Latest news with #MuddyStilettos


Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'favourite' tiny village where footballers, movie stars and royals choose to live
The tiny village is home to a number of A-list celebrities and royals - and has become a foodie paradise in recent years. Kingham, a charming village nestled in the heart of Chipping Norton within the Cotswold Hills, has been hailed as the nation's 'favourite' by locals. This idyllic corner of the Great British countryside is a magnet for both A-listers and tourists, drawn to its picturesque cottages and lush greenery. According to popular lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos, "This is a Cotswolds village that ticks all the boxes – pubs, shop, good schools, and that rarest of things – a train station on the line to London. Oh, and the odd resident A-lister". Catering to fewer than 1000 people, the local amenities include a shop and church, but it's the nearby Daylesford Organic farm shop that truly draws the crowds. This iconic establishment, often referred to as the country's poshest farm shop, is said to be a favourite of Princess Eugenie - and Eddie Redmayne has also been spotted shopping. But it's not just royals who are enticed by the delectable offerings at the farm shop. Kingham has transformed into a foodie paradise in recent years, boasting a range of eateries such as Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit, both renowned for their tantalising dishes. Blur bassist Alex James calls the town home, having moved to his 200-acre farm in 2003. His produce has received widespread praise, with many of his artisan cheeses now stocked in supermarkets nationwide, reports the Express. The former musician also throws a festival every year called Big Feastival, which "brings together music from the UK's biggest artists, Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities". This August revellers will be able to see Nelly Furtado, The Rizzle Kicks and the Wombats hit the stage. Daylesford is also thought to have sparked former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson's venture into farming, with the Diddly Squat Farm, and even catered for ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the Covid-19 lockdown. Neighbours to the village, Victoria and David Beckham, pitched up in December 2016. A reputed £.5.5m transformed the grounds into an enchanted garden complete with a pool, an at-home spa, a luxury treehouse and—of course—a football pitch. Ellie Goulding and ex husband Casper Jopling previously lived in the area, having moved to the lush countryside back in 2021. The pair refurbished a lavish £1.3million manor house and restored its historic barn to its original condition before their recent split. The village is steeped in history, with many homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These historic dwellings have been lovingly preserved while also incorporating modern comforts, according to The Sun.


The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Dorset pub named as having one of the UK's best beer gardens
The Scott Arms in Kingston was featured in a list from Muddy Stilettos, which named the 50 best from around the nations. Discussing the reasons for creating the list, the lifestyle publication wrote: "As summer rolls through we all naturally flock to the UK's most sought-after place, the pub. So why not drink in style with gorgeous views? "Here are our top pub gardens across the counties where you can make the most of the rays." The full top 50 pub beer gardens with "jaw-dropping views" can be found on the Muddy Stilettos website here. Why is The Scott Arms among the UK's best beer gardens with a view? The Scott Arms was highlighted by Muddy Stilettos as having one of the best beer gardens for views, thanks to being able to see Corfe Castle from it. They wrote: "You can see the ruins of the iconic Corfe Castle from the large garden, with a telescope on hand if you want to zoom in. "The super laid-back pub serves up the usual pub grub with the added bonus of sizzling BBQ chicken, steak, brisket and prawns from the Shak every Saturday and Sunday from May to October." On its website, The Scott Arms describes itself as a pub with "history, character, community and atmosphere". It adds: "A pub with the best view over the majestic Purbeck countryside, taking in the stately Corfe Castle ruins and following the route of the steam railway right down to the Swanage beaches. "A pub that's as welcoming in the lazy, heat-hazy outdoors of Summer as it is in the fireplace-cosy, mulled warmth of Winter." In terms of its drinks, it has a variety of locally-brewed and guest ales, alongside "well-respected" cider, an "eclectic wine selection" and a huge range of spirits. Meanwhile, for food, there is a mixture of "locally-sourced, freshly-cooked, delicious, hearty pub classics". What do visitors think of The Scott Arms? The Scott Arms has been mostly well-received by visitors, earning a 4.2/5 score on Google Reviews from 1,516 ratings and a 3.3/5 score on Tripadvisor from 1,268 reviews. One person wrote: "Lovely food and plenty of it. Lovely atmosphere with friendly staff. Lovely views over Corfe Castle and surrounding areas." Another said: "A lovely characterful pub, spectacular location on the hillside with views of Corfe Castle from the beer garden and the breakfast room. "Was expecting a small standard room and was pleasantly surprised when we were shown to our 'room' which consisted of a bedroom, seperate wc and bathroom AND a sitting room with a couch and dining table. "It was cosy and warm and welcoming- could not have asked for more." A third shared: "Having been out walking across the Purbeck Hills the Scott Arms was a welcome break. "We enjoyed a delicious lunch sat near a roaring fire and welcoming staff. The menu was small but hard to choose from as there was such a great choice! Recommended reading: "Highly recommend the Scott Eggs (which we shared) along with the cured trout. The pork chop was delicious and beautifully presented with wonderful crackling, mash and a jus to die for. The hake and venison were a huge hit too! "Lovely to enjoy food that is sourced locally. We'll be back very soon!" Quite a few people mentioned the beer garden as a plus point, as one commented: "Excellent Sunday roast, good local beers, car parking, and beer garden with fantastic views down to Corfe Castle. Well worth a visit."
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Somerset pub with ‘idyllic' beer garden among top UK pub gardens
MUDDY Stilettos have published a new list of the top beer gardens with the best views across the UK with a pub from Somerset described as 'idyllic'. In a new list published by Muddy Stilettos on June 4, 2025, the Muddy Stilettos team named the UK's 'most sought-after' pubs with the most 'gorgeous views'. The named pubs are their recommended top pub gardens across the counties. In the article, the spokesperson said: 'As summer rolls through we all naturally flock to the UK's most sought-after place, the pub. So why not drink in style with gorgeous views? 'Here are our top pub gardens across the counties where you can make the most of the rays.' READ MORE: Rising Sun pub near Taunton unveils new gardens READ MORE: Landlords to step down from Woods Bar & Restaurant after 21 years READ MORE: Somerset pub crowned Rural/Borders Pub of the Year 2025 The Wheatsheaf, located in Combe Hay, near Bath has been named one as having one of the top beer gardens in Somerset. This pub has been nestled in the village of Combe Hay since the 1500s with views across the Somerset countryside. The owners of the pub said: 'The Wheatsheaf is a relaxed and charming traditional country pub, perfect for all seasons, open for food and drink. 'Enjoy lazy lunches in our beautiful, terraced gardens or cosy up by the open fire as the days draw in.' The pub is also dog friendly and offers the option to make a getaway out of your visit by booking a room. A spokesperson for Muddy Stilettos said: 'The views from the terrace across the verdant, undulating Somerset countryside are idyllic; the Modern British menu using fresh produce from their kitchen garden is excellent; and if you can't bear to tear yourself away then stay the night in cosy, stylish rooms in The Shed and The Wendy House to extend the pleasure.'


Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I stayed in London's best boutique hotel – this is why it's better than all the rest
And the Sun Travel team's other favourite hotels in the UK SO SUITE I stayed in London's best boutique hotel – this is why it's better than all the rest THE best boutique hotel in London have been revealed - and I stayed at the winner. Artist Residence in Pimlico was named the best by Muddy Stilettos in this year's London Awards. Advertisement 4 Artist Residence in London has been name the top boutique hotel in the city Credit: Artist Residence 4 I was lucky enough to stay and the restaurant food was enough to sell me on the hotel Credit: Artist Residence Along with hotels in Bristol, Oxfordshire, Brighton and Cornwall, the London hotel was the first I'd stayed in. My biggest bugbear with a hotel is when the rooms feel too sterile and uniform, making it feel not very cosy. Yet Artist Residence are made to feel like you are staying at your eccentric auntie's house, who loves trinkets and unique artwork. The London hotel has just 10 rooms, and is around five minutes from Victoria Station so is extremely centrally located. Advertisement The most basic room is the Small Room which still have king size beds and rainfall shower bathrooms, as well as space for an armchair and writing desks. I stayed in the Club Suite, the second largest in the hotel with a grand Super King bed with velvet scalloped headboard. Not only does it have amazing views over Cambridge Street, but it has a beautiful roll top bath. However, it is tucked down a quiet side-street so don't expect much noise at night. Advertisement When walking inside, it is full of brightly coloured curated artwork, This includes free breakfast as well as a bottle of rose in the room. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' The Cambridge Street restaurant is one of the best hotel restaurants I've been to, and even rivals some top London restaurants as well. The breakfast has all of the classics, from Full English to pastries but the chili fried egg and bacon brioche is a stela option to choose. Advertisement But the dinner shines with everything with the insanely delicious asparagus and pea gnocchi for vegetarians or the Med-inspired Sumac roast chicken . I'm also still dreaming of their rich chocolate mousse, complete with fresh English strawberries and whipped cream. 4 The rooms are made to feel like a cosy family home Credit: Artist Residence 4 Even the smaller rooms have vintage furniture and curated artwork Credit: Artist Residence Advertisement The cocktail list is just as extensive, with the Artist No. 15's lychee and elderflower my favourite. It's not just me saying that - one woman wrote on Tripadvisor that is was one of "the most delicious meals of our trip," with a second adding: "Best kept secret (restaurant) in London." Another said the hotel feels like their "second home" and another wrote: "Felt more like staying at a friends stylish home than in a hotel". To celebrate the win, Artist Residence is offering a free "two-night treat" for anyone who books a stay up to June 5. Advertisement Other events coming up include Sip & Paint night which costs £35 on June 16. Rooms start from £250 a night. We've rounded up some of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year. And here are some of our other hotel reviews.


The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I stayed in London's best boutique hotel – this is why it's better than all the rest
THE best boutique hotel in London have been revealed - and I stayed at the winner. Artist Residence in Pimlico was named the best by Muddy Stilettos in this year's London Awards. 4 Artist Residence in London has been name the top boutique hotel in the city Credit: Artist Residence 4 I was lucky enough to stay and the restaurant food was enough to sell me on the hotel Credit: Artist Residence Along with hotels in Cornwall , the London hotel was the first I'd stayed in. My biggest bugbear with a hotel is when the rooms feel too sterile and uniform, making it feel not very cosy. Yet Artist Residence are made to feel like you are staying at your eccentric auntie's house, who loves trinkets and unique artwork. The London hotel has just 10 rooms, and is around five minutes from Victoria Station so is extremely centrally located. Read more on hotels The most basic room is the Small Room which still have king size beds and rainfall shower bathrooms, as well as space for an armchair and writing desks. I stayed in the Club Suite, the second largest in the hotel with a grand Super King bed with velvet scalloped headboard. Not only does it have amazing views over Cambridge Street, but it has a beautiful roll top bath. However, it is tucked down a quiet side-street so don't expect much noise at night. Most read in News Travel When walking inside, it is full of brightly coloured curated artwork, This includes free breakfast as well as a bottle of rose in the room. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' The Cambridge Street restaurant is one of the best hotel restaurants I've been to, and even rivals some top London restaurants as well. The breakfast has all of the classics, from Full English to pastries but the chili fried egg and bacon brioche is a stela option to choose. But the dinner shines with everything with the insanely delicious asparagus and pea gnocchi for vegetarians or the Med-inspired Sumac roast chicken . I'm also still dreaming of their rich chocolate mousse, complete with fresh English strawberries and whipped cream. 4 The rooms are made to feel like a cosy family home Credit: Artist Residence 4 Even the smaller rooms have vintage furniture and curated artwork Credit: Artist Residence The cocktail list is just as extensive, with the Artist No. 15's lychee and elderflower my favourite. It's not just me saying that - one woman wrote on Tripadvisor that is was one of "the most delicious meals of our trip," with a second adding: "Best kept secret (restaurant) in London." Another said the hotel feels like their "second home" and another wrote: "Felt more like staying at a friends stylish home than in a hotel". To celebrate the win, Artist Residence is offering a free "two-night treat" for anyone who books a stay up to June 5. Other events coming up include Sip & Paint night which costs £35 on June 16. Rooms start from £250 a night. We've rounded up some of our And here are some of our other hotel reviews.