The urban guide to the countryside -

Kent

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

Anyone else's kids shot up a few inches during lockdown? We've got you covered with our pick of the coolest, colourful childrenswear to style out the summer.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

20 gorgeous pub gardensFancy a pint? Hell yes! While there are new rules to navigate, when the sun shines, you want to make sure you have a table booked in one of the best pub gardens in the county. Here are 20 to get your chops around.
What’s on outdoors (yes, really!)The time has finally come to put on some real clothes (joggers don't count, sorry) and have some fun in the fresh air - at a social distance, of course.
HOT GOSSIP! 5 things you need to knowCalling all movers, groovers, gossipers - there is loads going on across Kent from new openings to summer sales. Here's 5 tasty news nuggets for you!
How to support the businesses you 💕 love 💕Wanna know who is doing what, how and where? You'll find all the latest info in our local round-up which we update every week!
5 fantastic reasons to learn outdoorsStudies have proven that outdoor learning boosts behaviour and teaches essential life skills. As Somerhill School welcomes all pupils back after lockdown thanks to its outdoor classrooms, and innovative use of grounds and space, we ask them to tell us more...

Little Black Book

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Kapra Developments

Foundation Estate Agents

Jacqui Larsson Fine Jewellery

Green Farm Spa

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts

The Positive Mind

Wingham Wildlife Park

Little Street

Kent Cottage Holidays

Body & Health By Design

Bore Place

The Talentz

Eat View more
Speedy supper, anyone? Make THIS tonight

Looking for healthy dinner ideas – take inspiration from Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock for a meal that’s quick, tasty and packed with protein.
- Foodies rejoice!
  
  Fed up with home cooking? Got a special occasion on the horizon? From virtual wine tasting to BBQ Boxes - here's 6 of the best food and drink experiences locally. Napkins at the ready!
- Ready, set, cook! 8 new cookbooks for Spring
  
  Looking to up your cooking creds whilst in quarantine? Then you’ll be needing our curated guide to the most useful and inspiring cookbooks for spring. Yes, chef!
- Speedy supper: smoked Haddock Curry
  
  Desperately seeking dinner inspiration? We’ve got a 30 minute fab fish curry for you from Tart London – the super-cool caterers of choice for the fashion set.
- Restaurants with rooms
  
  Dreaming of a foodie getaway? We've scoured the Muddy counties for hotel stays with serious culinary credentials for when lock-down lifts. Tuck in.

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Arts & Culture View more
Culture vulture: my July hitlist

Missing the theatre and live venues? OMG, me too. Until normal service resumes for the arts world (your guess is as good as mine), here’s my personal culture planner for July – podcasts, books, music and theatre. I’ll budge up on the sofa, come and join me.
- What to watch online this week
  
  Your weekly boredom buster is here with all the best and brand spanking new TV, film, music and theatre to keep you entertained from the sofa.
- My June cultural hitlist
  
  Less time propping up bars means more time being a culture vulture! Here's what I'm loving this month.

Home View more
- Muddy ‘Lockdown Gardens in Bloom’ is GO!
  
  Calling all green fingered goddesses! We want to see your lockdown gardening handiwork for the chance to win vouchers (there’s £1000 up for grabs) to spend at Olive & Sage.
Wellbeing
- #PREPARETOCARE
  
  Five conversations you need to have with your parents sooner rather than later.
- Get your family affairs in order
  
  You know - all those things you avoid because they're either too serious, too scarey or too boring. We chatted to experts at Age Space about getting organised and protecting your family in times of need.

Work View more
J’adore/ J’abhor: video calls

Are you a FaceTime fanatic or a Skype cynic? After months of video call catch-ups, two Muddy editors battle it out over the digital face-to-face. Who will you side with?
Kids
- Is it time to try an online school?
  
  With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, ‘virtual’ schools are gaining traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
- Russell House School
  
  A Co-ed prep sitting pretty in Otford village. If you like your schools to have a strong family-feel and the focus on individual learning you’re in the right place.

Fashion View more
Wear the rainbow (and find gold)

The weather’s been pants, but we’re giving Joseph and his technicolour dream coat a run for his money with the best rainbow brights. Prepare to be dazzled.
- 6 pairs of trainers for racking up miles
  
  Whether you've rediscovered your love of running during lockdown, or just wanted an excuse to escape the house (guilty!), it's essential to have right kit. Try on these for size.
- 6 re-usable masks
  
  Thinking of investing in a reusable facemask? We've rounded up some of the best (including local makers so you can support them)! Here's 6 masks to keep you looking stylish whilst we face *pun intended* our new normal.

Beauty View more
- Nail it! 5 pretty press-ons
  
  Beauty salons are back, laydee! Jeez, where do we start? Gagging for a mani? I hear you. Why not fake it 'til you make it with 5 sets of pretty press-ons.
- 5 of the best hair masks to buy now
  
  Split ends up to your ears? We've found five quick-fixes for treating neglected locks - and to stop your hair stylist from screaming when salons finally reopen

People View more
Muddy meets… Melissa Hemsley

It turns out the healthy cooking queen has culinary disasters too! Melissa spills the beans (then whips them up into a tasty frittata) on burnt pans, how to waste less food and keeping an endless supply of cookie dough in the freezer.
- Remember this face – watch this space!
  
  Meet 18-year-old Katie K - a homegrown, hard-working, young, music star-in-the-making. If you like her story and sound as much as we do then, go spread the word! She's going to be BIG news!
- 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...

School Reviews

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Read the reviews

Fun Finder

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

Travel View more
The Muddy insider guide to Norfolk

Summer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).
- Muddy’s insider guide to Devon
  
  If Devon's on your holiday hit list this year you'll be needing our totally brilliant insider guide to the county. PLUS we have £2,888 of summer goodies up for grabs!
- The Muddy insider guide to The Cotswolds
  
  Prepping for a staycay this summer? Our curated guide to The Cotswolds is packed with our-in-the-know tips and up-to-date openings. Just add sandals and sunshine. PLUS read on for £2,888 of sultry summer goodies to give away).