The urban guide to the countryside -
Little Black Book
Food & Drink
Visit Hillbrush
Muddy says: Vintage brush machines, a fab sun terrace and artisan coffee bar – can you get more cool and quirky? This is Muddy to a tee.
Splash of Colour
Muddy says: Get creative at this little gem in the heart of Salisbury. Kids' parties, rainy day sessions, baby's footprints (too cute)...it's all here.
Lowden Garden Centre, Melksham
Muddy says: Fancy a garden centre with a difference? Better come with us and have a snoop around this gaff then.
Vaughan’s Cookery School
Muddy says: Need a hand sharpening those culinary skills? We love Vaughan's cool, calm and inventive approach to getting your cooking back on track
Harts Barn Cookery School
Muddy says: A one-stop shop for all things culinary, this cookery school in the Forest of Dean aces every base.
Twisting Spirits
Muddy says: We love this original, bespoke gin from the heart of Gloucestershire. It’s gonna be a good Christmas!
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie
Muddy says: The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie is a modern classic, offering all-day dining nirvana. You won't want to be anywhere else...
The Bajan Kitchen
Muddy says: We LOVE this local Wiltshire company (also based in Barbados!), bringing you their Caribbean family recipes over three generations
The Garden at Miserden
Muddy says: A huge green thumbs up to this stunning, timeless garden, with tip-top events including outdoor theatre and a pop-up restaurant. Oh, and you can stay over too!
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa
Muddy says: A quintessential English boutique hotel in gorgeous surroundings that’s big on intimacy, style and quirky details.
The Weighbridge Inn
Muddy says: An historic Cotswold inn with rustic charms aplenty, local real ales on tap and knockout 2in1 Pies.
Fire Station
Muddy says: A big WOW for this fabulous, super cool gaff, an all-day social hub where you can eat, drink, work and part-ay!
Lords of the Manor
Muddy says: Fancy a stay in utter luxury in the heart of the Cotswolds? Then take a look at the gorgeous Lords of the Manor
The Frogmill, near Cheltenham
Muddy says: A superlative country pub near Cheltenham with grill-tastic food, home-from-home rooms and an events space to die for.
The King’s Head, Whiteparish
Muddy says: As huge supporters of keeping it local, we can't recommend enough this wonderful local pub. Oh, and the food's pretty fab, too!
The Bell, Sapperton
Muddy says: Heads up for this fab country pub, winner of Best Destination Pub in Glos in the Muddy Awards 2019, no less!
Woolley Grange, Bradford-on-Avon
Muddy says: Any hotel that collects the Mudlets from my room for brekkie and lets me sleep in is top notch in my book. A massive thumbs up to Family Luxury Hotel Woolley Grange.
The Five Alls
Muddy says: The perfect village pub, promoting local ales (including their own Five Alls house ale), a huge flag-stoned bar, pretty pub garden, fab kids’ menu and food to die for
The Royal Oak
Muddy says: Heads up for this charming and friendly local free house in the heart of Tetbury. Oh, and they have a fab vegan menu!
The Whistle Stop Cafe
Muddy says: Could this be our favourite artsy Cafe in Gloucestershire? Shall we find out?
The Bell, Ramsbury
Muddy says: The Bell at Ramsbury has been awarded the coveted AA Best Pub in England Award! What more do you need to know?
Howard’s House Hotel
Muddy says: Could this be the best kept secret in Wilts? Let’s find out, shall we?
Downton Distillery / Explorer’s Gin
Muddy says: Truly one of the best artisan gins in the country – grab a glass, pass the Fever Tree and let’s get drinking Explorer's Gin!
The Bull at Hinton
Muddy says: You know how we just love stumbling across a gem of a pub and wondering, where have you been all my life? Yep, we've done it again!
Sarsens Restaurant
Muddy says: Heads up for this brand new, super cool and uber delicious joint in the heart of Marlborough
Marlborough College Summer School
Muddy says: Got a long summer holiday ahead of you to fill? No worries, Mudsters - we've got you covered
The Lamb, Hindon
Muddy says: What are you waiting for? Check in to this gorgeous country pub deep in the West Wiltshire Downs with boutique-style bedrooms, great food and a seriously impressive wine list.
Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
Muddy says: A gallery, a cafe and artists' studios, Fisherton Mill is a wonderful haven in the heart of Salisbury.
Hatton Court Hotel
Muddy says: Big love goes out to this lovely country house hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds, perfect for a weekend escape or the wedding of your dreams
The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury
Muddy says: Bed down for the night in this newly restored hotel in the heart of charming Malmesbury. It's Britain's oldest hotel, y'know. And it's got a gin bar. Right, I'm moving in...
New Brewery Arts
Muddy says: There's lots of Muddy love for this quirky hub of crafty, inspired creativeness. Classes, courses, workshops, gallery and, of course, a cafe
Craft Bar, Salisbury
Muddy says: Craft beer, craft cider and a cool street food kitchen serving knock-out burgers and fries, welcome to your local Salisbury haunt. We love it!
The Good Food Garage
Muddy says: With the B-word (don't you say it!) threatening, there's no time like now to shop and buy local
Sheep on Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold
Muddy says: This stylish Stow-on-the-Wold Inn is must-try territory for pizza lovers and Cotwolds explorers.
The Porch House, Stow on the Wold
Muddy says: England’s self-proclaimed ‘oldest inn’ also happens to be one of the classiest I’ve stayed at, with stylish interiors, excellent gastrofare and luxe bedrooms. A big yes.
Pure Punjabi
Muddy says: We love this amazing mother and daughter team, whose fab company offers Indian cookery courses, home meal kits and wedding event catering
The Cookery School at Daylesford
Muddy says: Want to up your dinner party game, bond with your kids Great British Bake-Off style or just enjoy cooking in the most sublime place ever? Hello Daylesford!
The Cooking School
Muddy says: Roll your sleeves up for this fab cooking school in the heart of Warminster. Oh, and they do kids' parties, too!
Tetbury Goods Shed
Muddy says: We love this fab local arts centre, packed with cinema, exhibitions, music and workshops
Cowley Manor
Muddy says: A contemporary take on the Cotswold country house hotel where chic modern interiors plus cool bar, amazing spa and stupendous surroundings equals 21st-century nirvana.
Bird and Carter
Muddy says: For the best local produce across Wiltshire, it's got to be Bird and Carter.
The Daneway
Muddy says: We almost don’t want to share this hidden treasure with you – but hey, that would be bad karma and we don’t want any of that! So here you go – fill your boots with this superb country pub near Cirencester.
Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, Bishopstone
Muddy says: A dining pub with rooms on a lush farm in Wiltshire. If you want great tasting organic food, the farm is where it starts!
Natural Cookery School
Muddy says: If you follow this cookery school on Instagram, you’ll know that its food looks AMAZING. Well, you can learn how to make it, you know!
The Socialight
Muddy says: We love, love, love this Stroud café for its super smooth Cornish coffee, full English platefuls of deliciousness and über sociable vibe.
Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe
Muddy says: Fancy a snuggle in this award-winning pub? It's a perfectly cosy blend of traditional 18th century architecture and stylish, modern interior design - just what we love at Muddy.
Three Tuns Freehouse, Great Bedwyn
Muddy says: We love The Three Tuns for its year-round curb appeal. Roaring fires, fabulous beer garden and top notch grub - what's not to like?
The Wheatsheaf
Muddy says: Sooooo much more than a pub, The Wheatsheaf has an art gallery, music studios, great grub...and did I mention it's all local, organic and sustainable? Right up our Muddy street. You comin' too?
The Plough Inn
Muddy says: After a truly local county pub that wears its heart on its sleeve? Yup, we've found one just for you.
The Field Kitchen
Muddy says: A lovely lunch-and-brunch restaurant near Bradford on Avon, in beautiful surroundings in the Glove Factory Studios. Oh, and they do weddings too.
The Cricklade Club, Cricklade
Muddy says: This quirky independent café, bar and events space serves such great food and is so relaxed you’ll be wanting to make it your home from home.
Stroud Brewery
Muddy says: So much more than just a producer of fine ale, Stroud Brewery is a one-stop brewing, drinking, eating and partying destination. Right up our street then!
The Woolpack Inn
Muddy says: It’s impossible to resist the bohemian charms of this cool, old-school, independent pub hanging out in the stunning Slad Valley.
The Old Ale and Coffee House, Salisbury
Muddy says: Looking for the best brunch in Salisbury? A beach hut in the garden? A fun place to just, hey, hang out? We've found the joint, and you're gonna love it!
The Hollow Bottom
Muddy says: We love this award-winning, 17th-century country pub in the Cotswold heartland for its fab food, chilled-out atmosphere and quirky touches.
Tudor Farmhouse
Muddy says: A snug, des-res in the middle of the Forest, we can’t get enough of this boutique hotel’s super-comfy interiors and superlative food.
Malmaison Cheltenham
Muddy says: We love this chichi hotel in Cheltenham for its chic Montpellier location and grande dame exterior that segues into cool, eclectic interiors.
Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal
Muddy says: We love the breezy, open air vibe at Larmer Tree. With ornate gardens, pavilions, halls and secret spaces, it's perfect for the quintessential English country wedding
The Old Lodge
Muddy says: We’re blown away by this elemental wedding venue on top of the world on Minchinhampton Common.
The Crown at Woodstock
Muddy says: A modern Scandi reinvention of the traditional inn in pretty Woodstock – a super-stylish addition to the town with great food and 5 luxe bedrooms.
Granny Mo’s Deli & Cakes
Muddy says: Truly the best cafe, deli and brunch in the whole of Bradford on Avon, it's Mo's!
The Green Dragon Inn
Muddy says: We love this gorgeous country pub, in the most idyllic setting. It's perfect for weddings too!
Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Muddy says: Snooze, spa, fine dine and positively chillax in one of the finest luxury hotels in Wiltshire. It's a huge Muddy tick from us!
The Bath Arms, Horningsham
Muddy says: We love this cosy hideaway tucked in the shadow of Longleat. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and explore...
Twisted Brewing Company
Twisted Brewing are an authentic micro-brewery, overlooked by the White Horse of Westbury in West Wiltshire. As an award winning craft brewery, we only use quality ingredients and traditional processes to produce hand-crafted ales. Our aim is to create small batches of quality session beers that showcase our ingredients and skills. The passion is evident in all […]
Wiltshire Chilli Farm
Based a short distance from Melksham, The Wiltshire Chilli Farm consists of a group of culinary and horticulture enthusiasts who share a love of all things spicy. Our chillies put the fire in our bellies that drives us to do what we love best – and that’s sauces and seasonings that encourage people to discover […]
The Wiltshire Liqueur Co
Our Story It’s short and sweet; we love liqueurs and after being involved in the initial concept of the Wiltshire Liqueur Company in 1993, we jumped at the chance to take over the company in 2012 and haven’t looked back since. We are a small family run company with exciting plans and ideas. Working from […]
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Malmesbury
Muddy says: Looking for a Cotswold retreat where you can leave the world behind? Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa aces every base.
Lansdowne Strand, Calne
Muddy says: We love this ancient pub, brimming with history and gorgeously quirky charm.
Dinghams Cookshop
Muddy says: Is it a cookshop? Is it a cafe? Could it be that little slice of heaven that is both? Let's find out!
Rumsey’s Chocolaterie
Master chocolatier Nigel Rumsey has been creating his exquisite range of award winning handmade chocolates since 1991. Thirty years’ experience as a Chef and Patissier has provided the inspiration and depth of knowledge needed to become a Master Chocolatier of distinction. Nigel and his wife, Mary, now have coffee shops in Wendover and Thame. Inspired […]
The Vine Tree, Norton
Muddy says: Formerly an old mill serving beer through the front windows to travellers in carriages, The Vine Tree nestles in the tiny hamlet of Norton on the edge of The Cotswolds.
Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons
Dining at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is an experience that will stay with you forever. The hotel opened in 1984, with the restaurant quickly gaining two Michelin stars, an accolade that has since been repeated for an astonishing 30 years. Described as “a twist of imaginative genius”, Raymond Blanc’s dishes utilise the freshest, best […]
The Chef’s Dozen, Chipping Camden
The Chef’s Dozen is proudly located in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. 2015 Winner of ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards and awarded Chipping Campden’s High Street Business of the Year 2014, we are committed to working closely with a small core of quality producers who are dedicated to […]
The Maytime Inn
The Maytime Inn is a luxurious, 4 star gold rating hideaway, tucked into the historic village of Asthall, Oxfordshire. Dating back to the 17th century, it was bought by now-owner Dominic Wood in 2012 and has since been extensively renovated and remodelled. There is now a bar and restaurant for visitors to enjoy, as well […]
The Porch House
A handsome, Grade II* listed, Cotswold building with parts dating from 947AD, The Porch House, in the heart of historic Stow-on-the-Wold, claims to be ‘England’s oldest Inn’. It is also a stylish boutique retreat with restaurant, inn and 13 stylish rooms from £99 a night on a B&B basis. A light and airy bar with […]
The Sheep on Sheep St
Muddy says: A stylish Stow-on-the-Wold Inn is must-try territory for pizza lovers and Cotwolds explorers.
