Spotlight

Shazia Mirza is back in townShe’s an ex-science teacher – “I hated them, they hated me” – yet former pupil Dizzee Rascal still calls her Miss. We catch up with this fierce comedian as she heads to Essex.
Essex scenic picnic spots you need to know nowNational Picnic Week incoming (22–28 June), so pack your scotch eggs and lashings of ginger beer, and head off these off-the-radar beauty spots to enjoy lunch al fresco without the crowds.
The ultimate Father's Day gift guideInstead of panicking and ordering a weird novelty t-shirt (we've all been there), take our advice and purchase something he won't try to hide at the back of a drawer.
What’s on: June 2021From gorgeous open gardens and rockin’ vintage festivals to high-octane fun and electrifying live music, it’s all going on in Essex this month. Diaries at the ready!
Their words: what kids really think of online school

Well, hello!

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

Summer's coming so rock those good vibes with a slogan T from Bishop Stortford indie Lemonpeel London

The most coveted awards for indie businesses across 25 counties. Nominate your plucky local Indies now.

Home View more
Chicken and mango salad with chilli lime dressing

Balmy summer days call for quick, easy and light lunches like this chicken and mango salad, ready in just 20 minutes. Pair with Naked Wines at 63% off.
- Wild mushroom and artichoke tagliatelle
  
  Veggies, pasta, wine: all the food groups represented. Rustle up this earthy, vegan dish in under an hour and enjoy in the sunshine with a glass of wine (at 63% off from Naked Wines).
- Cook this speedy summery recipe tonight!
  
  From River Cottage king HFW, this Moroccan spiced lamb and tabbouleh dish is fragrant, herby and perfect for summer scoffing PLUS pair with Naked Wines at 63% off.
Wellbeing
- 8 amazing coastal walks across the county
  
  Fancy stretching your legs and filling your lungs with fresh sea air? Then stroll on over to Muddy’s definitive guide to the best coastal walks across Essex.
- Easy! Buy these, and sleep better
  
  Having trouble sleeping? Us and half the world right now! Here's what the Muddy team have in their shopping baskets to help with some much-needed shut-eye.

Arts & Culture View more
Pass the remote: here’s what to watch this week

Too much time in the sun? Crack out the ice cream and cool down with a killer crop of telly this week. From sewing finales to father’s day fodder to the big new Pixar film, here’s what to watch.
- Shazia Mirza is back in town
  
  She’s an ex-science teacher – “I hated them, they hated me” – yet former pupil Dizzee Rascal still calls her Miss. We catch up with this fierce comedian as she heads to Essex.
- It’s TV time! What to watch this week
  
  Roll up! Roll up! We've got true crime documentaries, international football tournaments, fab Netflix films and the Norse God of Mischief for you this week. Pop open the popcorn and settle in.

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

Eat View more
Essex scenic picnic spots you need to know now

National Picnic Week incoming (22–28 June), so pack your scotch eggs and lashings of ginger beer, and head off these off-the-radar beauty spots to enjoy lunch al fresco without the crowds.
- 12 gorgeous pubs with gardens in Essex
  
  Praise be, the pubs are OPEN! Well, just the gardens, but that’ll do very nicely for now. Here are 12 of the county’s best pub gardens to enjoy a quaff in. Cheers!
- Try this light but warming spring supper
  
  Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's healthy take on this Scottish fish soup makes for a quick and hearty but healthy supper that's perfect for cool spring evenings.

Work View more
Revealed! The winner of our £1,000 Tide competition

Last year wasn’t all a disaster! Meet Joanne Cuckson, founder of an innovative job search website, and find out how she plans to use her winnings to increase gender diversity in her sector.
Kids
- St Michael’s School, Leigh on Sea
  
  This little gem of a prep school in a charming seaside town is all about creating happy, confident kids who consistently achieve well above average in everything from academics to drama.
- Their words: what kids really think of online school
  
  What if you're too scared to put your hand up in class, too exhausted to get out of bed, struggle with SEN, or too busy playing golf? Four kids explain why they made the switch and what they think of life at InterHigh, an online school.

Fashion View more
Best swimwear for 2021

Nothing says summer like new swimwear. Who cares if it’s the Med or the back garden, it’s time to splash out. Whether it’s eco, floral, striped, shaping, nautical or sporty, we’ve found your perfect bikini or swimsuit.
- Sunglasses to suit your face shape
  
  The weather's perked up - time for new sunnies! We have you covered with our guide to the hottest frames to suit your face shape this summer. Just don't sit on them.
- 48 summer must-haves for that stylish staycation
  
  Be it Blackpool or Barbados, make this summer holiday your most stylish yet. From handwoven kaftans to beach speakers, these are the holiday must-haves in Muddy's basket.

People View more
Shazia Mirza is back in town

She’s an ex-science teacher – “I hated them, they hated me” – yet former pupil Dizzee Rascal still calls her Miss. We catch up with this fierce comedian as she heads to Essex.
- See-through suits and Marvin Gaye: Leee John talks
  
  The Imagination front man and 1980s’ all-round soul funk hero is here to answer our rather silly questions ahead of his performance at Chilfest this summer
- Six lockdown heroines to celebrate IWD
  
  It’s been a bit of a year so to mark International Women’s Day 2021, we thought we’d big up six women who have impressed, delighted and inspired us over the past 12 months.

Travel View more
Top places to stop on your way to Cornwall and the South West

Driving down to your staycation and need somewhere to have lunch, walk the dog, let the kids run or even take a nap? We’ve sniffed out the best places to stop near the south-west’s major routes.
- City slickin’: what’s on in London this summer
  
  London's shaking off the lockdown cobwebs with a host of awesome events. Bag yourself the best tickets now with our guide to what's on in the capital.
- Nine divine holiday rentals to book now for an autumn break
  
  If you didn't have sharp enough elbows to get your summer holiday staycation nailed, fear not. Here are the holiday rentals to book now for an autumn weekend escape