The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

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

Fri 22 - Sun 24 Mar

Mon 18 - Sun 24 Mar

MARCH 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Spring Supper Clubs

If you fancy something a little different from your local gastro-pub then take a peek at these awesome supper clubs popping up over Hants and IoW this spring.
- The Cliff House, Barton on Sea
  
  The type of spot where you go for lunch and find yourself at 9pm, glass of wine in hand, The Cliff House in Barton on Sea is the perfect place to while away a day.
- Super perfecto
  
  Is it the New Forest or Little Italy? Ray's Italian Kitchen in Milford-on-Sea is bringing a bit of Med living to the south coast. We sent Robyn to check it out.
- 31 Below, Marylebone
  
  You can keep Oxford, Bond and Kensington - it's Marylebone High Street and its new watering hole, 31 Below, all the way for me!
- Family-friendly pub ahoy!
  
  If you're looking for a family-friendly pub that doesn't skimp on grown-up perks, then check...

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Enchanted Manor, Niton

Romantic, quirky and definitely one-of-a-kind. Muddy checks out the famous Enchanted Manor in Niton on the Isle of Wight.
- Out-of-Season Scilly with Kids
  
  Cornwall meets the Caribbean on this unspoilt archipelago just 28 miles from Land's End. Here are my top tips for visiting with the family in 2019.
- 2019 holiday inspo
  
  Muddy's guide to the coolest travel trends for the year ahead.

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.
- Hey Sexy Pants!
  
  With Valentine's Day imminent, we hunted down the sexiest, slinkiest new lingerie around. Bridget Jones enormo-pants, be gone!
- Witness the fitness! The best new sports gear for 2019
  
  Finding it hard to kickstart that hardcore new exercise regime? Buy some slinky new kit and...

Need a new book?

You’re in the right place – Muddy’s pro-bookworm Kerry Potter has picked this month’s seven sexiest reads.
- 20 festivals in Hants, IoW and beyond – book now
  
  The sun is out, you're dancing in wellies and can't find your tent. It can only mean one thing - festival season!
- Feb’s best new books
  
  It was still the dog days of winter last time I checked so there's only one thing for it - let's hunker down with a compelling new book.
- Your unmissable 2019 culture planner
  
  Want to make the most of 2019? Muddy's culture vulture Kerry Potter has curated the best new TV, music, theatre, film, books and art of the year. Get yer diary out!
- Close Shave
  
  Gillette's new ad campaign is ruffling a few feathers. What do you think?

New Year, New Biz

Thinking about starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? We’ve put together top tips and tricks to become a budding entrepreneur.
Kids
- Meoncross School, Stubbington
  
  Muddy says: This independent co-ed for ages 2.5 - 16, is situated just outside of Fareham and...
- West Hill Park School, Fareham
  
  A happy, romping countryside prep, where the carrot very much overrides the stick and the focus is on letting children develop in a kind, secure environment.

My Favourite Places with Michael Turner

An aficionado of stainless steel, Hampshire artist Michael Turner shares with Muddy his absolute top spots around the county.
- 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!
- Muddy meets Greg Emmerson
  
  Greg wowed us in the Masterchef kitchen earlier this year by getting all the way to the semi-finals...