About

Well, hello! I’m Heidi, editor of Muddy Hampshire & Isle of Wight. A writer and magazine journo contributing to Waitrose Food, Journey, Food and Travel and more, I’ve lived in this fantastic county for over a decade. Keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest – and always up for an adventure – it’s my great pleasure to bring you Hampshire’s newest, quirkiest and under-the-radar highlights.

My own Hampshire journey began when I left leafy West London for sea views dockside in Southampton’s Ocean Village. Later, I moved to Winchester, Hampshire’s ancient capital, enjoying its vibrant city scene before settling in the beautiful market town of Petersfield, where I now live with my lovely husband and young daughter.

Hampshire encompasses the best of coast and countryside, with blue-flag beaches, country pubs, cosy tearooms, vibrant art, glorious gardens and wide-open spaces in the national parks of the South Downs and New Forest – not to mention its award-wining vineyards (cheers!). Then, there’s our very own unique island getaway, The Isle of Wight, with its world-class sailing, surfing and seaside dining – perfect for a staycation.

As Muddy Stiletto’s Hampshire editor,  I’m here to give you the lowdown on the latest and best in independent fashion, boutique interiors, destination dining, cosy countryside pubs and a whole spectrum of other brilliant, inventive local businesses.

I’m part of a stellar team of like-minded regional editors staying true to the original Muddy Stilettos ethos that has seen the successful, friendly, in-the-know platform in Bucks & Oxon expand into 26 counties: Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Northants, Surrey, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Sussex, Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Hampshire (hello!), Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Wiltshire.

This is the Muddy Mantra, so you know what to expect from the site:

1. I try everything out myself so that you can fully trust my opinions. On the occasions that I haven’t been somewhere myself, I let you know that’s the case.
2. Muddy Stilettos is a commercial site and accepts advertising and payment to feature products and brands. However, I believe passionately in only working with brands that share my ethos and are relevant to my readers. I retain editorial control and independence at all times.
3. I accept tickets to free shows, festivals, restaurants, events etc with the purpose of reviewing or publicising them on Muddy Stilettos, as I’m sure you appreciate it’s pretty expensive zipping around trying stuff out all the time. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars – if you want me to try you out, please get in touch at: heidi.ruge@muddystilettos.co.uk or via Twitter @muddyhantsiow, Facebook @muddyhantsiow or Instagram @muddyhantsiow.
4. I’ll never write a nasty review. I’m not into trashing people, brands or companies. But if you’re not good enough, I won’t write about you in Muddy Stilettos, regardless of whether I have paid for the experience or not. This gives me the editorial control I need and the trust that my readers demand.

I hope you love the site. Please tell your friends about it, and sign up for my splendiferous free posts delivered to your inbox!

Heidi x