Spotlight

20+ fab and free things to do this monthGreat intentions but small bank balance this month? We've got your back with a ton of ideas for a day out with mates, family or solo - from art and artefacts to winter walks and chatting books with a glass of wine.
10 hot new local foodie openings to know in 2022Feeling hungry? From cool new supper clubs and gin bars to restaurant rebrands and destination pubs - here are the places you're going to want to book a table at when they open.
Your 2022 local culture hotlistNew year, new exciting things to do! There's a jam-packed schedule of cool cultural happenings coming to Bucks and Oxon this year, and we know all about 'em. Diaries at the ready, let's go!
15 things to do locally this weekCalling all culture vultures! The biggest and brightest offerings in Bucks and Oxon are ready and waiting this week. From Russian ballet to illuminated art exhibits, here's what not to miss.
5 hottest interiors trends for 2022January means spending a lot of time hunkering down at home and with all that hunkering comes some hankering – and this month, we're after a little interiors update. Here's what's hot for 2022.

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

Oxford-based Jessica Tucker has already won an A-list following after taking her skills from the movie industry into her cheeky candle-making business

Gotta have it

What’s on this month

Fancy doing something fun? Er, always! Read on for our curated picks of the best things happening near you right now

See What's On

Eat

10 hot new local foodie openings to know in 2022

Feeling hungry? From cool new supper clubs and gin bars to restaurant rebrands and destination pubs – here are the places you’re going to want to book a table at when they open.
- Where to drink when you’re going alcohol free
  
  Designated driver, taking part in Dry January, or just on a hiatus from the hard stuff? Try these 9 local bars with enticing no or low booze options, but still with maximum glam
- Best vegan & veggie eats in Bucks & Oxon
  
  Vegan or vegetarian curious? Get your local plant-based fix at one of these foodie joints that put veggies front and centre and deliver on flavour

Culture

Review: 9 to 5 the Musical, New Theatre Oxford

9 to 5 the Musical will be making its living at the New Theatre Oxford until 22 Jan, so Muddy stumbled outta’ bed to catch opening night – but was it worth the high heels and 80s hairspray?
- Culture’s calling! What to see in London in 2022
  
  Thrilling theatre, exhilarating art, fantastic festivals – these are the tickets you need to book now. Settle in for a capital city culture hitlist, and a jam-packed 2022.
- 20+ fab and free things to do this month
  
  Great intentions but small bank balance this month? We’ve got your back with a ton of ideas for a day out with mates, family or solo – from art and artefacts to winter walks and chatting books with a glass of wine.

Little Black Book

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

The Coconut Tree, Oxford

Edge NLP, near Chesham

Horwood House Hotel, near Milton Keynes

Four State, Henley & Marlow

The Henley Distillery

Olivine Design

Mrs Bun the Baker Cookery School

The Holiday in a Box Co.

Travel

Hotting up! Best new hotels for 2022

Introducing the hottest new hotel openings around the world. Warning: contains images of sexy bedrooms, turquoise seas and infinity pools.
- Green for go! 10 sustainable holidays
  
  Want to do your bit for the environment while enjoying your hols? Check out these eco-friendly hot spots which are clean, green and keen on a bit of luxury too.
- The must-read Muddy skiing guide
  
  Want to book a ski holiday this year but not sure where to go? Snow problem! Whether you’re a family with beginners, hitting the après ski with friends or want an extreme mountain peak adventure, read on.

Home

Recipe: tasty vegan chocolate muffins

Who says veganuary is no fun? These moist and light muffins from Oxon’s Muddy Award-winning Mrs Bun the Baker are super easy and the perfect guilt-free treat
- House swap – what will £850k get you?
  
  Considering a move or just need a bit of escapism from the same four walls? We’ve popped £850k in the fantasy property pot, but what does that buy you across the Muddy counties?
- 5 hottest interiors trends for 2022
  
  January means spending a lot of time hunkering down at home and with all that hunkering comes some hankering – and this month, we’re after a little interiors update. Here’s what’s hot for 2022.
Wellbeing
- Megan Rossi’s Prebiotic Rocky Road
  
  A traybake that’s actually good for your gut and tastes like a treat? Look no further than this clever recipe from the gut health expert’s new book
- Commit to fit: 2022 events to train for now
  
  On your marks, get set, and go! Fancy challenging yourself in the new year? Then get booking onto these Bucks and Oxon races and triathlons. Lace up your trainers, take a breath, and dig deep.

Life

5 mistakes you’re probably making with your pension

Buried in paperwork and sticking your head in the sand? Yup, us too… We asked the pros at Oxon’s Wise Investment about where we’re going wrong with that glam retirement plan and how to help make the pot bigger
Kids
- Magdalen College School, Oxford
  
  An academically outstanding day school for boys 11-18 years and girls 16-18 years in the centre of Oxford.
- St Clare’s, Oxford
  
  A collegiate-style day and boarding school for 14-19 year olds in central Oxford, with a huge international intake (40 nationalities!) and strong results.

Instamuddy

Fashion

Witness the fitness! Best sportswear to buy now

There’s loads of gorgeous new sportswear in the shops and online at the moment. Hop, skip and jump this way for the Muddy edit.
- Hair transformation: mumsy mane, begone!
  
  Stuck in a hair rut? See Muddy Berkshire editor Rachel’s chic style update here – the third video in our series with the fabulous Haringtons salons
- Hair trends 2022: the new styles to try this year
  
  Is this the year to shake up your style? From the French bob to buttermilk balayage, awesome award-winning salon group Haringtons give the lowdown on 22’s most coveted looks

People

We’re hooked! Pantomime time with Jake Wood

Eastenders is behind you! Muddy chats madcap pantos and Christmas plans with soap legend and Strictly star Jake Wood, ahead of his run as Captain Hook at the Wycombe Swan.
- Muddy meets comedian Ed Byrne
  
  Why he gave up horticulture for comedy, plus his best warm-up joke… Funny man Ed chats to Muddy ahead of hitting the stage in High Wycombe and Milton Keynes…
- Muddy meets Dom Holland (aka daddy Spiderman)
  
  Writer, funny man, and father of big star Tom Holland. Muddy sat down with Dominic Holland to chat life in the shadow of your eldest, stand up faux-pas, and his upcoming set at The Potters Arms.