Spotlight

Festive show that's not a panto: Go see The Prince & The Pauper!After a Christmas theatre treat? You’ll love Trinity Theatre’s charming and hilarious adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic story this December.
21 fab Christmas MarketsIs it even Christmas if you haven't eaten scalding chestnuts from a chalet hut? Do your festive shopping right this year with these 21 merry markets within Kent and beyond.
Christmas gift guide: for himWhat to buy the bloke who has everything (or 'wants nothing')? We've sorted his Christmas list with 25 cool gifting ideas from independent brands and businesses across the Muddy counties
Best Christmas wreath workshops in KentThere's nothing like a wreath-making workshop to let off some creative steam and get into the festive mood with some buddies. Get your tickets now for these crackers.
10 lovely light trails in Kent and beyondYou glow, girl! At least, you will at one of these fabulously festive light trails to visit in Kent and beyond. Scarf on, boots strapped: let's admire some twinkling.

Well, hello!

I'm Ali, editor of Muddy Kent, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

Looking for something gorgeous to gift the special people in your life (you) - while supporting an exceptional Kent creative? We've got all the inspo you need here.

Gotta have it

What’s on this month

Fancy doing something fun? Er, always! Read on for our curated picks of the best things happening near you right now

See What's On

Eat

Review: Heritage Garden Kitchen, Biddenden

An oasis of rural cool and quirky charm set in the Kentish countryside with all-day brunch, nourishing lunches, tasty supper clubs, Sunday Roasts, and a lovely organic farm shop. Need you ask for more?
- Muddy Reviews: The Granville, Canterbury
  
  We delved into Steak Tuesday at The Granville, a gastro pub just outside Canterbury, where it was brimming with happy and well-fed people…
- GO HERE: Heathfields, Keston
  
  Good food? Check! Gorgeous interiors? Check! Go see super stylish café, Heathfields nestled in the small village of Keston.

Culture

Oh yes they are! 13 pantos and festive shows to book now

Love ’em or hate ’em, pantos are back this year. So dig out your stripy tights, winkle pickers, false eyelashes and wiggery, and book in for one of these productions in Kent and beyond.
- 8 things to watch this week on the big and small screen
  
  What to watch this week, you cry? From Lady Gaga serving looks in her murderously glam new movie to tension in the tent with the Bake Off 2021 final, here are your eight must-watches.
- 10 of the best Ice skating rinks!
  
  We’re heading into the season of slip-sliding, wall-grabbing, and pirouetting. Skate queen or just here for the mulled wine, check out these festive ice rinks in Kent and nearby.

Little Black Book

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

Viners On The Hill, Kings Hill

The Bloom Foundry, Tunbridge Wells

Woolton Farm, Canterbury

The Duck Inn, Pett Bottom

George & Dragon, Chipstead

Kentish Pip, Canterbury

Jacqui Larsson Fine Jewellery

Mockett Farm Holiday Cottages, Isle of Sheppey

The Curious Eatery, Boughton Monchelsea

ROC Products, Biddenden

The Small Holding, Cranbrook

Bloom Stays

Travel

Your festive guide to the big smoke this Christmas

Eat, drink, and be merry in the capital this festive season with our holly jolly hitlist. From glam pop-ups and glittering fairgrounds to cocktails and carols, here’s the best of the best.
- Green for go! 10 sustainable holidays
  
  Want to do your bit for the environment while enjoying your hols? Check out these eco-friendly hot spots which are clean, green and keen on a bit of luxury too.
- Escape by rail to these 7 heavenly new hotels
  
  No flight, no faff… hop on the train to these gorgeous new hotels from the newest Pig Hotel to a Peaks treehouse and a cheeky little number in Paris

Home

12 zero waste refill stores you’ll really want to shop in

Check out these sustainable grocery, gift and household stores – it’s refill, but not as you know it – gorgeous products, pretty shops and time-saving delivery or click and collect. Win, win!
- Property Flirt
  
  A fresh-faced family home, perfectly positioned for commuting but also designed for home working. This perky property has it all. But can you guess how much?
- Property trend: homes designed for family/work balance
  
  Are you after a home that offers you that ‘hybrid’ living? You’ll love these new properties that offer both family spaces and the flexibility of a home office.
Wellbeing
- Water fun with Paddle Cabin!
  
  Calling all explorers! Tick this off your summer bucket list and try a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) session with new watersport venture, Paddle Cabin in East Peckham.
- Spa Day: Green Farm
  
  In need of some me-time, spa treatments or a luxury break away? Say hello, how are you and pass me that fluffy towel to Green Farm Kent.

Life

Five gripping reads to give your working life a boost

What better inspo for giving your career a shake-up than the story of a creative genius who defied her generation and became a living legend. We’ve found the best books that embrace the Clarice Cliff spirit…
Kids
- Kids party? Sorted!
  
  If you’re looking for a teepee party or boutique bell tent hire – then look no further than these magical, memorable events – where the fun is all set up for you!
- The King’s School, Canterbury
  
  It may be the oldest school in the UK, but how does this boarding and day school, located within the esteemed surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral, measure up to its fellow counterparts? Muddy took a nose around on your behalf…

Instamuddy

Fashion

Keep calm and carry on! 7 stylish totes for shopping

With luxury designer Anya Hindmarch launching a bag for the big supermarkets, it’s time to raise your shopper game. Check out these seven beauties.
- Where to rent, reuse and sell gorgeous designer clothes
  
  Madonna’s cone bra is now available to rent! It’s ethical, eco and everywhere… here’s where you can rent, reuse and sell-on stylish clothes, from Christmas party outfits to eye-catching clutch bags
- 6 of the best… trench coats
  
  It goes with everything — from knockout dresses to comfy tees. Shop this workhorse of the fashionista wardrobe with Muddy’s top six picks for autumn / winter 2021.
Beauty
- Hair transformation! Muddy goes ‘petrol’
  
  Time for a new ‘do? From subtle styling to bold design (read on!) Haringtons has you covered with slick service and skill. See what happened when Muddy sat in the salon chair…
- 5 nail polish shades we’ve fallen for this autumn
  
  Here’s how to update your autumn look for under £10, and be bang on trend to boot. Our five fave nail polish shades, from sparkles to berry to mustard.

People

Grace Regan: My Favourite Places

Introducing the awesomely cool, gorgeous and talented chef Grace Regan – owner of critically acclaimed London curry house, Spicebox, who lives in Margate. To celebrate her delicious vegan cookbook we got Grace to tell us her fave places to hang out locally.
- 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.
- Meet the makers part two: your local Indie Store heroes
  
  As we step back into the real world, it’s more important than ever to support local. In the second part of our Meet the Maker series, we talk to eight of our Indie Store businesses to find out what makes them special.