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

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

13 Festive Feasts in Hants and IoW'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry - and whether it's traditional festive fare or something slightly quirkier we've sussed the best places to go in Hants & IoW.
#InLoveWithLocal this XmasWe're all for shopping at local indies at Muddy and we know you are too - step away from Amazon and read on for how together we can turn this impulse into a bonafide movement. Get involved!
Gift guide: for herAunts, mums, grandmas, sisters and your girl posse all covered for Crimbo, plus some spot-on suggestions for gifts to self. Ho ho ho.
Muddy Eats: Wild Carrot, DogmersfieldLocated inside Hampshire's very own Four Seasons Hotel, Wild Carrot is tipped as equal parts foodie to family-friendly. Pass the napkin, we're going in!
Home truthsBuying a house is an emotive act, fuelled by all kinds of desire - protecting a family, starting a new life, following a dream. Three Muddy readers open the door to their homes to share their personal stories.

Fri 6 - Sun 8 Dec

Mon 2 - Sun 8 Dec

DECEMBER 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

13 Festive Feasts in Hants and IoW

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry – and whether it’s traditional festive fare or something slightly quirkier we’ve sussed the best places to go in Hants & IoW.
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
- Is this the UK’s sexiest restaurant?
  
  If it’s good enough for Meghan (we’re on first name terms), it’s good enough for Muddy. The Cliveden Dining Room is Deco fabulous has the swagger of Harry Styles on heat.
- Is your favourite local restaurant on the list?
  
  The list of Michelin star winners, that is. The prestigious 2020 awards have just been announced - did your fave make the grade? Take a look at the full line-up for our region.
- Autumn Supperclubs
  
  Forks at the ready? It's time to get eating with our round-up of Autumn supper clubs. Greek, vegan and covert text messages, there's something for every taste.

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.

Southampton Harbour Hotel

With a super chic aesthetic that has dashes of the Hamptons, here’s what you need to know about Southampton Harbour Hotel – the city’s only 5* spot.
- The 37 coolest party palaces
  
  Got a big birthday celebration looming? Or fancy a weekend away with your squad? We've sniffed out the 37 dreamiest party palaces across the land, available for exclusive hire. Grab your gang and let's go!
- 24 hours in Matera
  
  Have you seen the new James Bond car chase scenes around southern Italy? Happens that Muddy was there this summer, checking out the cool places to go. Make mine a martini, shaken not stirred while I tell you my insider tips.

How to do sofa chic

Never mind all the parties, the thing we’re most looking forward to this Christmas is hunkering down at home. Here’s what we’ll be wearing – just accessorize with a book and mince pie.
- Shake up your style
  
  Throw out the rule book, become a fashion rebel and ring the changes this festive season - voilà, our top style tips for rebooting your wardrobe.
- Party like you mean it
  
  Harvey Nichols has come up trumps this season so here's my wishlist to whet your whistle. Plus win £500 worth of party clobber!

The 10 dreamiest coffee table books of the year

Clear space on your coffee table! Muddy’s books editor Kerry Potter has 10 sexy, shiny visual feasts for your delectation.
- Are you watching the best show on TV?
  
  Because no one else in the Muddy office is, except for me and Kerry Potter. So we'd like to talk to you about it instead. Ready to become totally obsessed?
- When Muddy met Shappi
  
  Comedian Shappi Khorsandi discusses new tour, her tips on how NOT to be funny and why you should do things that scare you (hell yeah!)
- The Muddy Panto Guide 2019
  
  It’s panto season. Oh yes, it is! Enough already…. Here’s the cream of the Christmas crop from Hants, IoW and beyond.
- Need a juicy new read?
  
  Muddy's bookworm Kerry Potter has glorious celeb gossip, literary big-hitters and a must-read on relationships this month. Read all about her October picks - and then win the lot!

Are you an imposter too?

Self doubt, anxiety and an inability to believe in your own success. I’ve just been there and it’s not pretty. Here’s how to stop it happening to you.
Kids
- Durlston Court Preparatory School
  
  This small co-ed prep school near the Dorset border has a real family feel, excellent academic results and even has its very own ceramics studio.
- Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide
  
  Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!

How Helen Glover does it

Champion rower, mother, partner to Steve Backshall and all round marvel – Muddy meets Helen Glover to talk fitness, family and breaking her Olympic gold medal (oops).
- Muddy Meets Julia Donaldson
  
  Muddy's Sussex editor Debbie had a chat with the legendary kids' author Julia Donaldson about books, performing, fave local attractions and buying a post office.
- Muddy meets Boycie
  
  Muddy caught up with actor John Challis aka Boycie to talk alter egos, brandy vs. gin, wheeling, dealing and what it was like to hang out with Oliver Reed.