Spotlight

Newsflash: What's new pussycat?There's a new luxurious day spa opening in Leicestershire. Want all the gossip? Of course you do!
MUDDY'S AUGUST GUIDENo summer holiday booked? No problem. We've got free outdoor shows, a disco night for adults, comedy and more in Leicestershire and Rutland this month.
Man the forts! 10 castles to visitReady for a right royal day out this summer? We've rounded up 10 of the coolest castles in Leicestershire and Rutland and beyond. Tiara at the ready, let's go!
The Muddy Awards 2021 WinnersYour votes have been counted and - drumroll please - the results are in. Here are your Muddy Awards 2021 winners. Go say hi, they're local you know!
Vroom vroom: Toyota RAV4 reviewPull up to my bumper baby and check out Muddy's car review. The star of the show? The Toyota RAV4. Let’s push this pedal to the metal.

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

Bright colours, bold shapes — the unapologetically brash 80s are back, baby, at least in the world of interiors. Give your home a stylishly retro revamp with these statement pieces.

Thanks to everyone who took part this year, and helped celebrate the most awesome indie businesses across 25 counties.

View Our Winners

Eat View more
Glug! Best local vineyards

It’s English Wine Week (19-27 June)! Finally, an excuse to drink wine every day (ha, as if we need one). Top up your glass with a drop from one of these local vineyards. Hiccup!
- Wicker basket packed? 10 perfect picnic spots
  
  Dust off your wicker basket and roll out your tartan blanket. Who's with me?
- Private dining spots for a reunion to remember
  
  Let someone else do the cooking and washing up while you catch up in style at your family reunion. All you need to do is book one of these Leicestershire and Rutland pubs and restaurants with private dining rooms.

Arts & Culture View more
Pop that corn! What’s on TV this week?

What have the TV gods got for us this week? A big batch of goodies, that’s what. From indie dramedys to twisty teen mysteries to a BAFTA-nominated anthology, here’s what to watch this week.
- Man the forts! 10 castles to visit
  
  Ready for a right royal day out this summer? We've rounded up 10 of the coolest castles in Leicestershire and Rutland and beyond. Tiara at the ready, let's go!
- Top TV: what to watch this week
  
  Looks like we're back to nonstop rain — but with telly this good, who cares? Catch a star-studded who-dunnit, a big-budget adventure film, and more out this week.
- What’s on: July Muddy Guide
  
  Summer's here - although the weather's not caught up - but the social calendar's full and celebrating. From outdoor exhibitions to festivals (yup they're back!), here's where to head and what to book now for a summer to remember.
- Summer reads for tweens
  
  Need some reading material for the preteens? Try these books recommended by local children's author, Tamsin Winter (including her brand new one!).

Little Black Book

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

Alice Rose Bridal

The Old Tractor Shed, Dadlington

Elegance of Elena Bridal Boutique and Online Store

Farmer and Carlisle

Calveo

Rockingham Castle

Lamport Hall and Gardens

Hartbeeps

The Mill Birth and Wellbeing Centre

Aqua Park Rutland

Creative Looks Esthetics

Hypnosis Health

Travel View more
Muddy reviews: The Star Inn, Alfriston

A triple treat of sleepy rural peace, local culture creds and stylish Tudor charm, The Star Inn in Alfriston, East Sussex opened in June to acclaim. Only thing is, does it pass the Muddy test?
- AHOY THERE! Best boats to hire
  
  With pretty much all restrictions now lifted (can I get an AMEN!) we’re dying to make the most of this summer. Swap a boring, long road trip for a cool boat trip instead.
- DAY AT THE BEACH, ANYONE?
  
  The sun’s making an appearance again so we’re thinking of an impromptu day trip to the beach. Here's the closest ones to Leicestershire and Rutland. Now, where did we put our beach towel?

Home View more
Vroom vroom: Toyota RAV4 review

Pull up to my bumper baby and check out Muddy’s car review. The star of the show? The Toyota RAV4. Let’s push this pedal to the metal.
- Buffalo Mozzarella with Clementine Salad
  
  Need a new speedy lunch? Try this 15 minute fab mozzarella salad from Tart London - the super-cool caterers of choice for the fashion set (plus Naked Wines at 63% off).
- New wines to try this summer
  
  Naked Wine sommelier and Gordon Ramsay alumnus Ray O'Connor spills the grapes on why he won't pay thousands for wine, what's in his cellar - and how to dodge hangovers.
Wellbeing
- Newsflash: What’s new pussycat?
  
  There's a new luxurious day spa opening in Leicestershire. Want all the gossip? Of course you do!
- POST-LOCKDOWN ANXIETY: HOW TO COPE
  
  Life after lockdown can be a scary thought. Here's some tips that may help you deal with any niggling social anxiety issues.

Life View more
Back in the office? We’re here to help!

Feeling unprepared to head back to the office after a year WFH? Muddy to the rescue with eight essential Do’s and Don’ts (and yes, you will have to change out of sweatpants).
Kids
- MUDDY’S AUGUST GUIDE
  
  No summer holiday booked? No problem. We've got free outdoor shows, a disco night for adults, comedy and more in Leicestershire and Rutland this month.
- Have baby, will socialise!
  
  Mum of two Sara Payne runs baby and toddler classes across Leicestershire. So when she's not busy entertaining little ones, changing nappies or cleaning bottles, where does she like to take her own little ankle-biters?

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
Rent your clothes like Carrie!

Ethical, eco and everywhere – with Carrie Symonds showing us how to work a sustainable wardrobe, here’s where you can rewear, repair and renew your clothes in style.
- Best swimwear for 2021
  
  Nothing says summer like new swimwear. Who cares if it's the Med or the back garden, it's time to splash out. Whether it's eco, floral, striped, shaping, nautical or sporty, we've found your perfect bikini or swimsuit.
- Sunglasses to suit your face shape
  
  The weather's perked up - time for new sunnies! We have you covered with our guide to the hottest frames to suit your face shape this summer. Just don't sit on them.

Beauty View more
- Can Haringtons tame the Muddy mane?
  
  Fly-away hair with lots of grey? Not just me then... The challenge for award-winning hairdresser and colourist Barry was to create a style that will still look good a week later
- How to get that perfect sun-kissed glow
  
  Forget pale and interesting... we're channelling the St Tropez vibe, minus the orange tint. Here are some lotions and potions for a natural-looking tan without the UV damage

People View more
Have baby, will socialise!

Mum of two Sara Payne runs baby and toddler classes across Leicestershire. So when she’s not busy entertaining little ones, changing nappies or cleaning bottles, where does she like to take her own little ankle-biters?
- Muddy talks parenting with Lorraine Candy
  
  “All teenage girls think their mums are a bit rubbish”. Journalist and mother of four Lorraine Candy talks parenting, moody teens and motherhood with Muddy.
- Catch up with Katie Cardew
  
  We love all the colourful prints and quirky homeware designed by Rutlander Katie. But when she puts down her pens and paints, where will we find her? At these local hangouts, of course.