The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Amber, editor of Muddy Surrey, 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

Style and substanceFor independent retailers on the High Street, survival can be a tricky business. But One40, the boutique department store in Cranleigh has taken a different approach and it's working a treat. We caught up with the owners Richard and Elaine Graham.
Inspiring spacesAchieving the right look for your home can be tricky, especially when a room has many functions. So where do you start? We asked interiors expert Sacha Boxall for some advice.
Motown: The MusicalThe story of Motown, from single label biz to mega-label empire, is funkier than fiction. And the stage musical version is coming to Woking this month. Here's a taste of what to expect.
Rosie and posiesTop Surrey florist Rosie Orr has one very impressive CV which includes creating floral arrangements for the Royal Family and some of Britain's most loved telly shows. We caught up to find out more...
The best of the festA festival of scoffing and quaffing? We're in! Here’s everything you need to know about the fantabulous Woking Food and Drink Festival.

FRI 23 - MON 26 AUG

MON 19 - SUN 25 AUG

AUGUST

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

French fancy

A truly French restaurant – and a well-loved Surrey institution – La Barbe in Reigate is the perfect spot for a family Sunday lunch.
- Great pubs with gardens in Surrey
  
  Summer is here! And here's where to soak up some rays with a chilled glass of rosé to hand in Surrey. Cheers!
- The best brunch in town
  
  The most lipsmackingly indulgent meal of the day and we have 47 of the best ones to tempt you with, from vegan to full English, flat white to green detox. Just add friends and a hangover.
- The Bridge
  
  Next time you meet friends in the pub, make it this one. There are cracking views over the Thames, rooms if you fancy an overnighter, and great gastropub food too.
- The 20 best beachside eats
  
  Make the most of the British summer at one of our Muddy-recommended coastal eateries. Napkin at the ready? Let's do this!

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.

Insider’s Guide to Godalming

This historic little market town by the River Wey is quintessentially British with its pretty lanes, charming cottages and quaint Shakespearean vibe.
- Mauritius for families
  
  Mauritius isn’t just for honeymooners there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy - from soft white sands and clear blue seas to a rich and vibrant culture.
- 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!

The ultimate guide to wedding dresses

You’ve found your perfect partner, you’ve got the perfect ring. Now’s the time to find the perfect dress – and here’s the perfect guide to get you started.
Beauty
- The super facial
  
  A super facial that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and redness? It sounds too good to be true - but the Dermapen Fractional Million Makeover ticks those boxes and more. Here's our review.
- Going under the knife
  
  Dermaplaning involves removing dead skin cells and tiny facial hairs - with a scalpel. It may sound scary, but it's not at all says Muddy's Amy Dudgeon. And her skin feels softer, smoother and brighter.

Best kids films

When the British weather is a bit unpredictable, it’s good to plan a cinema trip. It’ll keep ’em quiet for a couple of hours while you have a sneaky snooze, right?
- The top 10 books of the summer
  
  Don't pack your suitcase or load up your Kindle until you've read this! Muddy picks the 10 best books to get stuck into on holiday.
- Summer reads
  
  This month's best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert's breathtaking new novel.

Rosie and posies

Top Surrey florist Rosie Orr has one very impressive CV which includes creating floral arrangements for the Royal Family and some of Britain’s most loved telly shows. We caught up to find out more…
Kids
- The importance of role play
  
  Role play is a big part of being a kid - but there's a lot more to it than just donning a firefighter's hat and pretending to be the hero. Here are six valuable skills your child learns through role play.
- All the fun at Polesden Lacey
  
  There's a lot going on for kids at Polesden Lacey all year round, but during the summer and the school holidays the list ramps up even more - from summer crafts to giant games.

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.
- Meet the author: Zahir Akram
  
  New studio, new book and now a baby on the way - we catch up with the award-winning Surrey yoga instructor Zahir Akram.
- Secretts
  
  Hurst Farm, where the famous Secretts produce is grown, is more than just a farm. This is a foodie and lifestyle destination where you can spend a few hours - and eat like royalty. Shall we?