Spotlight

Review: Mana Spa, CoventryLooking for a bit of zen in bustling Cov city centre? Let me introduce you to this luxe spa hidden inside the city's waterpark. Muddy went to check it out.
Superflashy! Hottest gossip in Warks & the West MidsHave you heard the latest? We're talking fancy cocktail bars, a 'secret hideaway wedding venue' new pubs and er, a dog festival. It's all happening on our patch.
Review: BMW iXThinking of trading in your gas guzzler for something more eco-friendly? Take a look at this shiny, silent, speedy, sporty car - and wave goodbye to the petrol pump.
60 amazing afternoon teas to book nowIt's Afternoon Tea Week (8-14 Aug) and we've found the 60 best places across the Muddy counties to get your fix. But you'd better book 'em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
Big hitters - local stars in the Great Taste AwardsAward-winning local food and drink, you say? Hot off the press, the latest Great Taste Award winners have just been crowned. Take a look at the line-up of Warks & West Mids producers

Well, hello!

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

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Gotta Have It

Summer is still well and truly here (another heatwave?!) so that means evenings sipping G&Ts outside. Here's five local indies to help up your drinks game.

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

60 amazing afternoon teas to book now

It’s Afternoon Tea Week (8-14 Aug) and we’ve found the 60 best places across the Muddy counties to get your fix. But you’d better book ’em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
- Big hitters – local stars in the Great Taste Awards
  
  Award-winning local food and drink, you say? Hot off the press, the latest Great Taste Award winners have just been crowned. Take a look at the line-up of Warks & West Mids producers
- Keep it cool! £500 to spend on the best iced drinks
  
  It’s hotting up again, but we know how to help with the commute or family day out – an iced chocolate, mocha or chai latte from one of GAIL’s cafés in London and the South East.

Culture

Tune in! 6 best things to watch on TV this week

Struggling to fill that Succession-shaped void? We’ve got you covered with Kevin Costner’s epic Yellowstone (AKA your new TV obsession) and more.
- TV Time! 6 best new things to watch this week
  
  Remotes at the ready! From the latest unmissable BBC drama starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean, to a gripping Netflix true crime documentary here’s Muddy’s weekly rundown.
- Watch these! 6 hot new shows out this week
  
  Get set for a week of great telly from the latest fantasy DC comic adaptation to Disney Pixar’s Lightyear and the latest remake of Father of the Bride.
- Review: Richard III at the RSC
  
  This production in Stratford-upon-Avon features disabled actor Arthur Hughes and is directed by RSC heavyweight Gregory Doran. Here’s the Muddy verdict.
- Tune in! 6 of the best things to watch this week
  
  Stream your way through tears with Olivia Colman, a gritty true crime drama with Daisy Edgar Jones and the latest Apple TV miniseries from the director of I May Destroy You

Little Black Book

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

Heidi's Bier Bar, Birmingham

Faye Green Photography

Vintage Trains

Becketts Farm, Wythall

Mana Spa, Coventry

The Moat House, Acton Trussell

The Red Lion, Hunningham, near Leamington Spa

Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park

Highly Sprung: Sprung Youth, Coventry

Coombe Abbey Hotel

Blackwell Grange, Shipston-on-Stour

Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm

Travel

Review: Luxe holiday rental at ARC Padstow

Looking for a Cornish escape for the whole crew with serious wow-factor? It doesn’t come much more stylish or slick than this reimagined country house in St Issey.
- Dive in! 16 incredible swimming pools world-wide
  
  Make a splash on Instagram in one of these amazing swimming pools, from infinity-edged stunners to private plunge pools with a view.
- Muddy Insider Guide to the West Midlands
  
  The Commonwealth Games has shone a spotlight on Birmingham but there’s far more to the West Midlands than its prime city. Read on for everything you need for a stay in the beating heart of England.

Home

Review: BMW iX

Thinking of trading in your gas guzzler for something more eco-friendly? Take a look at this shiny, silent, speedy, sporty car – and wave goodbye to the petrol pump.
- How to fill your home with summer scents
  
  You don’t need to step into a garden to enjoy summer’s heady fragrances – here are 15 ways to enjoy your favourite flower and herb aromas in your living spaces. Breathe it in!
- 7 of the best bistro sets to buy now
  
  The faintest whiff of summer sun and you’ll find us out in the garden, sunnies on and chilled spritz in hand. And to sit at? One of these seven totally chic bistro sets, darling!
Wellbeing
- Review: Mana Spa, Coventry
  
  Looking for a bit of zen in bustling Cov city centre? Let me introduce you to this luxe spa hidden inside the city’s waterpark. Muddy went to check it out.
- Spa of the Month: Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda
  
  Fancy being buffed, massaged, tweaked and primped? Welcome to the first in our new monthly tried-and-tested guides to the world’s best spas. See you pool side, sister!

Life

Time to split? How to do it, from the break-up queen

She’s got a podcast, comedy show, award-winning books and celeb following – Rosie Wilby is the one to listen to if you’re breaking up
Kids
- 15 things to do for families in Warwickshire
  
  We’re spoilt for choice locally for great days out. To help narrow it down, here’s my tips my fave castles, zoos, museums, farms, train rides and more – that should keep them (and you!) busy this summer
- 25 things to do with the kids this summer holiday
  
  On the hunt for ways to keep big and little kids busy over the summer holidays? Grab your diary and fear not, Muddy’s got you covered with plenty to do.

Instamuddy

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Fashion

Road trip: From Bicester Village with love

Muddy’s teamed up with luxury open-air shopping destination Bicester Village to explore Oxfordshire’s most gorgeous fashion, eating and shopping destinations. Let’s go!
- 12 sizzling sustainable swimwear brands
  
  Want your bikini with full eco credibility but also 100% watertight on style? Make a splash with these brilliant swimwear brands. Just add SPF and a cold drink.
- The Muddy edit: 30 hottest summer pieces from Next
  
  Whether you’re heading to the beach, on a chic city break or sipping Pimm’s at a garden party – here’s how to do it in style with Muddy ed-in-chief Hero Brown’s picks, all new-in at Next.
Beauty
- Freshen up! 40 best ‘tweakment’ salons
  
  Fancy glowing skin, a sculpted jawline or a tighter bum? No need to go under the knife – we’ve scoured the Muddy counties for the best non-invasive treatments in top-rated salons.
- Pretty pop-ups! New beauty to shop this summer
  
  Fancy a new lippie, liner or luxe shampoo? Ready your makeup bags (and your credit card) – we’ve scoured the country for the best new beauty shops and pop-ups this summer

People

Can these 7 celebs pull off a moustache?

It takes a certain kind of man to pull off a moustache, and Miles Teller’s Rooster in the new Top Gun has got our surprised seal of approval. Time for a game: TO ‘TACHE, OR NOT TO ‘TACHE? Let us know if you agree in the comments!
- 5 things you wouldn’t expect a leading lawyer to say
  
  Advising rocket scientists and working with some of the country’s top household names (hello Deliveroo) – but still up for a pre-dawn spin class and championing under-represented groups in the legal profession. It’s all in a day’s work for Shoosmiths partner Fiona Teague.
- Lorraine Candy: “Put your oxygen mask on first.”
  
  Ex Elle editor, parenting author and mum of four Lorraine Candy talks hormones (yours!), pot-plant parenting, and how adults need to look after their own mental health