The urban guide to the countryside -
Little Black Book
Food & Drink
Cambridge Cookery
Muddy says: If your culinary skills need work (hey, what's wrong with baked beans on toast?), it's time to go back to school. But this is the best sort of school, with fun courses for everyone, where you get to scoff amazing food and can chill out afterwards in the chic café and wine bar.
Art & Soul Café, St Neots
Muddy says: A stylish eatery serving freshly-made, locally-sourced meals; an art gallery showcasing local talent; a creative hub that hosts workshops; and one of Mind's Good Mood cafés - this feel-good St Neots café has it all covered!
Bohemia, St Neots
Muddy says: A cool café cum restaurant cum cocktail bar cum micro roastery - Bohemia is four fabulous foodie destinations in one, where you can find seasonal and locally-sourced meals and inventive drinks from dawn to dusk.
Elsie May’s Electric Lounge, St Neots
Muddy says: This cool family-run café and bar in a former Electricity Company Showroom was brought back to life in December 2018 and serves delicious homemade food and cocktails, has a private room to book and hosts live music events. What a bright idea!
Newmarket Racecourses
Muddy says: One of the UK's top sporting attractions, Newmarket Racecourses, Suffolk, is also home to Newmarket Nights - amazing music events and gigs - as well as family days out and events spaces.
Hall & Co Event Design
Muddy says: This full service event design company has the midas touch when it comes to transforming any venue into a thing of beauty and any event, from weddings to private dinners, into a guaranteed success!
Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Muddy says: A fantastic day out for the whole family, that'll have the kids forgetting about iPads and TV and see them exploring nature and playing happily in the great outdoors.
Ta Bouche, Cambridge
Cocktails, coffee, burgers and salads - what more do you need from this friendly and relaxed central Cambridge bar and restaurant?!
La Raza, Cambridge
La Raza is a cool and sophisticated cocktail and tapas bar in beautiful central Cambridge.
The Crown and Punchbowl
The Crown & Punchbowl is a quaint country pub, restaurant and inn nestled amongst farmhouses in the village of Horningsea, just 3 miles from the centre of Cambridge.
The Plough, Great Chesterford
Muddy says: New owners have breathed new life into this pub on the Cambridgeshire/Essex border, with a welcoming locals' vibe where children, dogs and muddy boots are equally made at home.
Sacrewell Farm
Muddy says: a sure-fire way to get 'em away from the TV, this beautiful farm with animals, activities and play barn is always a massive hit with kids, come rain or shine.
The Three Horseshoes
Muddy says: a thatched inn in the tiny hamlet of Madingley, this recently refurbished pub boasts excellent food and fires a plenty - ideal for wintry days.
Johnsons of Old Hurst
Muddy says: croc burger anyone? Where else can you find a farm shop with a huge range of food and drink, cafe, steak house, interiors shop, kids farm activities, and two ginormous crocodiles called Cuddles and Kisses? Only at Johnsons of Oldhurst - a totally unique experience.
The Willow Tree
Muddy says: this gastropub, with its shabby chic vibe, is like no other tucked away in the village of Bourn with a tipi, secret meadow and enchanting garden. It needs to be experienced to be believed.
The Eltisley
Muddy says: a kid and dog friendly gastro pub with a vintage vibe and an intriguing menu that's anything but boring. They have a private dining room that I'd hire for a bash and the outdoor shack that's perfect for a summer party.
The Fitzwilliam Arms at Marholm
Muddy says: a pretty thatched pub in the quaint village of Marholm just minutes from the bustle of Peterborough. A large pub, dogs are allowed in the bar area and the restaurant serves a range of pub classics.
Orchard Tea Garden
Muddy says: This old orchard provides one of the best summer spots to enjoy a pot of tea, a jam scone and cream or a glass of fizz reclining in a deck chair under an apple tree. A gentle stroll from Cambridge Mill Pond will bring you to the Orchard Tea Gardens in Grantchester.
