About Muddy
Hello and welcome!
I’m Hazel, Yorkshire editor of award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos.
I’ve been a journalist for a range of titles, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Independent, Psychologies, Country Life and a whole host of weird and wonderfully-named trade mags for the last 20+ years.
I live in beautiful West Yorkshire with my partner, two daughters and our dog, Peggy. When I’m not waxing lyrical about my glorious surroundings I can be found singing with my country band, playing cornet in a local brass band and generally bothering my very patient neighbours with a range of musical offerings. My other great passions are coffee, books and perfume and I’ll watch anything if it’s presented to me as a musical.
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This is the Muddy Mantra, so you know what to expect from the site:
- I try everything out myself so that you can fully trust my opinions. On the occasions that I haven’t been somewhere myself, I let you know that’s the case.
- I don’t write advertorial. This means I will never accept payment to write about something I don’t believe in.
- I accept tickets to free shows, festivals, restaurants, events etc with the purpose of reviewing or publicising them on Muddy Stilettos, as I’m sure you appreciate it’s pretty expensive zipping around trying stuff out all the time. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars – if you want me to try you out, please get in touch at: hazel@muddystilettos.co.uk or sally.smith@muddystilettos.co.uk
- I’ll never write a nasty review. I’m not into trashing people, brands or companies. But if you’re not good enough, I won’t write about you in Muddy Stilettos, regardless of whether I have paid for the experience or not. This gives me the editorial control I need and the trust that Muddy readers deserve.
- Muddy Stilettos is a commercial site and accepts advertising and payment to feature products and brands. However, we believe passionately in only working with brands that share our ethos and are relevant to our readers. We retain editorial control and independence at all times.