The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Hero, editor of Muddy Bucks & Oxon, 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

The Muddy Awards drinks!The best local businesses came, saw and partied at the Ashmolean Museum's Rooftop Restaurant last week. Wanna see the mischief that ensued?
Gossip incoming!Who needs a town crier when you’ve got Muddy Stilettos sniffing out all the local news in Bucks and Oxon, and shouting it from the rooftops?
Oodles of Boodles!Jewels, champers and Djokovic in his only pre-Wimbledon turn next week at this hidden gem of a Bucks tennis tournament. You cannot be serious! (Um, actually I am).
A Muddy exclusive!The hottest new five star hotel in Bucks was open a mere day before I reviewed. Here's my verdict on The Langley.
The 30 best local artisan ginsRack them up, throw in some Juniper berries and rosemary, and let's get drinking!

Fri 28 - Sun 30 Jun

Mon 24 - Sun 10 Jun

June 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Wicker basket packed?

On the back of National Picnic Week we’re scoffing scotch eggs and heading off to Bucks & Oxon’s 20 top picnic spots.
- Durban Spice and all things nice
  
  A South African chef has started serving sell-out pop-up supper clubs from his house in the middle of Wheatley. So what's all the fuss about? Waiter, my napkin please!
- Summer supper clubs
  
  Can't be bothered to cook? Yeah, same here. Get in on the pop-up supper club action across Bucks & Oxon this summer- share tables, conversation and seriously impressive food.
- Muddy eats: Monkey Island Brasserie, Bray
  
  A new hotel brasserie in foodie Bray with an ex-Simpson’s on the Strand head chef in the kitchen. We felt it our duty to nail three courses - *ahem* actually make that five - and report back.
- The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis
  
  Best-selling author Clover Stroud dons the elastic-waistband trousers before getting fully acquainted with this friendly Ridgeway pub.

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.

40 Quirky Stays for Summer

Fancy an escape that’s a leetle bit different? From yurts to lodges, shepherd’s huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Book in once you’ve taken your jaw off the floor.
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.
- The Langley is… OPEN!
  
  Superluxe The Langley in South Buckinghamshire opens its doors for the first time today! Here are 6 reasons why you should put it to the top of your hotel wish list.

J’adore/ J’abhor

In our new Muddy regular, we look at both sides of a hot topic that’s currently dividing office opinion. This week: the return of bucket hats.
- 10 summer style sizzlers
  
  Chuck this lot in your suitcase and - bingo! - you're ready to go on holiday. Don't forget to send us a postcard.
- All hail the Pearly Queen
  
  Claudia Bradby is the chic designer who's put the pizzazz back into pearls, with celeb fans Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton. Muddy is impressed!

Summer Fest Waddesdon

OMG, we can’t wait! Waddesdon’s Summer Fest (Sat 6 – Sun 7 July) is going to be *awesome*. Here are the best bits to see, PLUS win 2 family tickets on us.
- The books you MUST read this summer
  
  June's best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert's breathtaking new novel. Check out Kerry Potter's reviews - and then win the whole lot!
- Miley goes mental
  
  Hello, who's speaking please? This fruity promo for her new album be Miley Cyrus' naughtiest stunt yet. Creative juices flowing or cynical marketing ploy - you decide!

‘How She Does It’

Interviewed for the ‘How She Does It’ podcast, I talk female entrepreneurs, the home/work juggle, and to keep going during tough times (I’ve had a few!). March 2019.
Kids
- The best lidos and splashparks
  
  Hey hot stuff! Bit sweaty? Our pick of the best pools and river spots to cool down in. Just add sun lotion.
- Kids’ summer courses to book now
  
  Stuck on what to do with your kids this summer hols? Get organised and book then onto one of these cool courses across Bucks & Oxon.

All hail the Pearly Queen

Claudia Bradby is the chic jewellery designer who’s put the pizzazz back into pearls, with celeb fans including Helen Mirren and Kate Middleton (who’s also a pal!). Go meet her at Biagio’s Prosecco and Pearls night, but start here first – it includes goss on the Royal Wedding!
- 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!)
- Muddy meets Nik Kershaw
  
  Nik Kershaw is laconic, laid-back, and *very very* funny - read on for his views on Live Aid, embarrassing his kids, the Let's Rock the Moor pecking order and (OMG) being a grandfather!