Muddy Stilettos Somerset

The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Sue, editor of Muddy Dorset & Somerset, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Dog-friendly staysHave pooch, will travel? Here are 43 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly.
Property FlirtIs there anything more fun than peering around other people's houses, imagining yourself in situ and guessing the price? Er, nope! Let the nosiness commence.
Prior Park College, BathThis independent co-ed senior school may have a grand setting but the education is far from grandiose: it's down-to-earth, holistic and with happiness and wellbeing at the core.
I have newsYour resident newshound signing in to deliver your fab Feb newsflash, so read on for all the goss, hot off the Muddy press....
Spectacular snowdropsThe best places to see snowdrops in Somerset and Dorset – they're in bloom from now until the end of Feb

FRI 28 FEB – SUN 1 MARCH

MON 24 FEB – SUN 1 MARCH

FEBRUARY 2020

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

The Cotley Inn, Wambrook, nr Chard

A big juicy burger, full three-courser or just a pint at this super friendly pub with plenty of walks around its idyllic valley setting on the Devon border
- The Old Dairy cafe, Bower Hinton
  
  Oh goodie! A brand new farm-based cafe in Somerset with great coffee and laid back nosh, all homemade using (very) locally produced ingredients.
- Top 50 Gastropubs 2020
  
  Whose tripled-cooked chips got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Roomy pants on, let's tuck in – NINE of the West Country's foodie pubs made the grade
- The Marlborough Tavern, Bath
  
  Great food and drink in a central Bath pub where you feel like a local and far from the madding crowd
- Happy Veganuary!
  
  Where to eat vegan in Somerset, Bath, Bristol and Dorset: from a takeaway, through cafes and fast food to a Michelin star restaurant

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.

Dog-friendly stays

Have pooch, will travel? Here are 43 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly.
- The Eastbury Hotel & Spa, Sherborne
  
  This classic English hotel has a 2 AA rosette restaurant and luxury rooms, with a quirky spherical dining pod and a woodland spa in its pretty walled gardens
- Holiday planning? 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.

4 new season trends to try (and one to avoid)

The high street is awash with new spring/summer goodies. Overwhelmed? Here’s our pick of the new trends worth exploring – and how to wear them.
- Rings and things
  
  Handmade in silver, gold and using semi-precious materials, Frome's Eleanor Christine Jewellery is bold, unique and unforgettable (just like you?)
- Wedding dresses 2020
  
  This year's dreamiest wedding dresses – and they're made in Somerset by one of the UK's top bridalwear designers, Sassi Holford

The 5 best books out in February

Muddy’s pro bookworm Kerry Potter has got five Feb fancies for your delectation. Read all about ’em here!
- Blithe Spirit
  
  A classic comedy with Jennifer Saunders in one of the leads was always going to be popular and tickets are selling fast for Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at the Theatre Royal in Bath
- Romantics Anonymous
  
  This soft-centred confection about a pair of shy chocolate makers, at the Bristol Old Vic, brings some Gallic warmth to long winter nights
- 20 for 2020
  
  Crack out your calendar, folks (and maybe your credit card). Here are the hottest tickets for Somerset and Dorset in 2020 - see you there!
- January reads
  
  What kind of insaniac leaves the house in January? Retire to the sofa pronto and get stuck into one of pro bookworm Kerry Potter's enthralling new literary picks.

Win £2000 to kickstart your business dreams

Have a brilliant business that needs a helping hand? We’ve teamed up with business banking alternative, Tide, to offer a whopping two grand (yes, you read it right) to give you the boost you need. Competition now closed.
Kids
- Day trippers
  
  Half way through half term (*smiles through gritted teeth*). Please the little people and save your sanity by checking out these 10 family day trips.
- Half term fun
  
  A bit lastminute.com with your half term plans? What you need is the impeccably curated Muddy pick of the half term children’s activities in Somerset and Dorset. Et voilà…

The 4 funniest people on social media

Fancy a giggle? These Instagram and Twitter accounts are happy to oblige.
- Muddy meets Josie Long
  
  We caught up with (we reckon) the most positive comedian in the business about motherhood, MasterChef, making people laugh and her new tour, Tender, coming to Bath in February.
- GBBO contestant: Rosie Brandreth-Poynter
  
  Five things you may not know about the Somerset baker as she whisks into Week Seven of the Great British Bake Off