Essex - The Urban Guide to the Countryside

Spotlight

Novels set in Essex: titles to add to your lockdown reading listWinter climes and continuing restrictions have created the perfect conditions for a fiction fest. So, where better to start than the plethora of new and iconic titles set right here in the county? Here's some of the best to add to basket before hunkering down.
Top takeaway spots for your pre- and post-walk refuelFrom indie pop-ups to ambitious artisan takeout menus, we've scoured the county for the best walk-friendly pit stops foodies will love.
Property flirt: Scandi-inspired design in Saffron WaldenOffering a nod to the Norwegian aesthetic plus mid-century-details, this cool Essex house is the homebuyer's equivalent of a hop to Copenhagen. But how much does it cost?
8 things to watch to keep January Blues at bayMid-January, you say? T minus two months until spring, but in the meantime, help the long winter nights pass by with Muddy's top TV and film picks for the week.
Incoming: the hottest Essex events lined up for summerRight now, the idea of gathering at a festival or buzzy cultural event seems like a distant dream, but once restrictions are lifted and sunnier climes return, there’s plenty to look forward to across the county this year.

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

From Nordic knits and statement sweats to hoodies even the planet loves, Essex loungewear is on our radar.

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

Eat View more
Top takeaway spots for your pre- and post-walk refuel

From indie pop-ups to ambitious artisan takeout menus, we’ve scoured the county for the best walk-friendly pit stops foodies will love
- Fast and filling recipes for an easier January
  
  No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
- Eat Better Forever, Hugh? Oh, OK then.
  
  Spent December scoffing mince pies? Whip up a veg-packed soup or hot pot from Hugh's new cookbook and feel the smug glow of a healthy New Year.
- Comforting classics from The Pie Room
  
  Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two warming recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.
- The best cookbooks to buy now
  
  Sick of making the same seven dinners, week in, week out? Or just a sucker for tempting pictures of food? If any of the above apply, we’ve got you covered.

Arts & Culture View more
Novels set in Essex: titles to add to your lockdown reading list

Winter climes and continuing restrictions have created the perfect conditions for a fiction fest. So, where better to start than the plethora of titles set right here in the county? Here’s some of the best to add to basket before hunkering down.
- The all-time sexiest period drama heroes
  
  Ladies, loosen that corset lest you faint dead away! Regé-Jean Page has got us hot under the collar.... so here are 12 more historical hotties, and a sneak-peak at what's coming in 2021.
- 8 things to watch to keep January Blues at bay
  
  Mid-January, you say? T minus two months until spring, but in the meantime, help the long winter nights pass by with Muddy's top TV and film picks for the week.

Home View more
- Property flirt: Scandi-inspired design in Saffron Walden
  
  Offering a nod to the Norwegian aesthetic plus mid-century-details, this cool Essex house is the homebuyer’s equivalent of a hop to Copenhagen. But how much does it cost?
Wellbeing
- Fast and filling recipes for an easier January
  
  No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
- Best new fitness tech for 2021
  
  Need something to help those workouts along? Itching for some new tech in the new year? Read on for the Muddy edit of the best flashy fitness buys of 2021.

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.
- 20 Muddy-approved attractions in Essex
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions across the county
- Book now: 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel - can you guess where this is?

Work View more
Ideas to get your finances into shape for 2021

The beginning of the year is always about renewal, resolutions and healthy regimes. But the fallout from Covid has shown how financial wellbeing is also vital – and too often overlooked. Muddy limbers up for a money MOT.
Kids
- Chigwell School, Chigwell
  
  Perched on the outskirts of London and fringing the great, green boughs of Epping forest, this selective co-ed is set in 100 acres of prime Essex countryside and offers a holistic approach to education.
- Brentwood School, Brentwood
  
  Striking an unusual balance between co-ed and single-sex learning, this successful independent delivers history and heart alongside its stellar academic record

Fashion View more
Local loungewear wins you’ll live in this winter

From trend-setting knits and statement sweats to hot hoodies even the planet loves, Essex boutiques are stocking up on stylish loungewear lines right now. Here’s our edit of the pieces to shop, pronto.
- Best fitness gear for 2021
  
  New year, new fitness routine? We're with you! Here's the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear and accessories that'll have you in tip-top form in no time.
- Sustainable fashion gets sexy
  
  Ethical, eco and everywhere - with the likes of Selfridges now pushing a new sustainable outlook, here's where you can rewear, repair and renew your wardrobe in style.

People View more
How to run well by a pro marathon runner

Need some work-out motivation? You’re in the right place. Muddy talks to endurance athlete Nick Butter about how to motivate yourself out the door and onto an exerciser regime.
- What’s cooking? Calum Franklin, The Pie Room
  
  Fresh from the launch of his mouth-watering new cookbook, we caught up with the London Pie King himself to talk Scotch eggs, the Breville toastie masker and cooking for Axl Rose.
- Yes, people, this is 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.