Spotlight

Woo-hoo its the Muddy Sussex Awards drinks!The best in the biz came, saw and partied at the fabulous Trading Boundaries in Sheffield Green last week for the 2021 Muddy Stilettos Awards - want to see what we got up to?
Have you heard the hot gossip?Movers, groovers and gossipers listen up! Here's the inside line on all of the coolest happenings in Sussex from hot openings to a new hit series being filmed in our locale.
What's on in Sussex this SeptemberYour September social life, sorted, courtesy of Muddy's curated guide to the most unmissable things to do and see in Sussex this month. Darkly comic theatre, musical classics, and Russell Brand!
65 paw-fect dog-friendly staysHave pooch, will travel? Here are 65 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly from stunning stately homes to rural cottage staycations.
The icing on the cake! Plan the perfect Sussex wedding, part 2The dress. The catering. The cake. The flowers. The photographer. And even the wedding night lingerie. Plan the ultimate Sussex wedding with our pick of the best local suppliers.

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

Fancy a sparkling little number to style out your summer drinking? We've found an alternative to wine that makes a gorgeous gift for a friend... or save it just for you!

Thanks to everyone who took part this year, and helped celebrate the most awesome indie businesses across 25 counties.

View Our Winners

Eat View more
Muddy review: The Dorset Arms, Withyham

This lovely gastropub with rooms, private dining space, and revamped garden (hello woodfired pizza oven!) is a dead cert for a family get together or weekend away. Read the new Muddy review.
- Review: The White Hart, Stopham
  
  Best view in West Sussex? Very probably! Muddy sails on down to Muddy Award finalist The White Hart next to Stopham Bridge to see if the food's as good as the scenery.
- Review: The Curlew, Bodiam
  
  A warm, relaxed and sociable slice of rural locally-sourced foodie heaven from a top chef to watch, perfect for large rowdy gatherings of friends and family or date night.

Arts & Culture View more
New TV alert! 6 shiny things dropping this week

We’re getting into prime autumn telly season, with three — count them, three! — hotly-awaited series returns this week. Read all about them (as well as the other shiny new releases) here…
- 5 things you won’t want to miss on TV this week
  
  Channel 4's making history, Colin Farrell stars in the BBC's bleak new period drama, Anya Taylor-Joy comes of age in Ireland, and more. Muddy's got the inside-line on unmissable telly this week.
- What’s on in Sussex this September
  
  Your September social life, sorted, courtesy of Muddy's curated guide to the most unmissable things to do and see in Sussex this month. Darkly comic theatre, musical classics, and Russell Brand!

Little Black Book

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

Porcupine Rocks, Petworth

Trading Boundaries, Fletching

Greenfinch, Ticehurst

The Curlew, Bodiam

Denmans Garden, Fontwell

Caroline Sands Floral Design, Robertsbridge

Rose Bainbridge Photography, Brighton

Liberty & Love, Fairwarp

Juice Up, Lindfield

Positively Delicious Cookery School, Haywards Heath

Fair Oak Farm

Gumtree 4x4, Car Servicing

Travel View more
Italy, Mr Bond? 24 hours in Matera

Make mine a martini, shaken not stirred while we tell you our insider tips on how to best experience the coolest city you’ve probably never heard of.
- Review: Garden House Sussex, Fittleworth
  
  Muddy spends an unforgettable night wild camping at this magical country escape which boasts a range of luxe glamping and self-catered accommodation in the South Downs National Park.
- 65 paw-fect dog-friendly stays
  
  Have pooch, will travel? Here are 65 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly from stunning stately homes to rural cottage staycations.

Home View more
10 knockout farmhouses that are up for sale now

Fell in love with rural life on your staycay? Us too. Quick, before the market turns: check out these absolutely stunning farms to snap up across the Muddy counties (and beyond).
- Jobs for the garden this Autumn
  
  The season of mellow fruitfulness is upon us and the garden is just begging to be enjoyed in the golden September sunshine. But if your garden is looking anything but mellow and fruitful, don't panic! Now is the perfect time to take stock and think about your plans for next year.
- Wood interiors from local makers
  
  What's the one thing that could make cottagecore more Muddy? Why, a folksy rustic interiors vibe produced entirely by local indies, of course. Get the local look with these Sussex woodsmiths.
Wellbeing
- Muddy review: The Urban Sanctuary, Hayward’s Heath
  
  What with WFH, juggling a job, family and multiple Covid lockdowns, and of course the monumental business of the Muddy Awards 2021, it was time for some R&R for Muddy's Kerry. Ready, steady, buff!
- Your health questions answered!
  
  Don’t understand why the weight won’t shift? Have a back that’s reminiscent of Quasimodo? Muddy puts your questions to Healthily’s chief medical officer, Professor Maureen Baker

Life View more
Back in the office? We’re here to help!

Feeling unprepared to head back to the office after a year WFH? Muddy to the rescue with eight essential Do’s and Don’ts (and yes, you will have to change out of sweatpants).
Kids
- Sussex schools Open Days reminder!
  
  Now that schools can welcome guests it's time to book those autumn open days. Sync your diaries….Muddy has done all the admin legwork for you.
- Rabbit Patch Day Nursery, Plummers Plain, Horsham
  
  This friendly nursery for children aged up to five is purpose-built with a huge and varied outdoor space for children to learn, play and enjoy the best parts of childhood.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
A new leaf: your 10 autumn wardrobe essentials

Bright knits, checks, big handbags, even bigger boots. We’ve got your autumn/winter 2021 fashion fix sorted.
- Your summer holiday essentials sorted in ONE shopping trip
  
  The summer hols are looming, the kids have outgrown everything and time is running out to grab...
- Rent your clothes like Carrie!
  
  Ethical, eco and everywhere - with Carrie Symonds showing us how to work a sustainable wardrobe, here's where you can rewear, repair and renew your clothes in style.

Beauty View more
- Can Haringtons tame the Muddy mane?
  
  Fly-away hair with lots of grey? Not just me then... The challenge for award-winning hairdresser and colourist Barry was to create a style that will still look good a week later
- How to get that perfect sun-kissed glow
  
  Forget pale and interesting... we're channelling the St Tropez vibe, minus the orange tint. Here are some lotions and potions for a natural-looking tan without the UV damage

People View more
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.
- Georgina Burnett on decor do’s, don’ts, and disasters
  
  Goodbye grey! It's time to bring a splash of colour into our homes and who better to advise on how to create the perfect space than TV presenter and DIY expert Georgina Burnett?
- The talented locals behind The Indie Store – part 2!
  
  In the second of our two-parter, we meet the rest of the brilliant makers, designers and producers behind The Indie Store and find out what makes them special. Go and say hello - they're local, you know!