The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Keya, editor of Muddy Leics & Rutland, 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

Cracking Christmas wreath workshopsDeck your door with boughs of holly! These local festive craft classes are hugely popular (wonder if the accompanying mulled wine has anything to do with that?) so, quick, book now.
The Olive Branch, ClipshamFor a village pub, this one punches well above its weight. We head into the Rutland countryside for a memorable meal as it celebrates its 20th birthday.
Christmas rappingWatch out John Lewis! IKEA's and M&S's Christmas adverts are bonkers and brilliant! Watch, laugh and tell us your favourite.
5 reasons to sort Christmas at Bicester VillageNew openings, live music, pop-ups, gorgeous gifts and fairy lights everywhere you turn - it's festive frolics all the way at BV.
Four awesome autumn walks!Grab your friends or family and try our pick of the prettiest walks in Leics & Rutland - all with pubs nearby for that all-important pit stop.

FRI 15 NOV - SUN 17 NOV

MON 11 NOV - FRI 15 NOV

NOVEMBER 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

The Olive Branch, Clipsham

For a village pub, this one punches well above its weight. We head into the Rutland countryside for a memorable meal as it celebrates its 20th birthday.
- Quirky tea rooms and cafes
  
  From a 1930s styled tea room to a cafe overlooking a 200-year-old windmill, sometimes you want to sip your cup of tea with a side of quirkiness. Here's our pick of the best local tea rooms and cafes to do just that.
- Fika out!
  
  I'm always on the hunt for a place with cool decor, a quirky idea and a unique food menu. Step forward Fika, Oakham.
- The George, Great Oxendon
  
  Sunday roast at this beautiful bucolic pub ticks all the boxes.
- Book now: Best autumn pudding and supper clubs
  
  Fancy something a little different than your local pub? Then take a peek at these awesome foodie joints popping up over Leicestershire and Rutland this autumn.

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.

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!
- Book Now: The Grange
  
  Looking for a posh pad for a big celebration or a family reunion/staycation? This house has eight bedrooms, a games room, two lounges and its own cinema and you can book the entire thing.
- To yurt or not to yurt?
  
  Fancy an offgrid, digital detox? Like the idea of sleeping under the stars and switching off from Instagram? Country Bumpkin Yurts could be the place for you.

Love cashmere?

I officially declare it cashmere jumper season so time for a toasty treat? Just don’t put it in the washing machine like a certain idiot I know who never learns (ahem).
- Ready to wrap up?
  
  Brrrrrrr! It's got a bit chilly hasn't it? Come warm yourself with these 10 stylish woolies and coats from the ever-brilliant hush.
- Muddy + Bicester Village shopping & styling spectacular
  
  We're very excited to announce our brand new collaboration with designer fashion heaven, Bicester Village. Think the ultimate girls' day out. Come dine, shop and chat with us.

Q & A with The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson

Incredibly Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling picture book The Gruffalo was first published, 20 years ago! Muddy talks books, performing and buying a post-office with the best-selling writer.
- West Side Story, The Musical
  
  We're super chuffed that West Side Story is on at Curve - it's hands down one of the greatest musicals ever! Here are a few reasons to watch it right now and how you can bag yourself a pair of tickets.
- Are you watching the best show on TV?
  
  Have you fallen truly, madly, deeply for US TV drama, Succession? No, well you're missing out and here's why.
- Need a juicy new read?
  
  Glorious celeb gossip, literary big-hitters and a must-read on relationships this month. Read all about our October picks.
- Everybody’s talking about…
  
  ...Strictly Come Dancing. The stalwart BBC celeb dance contest is back, baby, and I'm all about the rubbish dancers. That's you, James Cracknell!

We’re hiring!

Based in Leicestershire, proud to be a local and want to work for fantabulous lifestyle platform Muddy Stilettos? You’re in the right place if you’re a cool, confident and experienced sales bod.
- 5 killer tips for better work/life balance
  
  The juggle is real - and not going anywhere - so how the hell can we get it right?! Let's ask...
- Wanna work for Muddy?
  
  Muddy Leicestershire and Rutland is looking for a brilliant intern! Could this be you or someone...
Kids
- Q & A with The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson
  
  Incredibly Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling picture book The Gruffalo was first published, 20 years ago! Muddy talks books, performing and buying a post-office with the best-selling writer.
- Here’s how to have some spooky fun this Halloween
  
  Costumes at the ready! 22 fun and spooky events to sink your fangs into this Halloween.

GBBO contestant, Priya O’Shea

We’re chuffed that she’s repping Leicester on this year’s series of The Great British Bake Off. Here’s everything you need to know about the amateur baker.
- Creative and talented
  
  Full-time sign writer and hand lettering enthusiast, Lorna Dunn has worked with tonnes of fab indie businesses which means she knows some of the best places locally so it was a no-brainer to ask her all about them...
- Meet Tamsin Winter
  
  Local author Tamsin Winter discusses her new book, why it's not a good idea to run in 40 degree heat and how she's survives without a TV!
- Meet fab florist, Amanda Steele
  
  Amanda Steele has been frolicking with flowers for as long as she can remember it's no wonder that her amazing handiwork work has been featured all over the world. Here we find out where she likes to hang out locally in Rutland.
- Where does a Michelin trained chef like to eat?
  
  Born and raised in Leicestershire, Bee Patel's worked her way through some of the UK's best...