delighted and inspired us over the past 12 months.
- Hello Indie! The local owners
  
  Muddy meets some of the fantastic local sellers behind the Indie Store Spring edit in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Raise your fitness game: Tips from a top triathlete
  
  From running with the dog to winning gold with team GB – local athlete Louella O’Herlihy tells Muddy what it takes to go the extra mile

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.
- Review: The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge
  
  Romantic candlelight dining, superb service and contemporary creature comforts await in this 600-year-old fixture of the Stockbridge high street
- Review: The Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge
  
  Freshly-renovated with luxe, stylish interiors, new owners have put the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge back on the map for destination dining