Spotlight

Superflashy newsflash! The latest local gossNothing happens during lockdown, right? Erm… not quite. Bucks & Oxon still have some life in them yet. Here are the latest whispers on the grapevine.
Where can I take the kids during lockdown?Yep, we’re feeling it too. We’ve been locked down during a dark, dank month and yet we still have children who need fresh air and exercise. Calling all options: now is the time to present yourselves.
Tip-top takeaways to see you through lockdownRestaurants, cafes and bars may be closed, but you can still support our brilliant local businesses by ordering a takeaway.
Support local! The best farm shops near youIf you’ve vowed never to go back to piling your supermarket trolley sky high, let us help you keep your promise with our pick of the best farm shops in Bucks & Oxon.
12 brilliant local family walksIf your house starting to resemble an obstacle course, it's time to force everyone outside. Here are our favourite Muddy walks in Bucks & Oxon.

Well, hello!

I'm Hero, editor of Muddy Bucks & Oxon, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Forget colour co-ordination - this year we're dressing our trees with the most bonkers baubles we can find!

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

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

Eat View more
Best wines to buy for Christmas 2020

From the perfect red to pair with mince pies to the best bubbles for your NYE celebrations, these are the bottles to pick up for the festive season (with an exclusive Muddy discount thrown into the mix).
- Support local! The best farm shops near you
  
  If you’ve vowed never to go back to piling your supermarket trolley sky high and ignoring your local shops, let us help you keep your promise with our pick of the best farm shops in Bucks & Oxon.
- 40 of the best indie coffee roasters
  
  Can't function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends from indie coffee roasters to kickstart your day.
- Eat your greens! Where to eat vegan in Bucks & Oxon
  
  Vegan curious? Get your plant-based fix in Bucks & Oxon at one of these nine brilliant foodie joints in honour of World Vegan Day on Sun (Nov 1).
- Crockers: fine dining without the fuss
  
  Desperate to make an occasion of it? The Chef’s Table experience at this superb new Henley restaurant with rooms is just what you need. Read my review, and book fast.

Arts & Culture View more
Muddy’s TV guide: 9 new watches this week

Bored? Not any more! Here are our top picks for new TV shows and films hitting the small screen this week. Popcorn at the ready…
- What’s on the box? 11 new TV shows and films
  
  Nowhere to go and nothing to see? Au contraire - snuggle down on the sofa and transport yourself with the best new watches of the week.
- Where’s the remote? 14 must-watch shows
  
  Already running out of things to do as the darkness draws in? Well, put away the chess board and engage with these 14 new televisual delights instead.

Home View more
- Make this! Espresso Christmas pudding recipe
  
  It’s ‘Stir-up Sunday’ this, well, Sunday, so get your bake on with this twist on the trad Christmas pudding recipe from Rupert Cooper at Philleigh Way Cookery School.
Wellbeing
- 7 steps to better sleep in lockdown
  
  So you've downed a chamomile tea and ignored your phone but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
- Lockdown anxiety: 7 ways to keep it in check
  
  Lockdown is back and with it, hours and hours to listen to the rising panic in our heads. Don’t fancy that much? Nor us, so read on for seven ways to tackle the tension.

Travel View more
Muddy reviews One Aldwych: London

Overnighter in the Big Smoke or planning a post-pandemic theatre jaunt? Treat yourself with a stay at this stunning, super-luxe hotel, just a stone’s throw from the West End.
- 20 Muddy-approved attractions in Bucks
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Buckinghamshire.
- 20 Muddy-approved attractions in Oxon
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Oxfordshire.

Work View more
Ready, steady… SHOP INDIE!

You want to ‘shop small’ but lockdown is making it tricky. Not on my watch! Our latest launch, The Indie Store, is all about supporting brilliant local retail, and here’s how you can help too.
Kids
- How to help your kids get the careers they want
  
  It’s never been tougher for young people to find a foothold on the labour market so how, as parents, can we help them get ahead?
- Need a private tutor? Muddy reviews OXSWOT
  
  If a rollercoaster year has left your kids floundering academically, this Oxford-based private tutoring service could get them back on track (I should know, my son played guinea pig).

Fashion View more
9 stylish pyjamas for a luxe lie-in

It’s dark, cold and wet outside, so let’s hunker down with some new pyjamas that are chic enough to wear to your morning Zoom meeting (we won’t tell!).
Beauty
- Go Tache! Don’t forget Movember
  
  We won’t see many people apart from the bin men this month, but we can still support our favourite causes. November is men’s health month and Muddy's here for it.
- How to give yourself a DIY facial at home
  
  With salons closed until December, we're retreating to our own bathrooms for a stress-busting DIY facial treatment. Fluffy white robe and cucumber slices optional.

People View more
What’s cooking? Calum Franklin, The Pie Room

Fresh from the launch of his mouth-watering new cookbook, we caught up with the London Pie King himself to talk Scotch eggs, the Breville toastie masker and cooking for Axl Rose.
- My favourite places: designer Lorna Syson
  
  Where does seriously stylish interiors guru Lorna Syson get her inspiration? These local hangouts, of course! Here's a peek inside Lorna's own little black book...
- Yes, people, this is Meg Mathews!
  
  Primrose Hill party queen turned wellness guru? Stranger things have happened! Muddy chats to the always glamorous Meg Mathews about her new book, self-care and, er, vagina facials.