Spotlight

Lockdown lift-off newsflashHot off the press in Coventry and Warwickshire we've got this week's latest local buzziest news including why window art is trending and the opening of a new rooftop bar. Read on to find out where!
The talented locals behind The Indie StoreAs we gingerly step back into the real world, it's more important than ever to support local. Here some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special
Letterbox cheer: best gifts by postShare the love in lockdown (we’re almost there!) with one of these fun letterbox gift ideas, from book bundles and candles, to beauty boxes and wine.
Feet up: 7 things to watch this weekA week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
Half-term hack: the best online courses for kidsRun out of ways to entertain the kiddos? Check out Muddy's list of the best online classes and workshops that you can do from anywhere across the country, just in time for half-term.

Well, hello!

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

Find out more

Gotta Have It

Enough with cosy interiors and soft greys - here’s our edit of the fabrics, paints and tiles to lift your spirits and inject some spring into your step, hallway, walls, sofas...

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

Shop Now

Home View more
Bring the bar to you: how to have a virtual night out

Counting down the days until that chilly pub garden come April? God, us too. Here’s the next best thing: bar-quality cocktails, perfect ambience, and a whole lot of glam.
- Face off! Expressive interiors to buy now
  
  Inject a little personality into your home with these interior buys that feature quirky facial expressions, all from fabulous local businesses on The Indie Store.
- Easy gardening jobs to do ready for Spring
  
  Want a fabulous garden come spring? Now is the time to act! Here are five things you should be doing to see your garden flourishing once the sunnier days arrive.
Wellbeing
- Warwickshire welly walks and more
  
  Homeschool's on pause for a week (phew!), but the kids/teens still need entertaining over half-term. Try some of these creative and cool local ideas to banish cabin fever.
- Low mood > depression > and how to tackle it
  
  One in five people reading this feature will be suffering from some form of depression. Here's how to spot the signs and help yourself and those you love.

Arts & Culture View more
Lockdown lift-off newsflash

Hot off the press in Coventry and Warwickshire we’ve got this week’s latest local buzziest news including why window art is trending and the opening of a new rooftop bar. Read on to find out where!
- Feet up: 7 things to watch this week
  
  A week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
- Theatre: Look who’s in The Picture of Dorian Gray – streaming this March!
  
  Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley head up a starry cast for a new online production of Oscar Wilde's censored Victorian novel.
- Why Emerald Fennell is our new girl crush
  
  She juggles horror and humour and always comes out on top; and from Killing Eve to The Crown to Young Promising Woman, she's written or acted in the most talked about film and TV in years
- Top TV: 6 things to watch this week
  
  We've unearthed this week's cream of the TV crop to save you the endless scrolling. From Bear Grylls to Patrick Dempsey we've got every genre and, erm, gorgeous gigastar covered...

Little Black Book

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

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Charlecote, Warwick

Aubrey's at Home, Coventry

Wine Poole - Independent Fine Wines, Warwick

Didi Mala Jewellery, Warwickshire

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Artisan Alchemy Gallery, the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

The Yew Tree, Avon Dassett, Warwickshire

Flore House, Flore, Northants

The Bower House, Shipston-on-Stour

Newbold Spirit, Leamington Spa

Wootton Park Pods and Retreats, Wootton Wawen

Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome

Eat View more
Eat in: 12 best takeaway Sunday roasts and weekend boxes

Can’t be faffed to juggle seven pots at once? Chill, just order in. Try one of these Coventry and Warwickshire Sunday roasts or exotic weekend boxes for a crackingly easy end to the week
- Asian-inspired healthy dinners for reboot February
  
  January didn't quite live up to your healthy living expectations? Cosy food doesn't have to come at the cost of health. Try these tasty plant-based recipes made with warming ginger and miso.
- Make-your-own Pancake Day recipes at home
  
  American, French crepes or just basic pancakes with sugar and lemon - what's your preference? All you need is a mixing bowl and a frying pan to get flipping this Shrove Tuesday (Feb 16).

Work View more
The talented locals behind The Indie Store

As we gingerly step back into the real world, it’s more important than ever to support local. Here some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special.
Kids
- What should ‘catch up’ look like for children post-lockdown?
  
  With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school on March 8, the gaze is now on a summer catch-up programme - but what's the best approach a 'summer of play' or summer school?
- Arnold Lodge School, Leamington Spa
  
  A small but perfectly formed cosmopolitan selective day school for boys and girls aged 4-18 in central Leamington Spa. It places happiness and confidence at the top of the agenda, with excellent results.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
It’s time for real trousers: stylish alternatives to jeans

It’s time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We’ve found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn’t doing it for you
- What’s your sexy? Valentine’s Day gift guide
  
  From lacy undies and diamonds to cotton PJs and slippers - here are the gifts women *really* want this Valentine's Day. Print and give it to your partner!
- Wear the rainbow! Bright knits for a lockdown lift
  
  Lockdown monotony getting you down? Here's a fun idea: brighten up your Zoom calls (and your mood) with a different rainbow knit for every day of the week.

Beauty View more
- Hair hacks: how to tame your mane
  
  An hour on hold and you still didn't bag that hallowed appointment on April 12? Fear not, we've got the do's and don'ts for forlorn locks until you can hand over to the pros.
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.

People View more
My Favourite Places: Balisha Karra, 2021 co-artistic director, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Thinking about her favourite places made Balisha feel quite nostalgic. Here’s the local hangouts she’s missed most and is looking forward to revisiting in 2021.
- Muddy meets Meg Mathews
  
  Primrose Hill party queen turned wellness guru? Stranger things have happened! Muddy chats to the always glamorous Meg Mathews about her new book, self-care and, er, vagina facials.
- Stephen Fry’s favourite places
  
  Recalling his favourite places from sea and sky views to antique bookshops and country pubs, the legendary Mr Stephen Fry says Norfolk is home, in an interview with my Muddy Norfolk colleague.
- Hillers Farm Shop, Alcester: Our lockdown experience
  
  Sisters Sally Haines and Emma Taylor Hillers and Emma share their lockdown experiences and what's happening to the farming family's centenary celebrations.
- Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer
  
  He's worked with Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, and Rudimental, and now record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands - raising money for the NHS in association with theatres like Warwick's Playbox. Tell us about it, Shlo!

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.
- 30 Muddy-approved attractions in Warwickshire
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 30+ unmissable attractions in Warwickshire.
- Muddy reviews One Aldwych: London
  
  Overnighter in the Big Smoke or planning a post-pandemic theatre jaunt? Treat yourself with a stay at this stunning, super-luxe hotel, just a stone's throw from the West End.