The urban guide to the countryside -

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

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Over 50% OFF: Run or Dye GLOW tickets!Run or Dye GLOW is the first ever night run at Penshurst Place and promises to be a neon-lit, foam-filled party for all fitness levels. Get your Muddy discount here when you book your ticket!
Muddy's Summer Bumper GuideHere's the cool stuff in Kent and beyond to keep you and yours occupied throughout the summer! Summer, sorted.
7 perfect days of summer - just add gin!Ableforth's Bathtub gin looks cool, tastes even better and will rev you up for a summer of fun. Here, win a case (yup, six bottles of it!) and find out for yourself.
WIN: LEEDS CASTLE!It's Leeds Castle's spectacular two-day Carnival of History celebration this July - the highlight of it's 900 year anniversary celebrations. AND WE'VE GOT 3 FAMILY TICKETS UP FOR GRABS!
Deal Pier KitchenThis fab new eaterie at the end of Deal’s iconic pier is one of THE best spots to eat in town this summer. With a seaside view, fresh and organic food PLUS it’s dog-friendly.

FRI 19 - SUN 21 JULY 2019

MON 15 - SUN 21 JULY 2019

JULY 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

The Chaser Inn

Looking for a charming family-friendly pub, a beer garden to soak up the sun and a wondersome walk? Look no further, than The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne
- Galapagos at The Old Vine
  
  A wonderful slice of South American sunshine in the Kent/Sussex countryside that you just won't find anywhere else. Napkins at the ready!
- 46 stunning summer pubs
  
  Fancy sipping a cold one in a pretty al fresco pub with friends or fam? Here are the best of the bunch across the Muddy counties.
- Macknade Fine Foods
  
  With a new deck area to eat out in the sunshine and a big birthday bash (you're invited by the way) to celebrate 40 years of delicious fine foods in Faversham this award winning restaurant and deli is well worth a visit...
- Eat out: Draper’s Arms
  
  Artisan bakery, coffee house and pub in the heart of medieval Canterbury. It's recently changed hands so in the name of research, Muddy went to try it out...

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.

Summer racing!

Lingfield Park Racecourse has a full-on summer of events that goes way beyond just horseracing, including fun family days out and cool music from chart-topping artists. Race you to the starting line…
- 40 Quirky Stays for Summer
  
  From yurts to lodges, shepherd's huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Enjoy!
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.

In all your Finery

Need a summer party frock? This under-the-radar label majors in cool dresses and jumpsuits. We’ve got £500 worth of Finery goodies up for grabs for 10 lucky Muddy readers – that’s £5k worth of foxy fashion!
- J’adore/ J’abhor
  
  In our new Muddy regular, we look at both sides of a hot topic that’s currently dividing office opinion. This week: the return of bucket hats.
- 10 summer style sizzlers
  
  Chuck this lot in your suitcase and - bingo! - you're ready to go on holiday. Don't forget to send us a postcard.

ArtsBox Festival

Sorry, Edinburgh, who? Moooove aside oh famous Fringe – a new Arts Festival is coming to town. Our Kent town of Tunbridge Wells to be precise.
- 11 Open Air Cinemas
  
  Pass the popcorn, top up the Pimm's and pitch up for a pop-up film night. And now please follow the usher this way to our curated open air cinema list...
- Review: Wild for Madagascar?
  
  I like to move it move it! Muddy gives you a sneak peak review ahead of Madagascar The Musical coming to Kent! Read on to see if Matt 'The X Factor' Terry has animal attraction. Go see!
- Summer MUST reads
  
  June’s best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert’s breathtaking new novel. Check out Kerry Potter’s reviews...
- Black Deer Festival
  
  After the phenomenal success of last year – the UK’s only Americana and country music festival is back. Happenin' this June just outside Tunbridge Wells, book your tickets now!

Sexy Stationery

Stationery is one of my specialist subjects. And – whoop! – it’s National Stationery Week. Check out this sexy lot. Hubba bubba!
Kids
- Walthamstow Hall Junior School
  
  Muddy reviews the Junior site of one of the oldest girls’ schools in the country and finds bright young girls in a bright, friendly environment. See for yourself...
- Radnor House Prep
  
  This idyllic, rural, co-ed, prep near Sevenoaks is a 'watch this space' kind of place. And I'm excited to tell you about it. Shall we?

All about Gok

The fashion guru hits the decks at Lingfield Park Racecourse later this month, as well as presenting the Best Dressed award to the most stylish lady of the day. Here’s 10 things you may not have known about Gok…
- How to flex your life
  
  Is life an exhausting loop of sleep, work, chores, repeat? Yep. Need to make a change but now sure what or how? Er, yes. Read our interview with hot new self-help author Annie Auerbach. She has the answers!
- No, Tom, Noooooo!
  
  Is this the most excruciatingly cringey celebrity advert ever? Quite possibly Mr Hiddleston, quite possibly!
- Muddy meets Tom Kerridge…
  
  ... and talks Pub in the Park (Basement Jaxx, people), his favourite local eateries, and work life balance issues - yup, he has them too!
- Claire’s Chrimbo shape up
  
  TV actress and Sleeping Beauty panto star, Claire Sweeney, tells Muddy how she's going to lose weight by Christmas