Squirrels – The Menace of the Garden: How to Protect Your Fruit and Veg Patch

If you’ve ever lovingly tended to your fruit trees or nurtured your veg patch only to find it raided overnight, you might already know the furry culprit: the squirrel. 

With their cute faces and bushy tails, they seem harmless, but don’t be fooled. Squirrels are one of the most frustrating pests for British gardeners, capable of undoing months of hard work in a single afternoon.

Here’s a look at why squirrels are such a nuisance in the garden and, more importantly, how to keep them at bay.

Why Squirrels Are a Problem for Gardeners

1. They Love Fruit and Veg Just as Much as You Do

Squirrels are especially fond of apples, plums, tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, and sweetcorn. They don’t always eat the whole thing either – often they’ll nibble, decide they’ve had enough, and move on, leaving a trail of destruction behind them.

2. They Dig – Constantly

Squirrels bury food for later, meaning freshly planted beds can get churned up by their incessant digging. Bulbs, seedlings, and freshly raked compost are frequent targets.

3. They Strip Bark and Snap Branches

Grey squirrels are notorious for stripping bark from young trees, which can stunt growth or even kill the tree. Their climbing and jumping can also break delicate branches or dislodge ripening fruit.

4. They Raid Bird Feeders and Nest Boxes

While not directly harming your plants, squirrels often dominate feeders and nesting spaces intended for garden birds, disrupting your local wildlife ecosystem.

How to Deter Squirrels From Your Garden

Though it’s nearly impossible to eradicate squirrels completely (especially in urban and suburban areas), there are several effective strategies to make your garden far less inviting to them.

1. Use Physical Barriers

Fruit cages can help protect crops like berries and brassicas.

Netting placed over raised beds or containers can reduce access.

Wrap tree trunks in metal collars to stop squirrels climbing.

Use chicken wire over freshly planted areas to discourage digging.

2. Scent-Based Deterrents

Sprinkle chilli flakes, pepper, or garlic powder around plants. These irritate squirrels’ sensitive noses.

Commercial repellents (such as those with capsaicin) are available and can be sprayed around high-risk areas.

3. Motion-Activated Devices

Install motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellers to startle squirrels and encourage them to move elsewhere.

4. Remove Temptation

Clear up fallen fruit and nuts daily.

Harvest ripe produce promptly.

Don’t feed squirrels (no matter how cute they look!).

5. Keep Trees Trimmed

Prune branches that overhang fences or roofs to prevent squirrels from using them as launchpads into your garden.

6. Secure Compost Bins and Feeders

Compost heaps attract squirrels with food scraps – use a sealed compost bin and opt for squirrel-proof bird feeders to reduce incentives.

A Note on Humane Practices

In the UK, grey squirrels are classed as an invasive species and it is illegal to release them back into the wild once caught. However, for most home gardeners, prevention and deterrent are more practical than trapping or culling. Focus on humane and non-lethal methods that protect your plants without harming wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Sharing your garden with wildlife is part of the joy of growing your own food – but when squirrels become destructive, it’s time to act. With a little persistence, a few clever deterrents, and a dash of ingenuity, you can keep your fruit and veg safe from those bushy-tailed bandits.

Happy gardening – and may your harvest remain squirrel-free!

Why Does Water from a Plastic Kettle Taste Different to Water from a Metal One? The Science Behind the Sip

If you’ve ever brewed a cuppa and found it tasted a little… off, you’re not alone. Many people claim that water boiled in a plastic kettle doesn’t taste as nice as water boiled in a metal kettle, and this isn’t just snobbery or imagination. There’s real science behind the phenomenon.

Here’s a look into what might be going on in your kettle.

1. The Problem of Plastic Leaching

Plastic kettles are typically made from polypropylene or BPA-free plastics. While these materials are generally considered safe, heating them repeatedly—especially to boiling point—can cause trace chemicals to leach into the water.

Some of the common compounds include:

Phenols (like BPA substitutes)

Styrene monomers

Other manufacturing residues

Even in tiny amounts, these substances can alter the taste of the water. Your body might not notice it immediately, but your tongue certainly can. Many describe the taste as chemical, plasticky, or stale.

2. Off-Gassing and New Kettle Smell

Brand-new plastic kettles often emit a distinct "new plastic" smell when first used. This comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used during manufacturing. These compounds are released (or "off-gassed") when the kettle is heated for the first few times.

This is why instructions often suggest boiling and discarding water several times before use. Even so, some kettles may retain that taint for weeks or longer.

3. The Inert Nature of Metal

Metal kettles, usually made of stainless steel, or sometimes copper, have a distinct advantage: they are chemically inert at high temperatures. This means:

No leaching of unwanted chemicals

No absorption of flavours over time

Easy to keep clean with no porous surfaces

Stainless steel doesn’t hold onto the taste of previous boils or absorb anything from the water, which results in cleaner-tasting water, ideal for tea and coffee purists.

4. Mineral and Limescale Interactions

Plastic kettles often have heating elements hidden beneath the base. In contrast, metal kettles (especially stovetop models) use exposed metal heating. This may influence how limescale and minerals accumulate, particularly in hard water areas.

Some studies suggest that mineral deposits may form differently on plastic versus metal, subtly influencing mouthfeel and flavour.

5. Sensory Psychology and Perception

There’s also a psychological angle: we often associate plastic with cheapness or artificiality, and metal with tradition and purity. These expectations can colour our sensory experience, particularly with taste and smell.

In blind tests, people may still prefer metal-boiled water, but the difference is often more pronounced when the participants know the source.

Conclusion: Is It All in the Kettle?

Not entirely. While personal preference plays a role, science supports the idea that plastic kettles can affect the taste of boiled water through leaching compounds, off-gassing, and minor chemical interactions. Metal kettles, especially stainless steel ones, tend to offer a cleaner, more neutral brew.

So, if you’re serious about your tea or coffee, or just don’t like that odd aftertaste, switching to a metal kettle could be a small change that makes a big difference.

Top Tip: Want the best of both worlds? Try a glass kettle with stainless steel elements, you’ll get taste neutrality, no plastic taint, and a good view of your boil.

Stay Safe in the Heat – The Hidden Dangers of Dehydration for People, the Elderly and Pets

As temperatures soar during the summer months, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly dehydration can set in. 

While we often associate hydration with simply feeling thirsty, the effects of dehydration can be far more serious, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and pets.

Whether you're planning a summer stroll, working outdoors, looking after elderly relatives, or caring for a furry friend, staying hydrated in hot weather is not just good advice, it's potentially life-saving.

Why Hydration Is So Important

Water makes up a large part of our body and is essential for nearly every bodily function. It regulates temperature, supports the brain and organs, lubricates joints, and aids digestion. During hot weather, we lose more water than usual through sweat, and if we don’t replace it quickly, dehydration can occur.

Dehydration in Adults and Children

For most healthy adults, signs of dehydration can come on gradually:

Dry mouth

Headaches

Dizziness or light-headedness

Dark-coloured urine

Tiredness or confusion

Children can become dehydrated even faster, especially when active outdoors. Always ensure they have regular water breaks and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration.

The Elderly: A High-Risk Group

Older adults are particularly vulnerable for several reasons:

Reduced thirst response – they may not feel thirsty even when they need fluids

Medication side effects – certain medications can increase fluid loss

Health conditions – dementia, diabetes, or mobility issues can make it harder to drink regularly

Warning signs in the elderly include confusion, lethargy, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to hospitalisation and worsen existing conditions.

Top Tips:

Offer water frequently, even if they say they’re not thirsty

Include high-water content foods like watermelon, cucumbers, or yoghurt

Keep their environment cool and shaded

Dehydration and Your Pets

Dogs, cats and other animals can suffer just as much—if not more—from dehydration.

Common signs in pets include:

Lethargy or weakness

Dry nose and gums

Panting or excessive drooling

Loss of appetite

Sunken eyes or skin that doesn't quickly spring back when gently pulled

How to Help Your Pets Stay Safe:

Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times

Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11am to 3pm)

Never leave animals in parked cars, even with the windows open

Provide shaded areas outdoors and consider using pet-safe cooling mats

Staying Safe in Hot Weather

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer:

Drink water regularly throughout the day

Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further

Wear loose, light-coloured clothing

Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest times

Dehydration is more than just being a bit parched, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly in hot weather. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that everyone in your household—from toddlers to grandparents to pets—stays safe, healthy and cool this summer.

Stay hydrated, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly.

Jazz Up Your Summer Salads: Fresh Ideas for Bold, Beautiful Bowls

Summer is the absolutely perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and vibrant meals. 

And nothing fits the bill better than a crisp, colourful salad. 

But let’s face it: not all salads are created equal. If your lettuce leaves are starting to look a little limp with boredom, it’s time to jazz things up. Here’s how to turn your summer salads from side dish to showstopper.

Start with Stunning Greens

Ditch the iceberg and experiment with a mix of textures and flavours. Try:

Rocket and watercress for peppery zest

Lollo rosso or oak leaf lettuce for colour and crunch

Baby spinach or kale for a nutritional boost

Top tip: Mix at least two types of greens for visual appeal and a better bite.

Add Sweet and Savoury Surprises

Fruit in salad? Absolutely. The sweet-savoury combo can be magical:

Strawberries + balsamic vinegar + goat’s cheese

Mango + avocado + lime juice

Watermelon + feta + mint

Bonus: Try roasted peaches or grilled pineapple for a caramelised touch.

Say Yes to Cheese

Cheese brings richness and complexity:

Crumbled feta for saltiness

Shaved parmesan for a nutty note

Burrata or mozzarella for creamy indulgence

Try tossing your cheese in after dressing the salad to keep it fresh and firm.

Crunch It Up

Great salads have texture. Add crunch with:

Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)

Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)

Homemade croutons or crispy chickpeas

Pro tip: Toast seeds or nuts in a dry pan for extra flavour.

Go Beyond the Basics

Go wild with toppings and mix-ins:

Pickled red onions

Roasted vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, sweet potatoes)

Grains like quinoa, bulgur or pearl barley

Hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for protein

Salads are a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with your pantry.

Dress to Impress

The dressing makes or breaks the salad. Skip the shop-bought stuff and make your own:

Classic vinaigrette: 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar, plus mustard and seasoning. Also, consider using organic cider vinegar .

Creamy tahini dressing: tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and a touch of honey

Zesty yoghurt dressing: Greek yoghurt, cucumber, mint, lemon juice

Tip: Dress just before serving to keep things crisp.

Serve It in Style

Presentation matters! Try:

Layering ingredients in a glass bowl

Serving on a wooden platter for rustic charm

Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs (think basil, chives, coriander)

Also, consider using organic cider vinegar 

A salad doesn’t have to be a soggy afterthought. With a few smart swaps and bold additions, it can become the star of your summer table. So next time you’re prepping for a picnic, barbecue or light supper, jazz up your salad and let the flavours sing.

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The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers launches its latest short course: Packaging for Distillers

This course gives distillers the knowledge essential for working effectively with a packaging operation

The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD), the most widely recognised provider of technical education in the distilling industry, has launched a brand new self-assessed and on demand technical course, Packaging for Distillers.

The Packaging for Distillers course is the latest in a hugely popular series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses. 

It is aimed at distillers working in distilleries of all sizes, providing a practical understanding of packaging materials and packaging operations. 

Distillers completing the course should be well equipped to ensure they have a cost effective and sustainable packaging operation and that their packaging protects the quality of their product. It covers packaging spirits and ready to drink (RTD) beverages.

This course has been developed in collaboration with experienced and accomplished distillers, packaging professionals and suppliers of packaging materials and equipment.

The Packaging for Distillers course provides the same technical excellence found in all CIBD qualifications, with the benefit of not needing to sit a formal exam.

The course includes a downloadable PDF with technical information such as:

A detailed summary of the course content

A technical reference for troubleshooting problems with packaging operations

Details of the quality checks performed on packages

The course features engaging text, countless videos, animations, quizzes, and games to help enhance learning. At the end of the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion.

On this announcement, Stuart Howe, Technical Development Manager, explained to That's Food and Drink: “Our success as distillers is usually determined as much by the quality of our packaging, as it is by our skill as a distiller. 

"Effective packaging enhances our reputation. Bad packaging destroys it. This course provides you with the knowledge required to ensure that your packaging is always effective!”

https://www.cibd.org.uk

Raising a Glass to UK Cider this Summer

From orchard to glass, there’s never been a better time to enjoy great British cider.

As the sun shines, there’s one drink that truly captures the spirit of a British summer, cider.

From picnics in the park to barbecues with friends, UK cider is taking centre stage this summer, offering refreshment, flavour, and a proud sense of local tradition. With apples pressed, fermented and blended right here in the UK, cider is more than just a drink, it’s a celebration of our countryside, our heritage, and our taste for innovation.

Whether it's sparkling and light, dry and tannic, or bursting with fruity character, there’s a cider for every summer moment. And with more people seeking out locally made, authentic drinks, now is the perfect time to raise a glass to the makers, growers and cider lovers who are keeping this great British tradition alive.

David Sheppy, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), told That's Food and Drink: “Summer is cider’s time to shine. It’s refreshing, rooted in our farming heritage, and it brings people together. From traditional ciders made on family farms to new styles appealing to curious drinkers, there’s never been a better time to explore what the UK cider scene has to offer.”

With cider orchards being warmed by early summer sun across Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, Kent and beyond, the drink also connects us directly to the land. Each pint tells the story of British orchards in bloom, the rhythm of the harvest, and the skill of the cider maker.

This summer, whether you’re at a music festival, a countryside pub, or simply enjoying the sun in your garden, make it a moment to savour, with great cider, made here.

https://cideruk.com/

Southend Foodbank Meets Local MPs to Urge Action on Universal Credit Ahead of Crucial Vote

Ahead of a critical parliamentary vote on proposed cuts to health and disability benefits, Southend Foodbank representatives Cass Francis and Jemma Walsh travelled to Westminster to meet Southend’s MPs, David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, during Trussell’s national Lobby Day.

While in Parliament, Cass and Jemma discussed the growing hardships faced by people on the lowest incomes and urged both MPs to support the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign, led by Trussell and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

At the heart of the campaign is a call for an independent review to determine the true cost of covering life’s essentials in the UK today. 

Currently, the basic rate of Universal Credit has no link to actual living costs (excluding rent and council tax) and falls far short of what people need to survive. 

The cross-party Work and Pensions Committee found that, even with recent increases, we are spending the same amount on benefits for working-aged people as we were in 2007.

Cass and Jemma urged MPs to advocate for increasing the basic rate of Universal Credit to £120 per week for a single adult and £205 per week for a couple. While upcoming changes in the Benefits Reform Bill promise incremental increases to Universal Credit, these won’t be fully implemented until 2029/30 and will still lack any tie to the actual cost of living.

They also raised concerns about deductions from Universal Credit payments, highlighting the importance of a Minimum Income Floor - a limit on how much the government can deduct from payments. While the maximum deduction rate has recently been reduced from 25% to 15%, Southend Foodbank supports going further, again in line with evidence from an independent review.

In response to the upcoming second reading in parliament for the UC & PIP Bill, Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, told That's Food and Drink: “It was a real privilege to speak face to face with both of Southend’s MPs and to hear their thoughts on the Essentials Guarantee. No one should be forced to go without the basics they need to survive. Universal Credit must reflect the true cost of living.

“As you can imagine, we at the Foodbank, Trussell, JRF and many other organisations are extremely concerned about the proposed £5 billion in welfare cuts aimed at the benefits received by people with disabilities. We are urging everyone to write or email their MP and ask them to vote against these reforms.

“Trussell’s analysis shows that 440,000 disabled people and their families will be forced into severe hardship by the proposed cuts, which will be devastating for them, and push many more people to the doors of food banks like ours.”

La Dolce Vita at Eataly's Terra by Carlo Cracco

Italian eatery Terra by Carlo Cracco, continues to celebrate summer and a balmier London with their summer pop-up, 'La Dolce Vita,' every Wednesday. 

The pop-up captures the lively spirit of Italian culture and brings a taste of la dolce vita to the heart of London, with ambient Italian summery beats of modern Italian pop and indie music. 

This summer, guests can indulge in a selection of refreshing cocktails inspired by the warmth and charm of Italy's sun-soaked shores. The carefully curated cocktail menu includes:

La Dolce Vita - Gin, Aperol, Passito sweet wine, apple juice, Prosecco foam. Served straight up & garnished with rose petals.

Enjoy the sweet life and float on air with one sip of this delicate and fruity cocktail.

Lemon & Basil Smash - Luxardo Limoncello liqueur, gin, lemon juice & basil leaves. Served with a rim of dried citrus fruit peel powder & sea salt, and a basil leaf.

A refreshing, slightly savoury, and irresistibly summer experience.

Portofino Mule - Portofino Dry Gin, bergamot liqueur, elderflower syrup, lime juice, ginger beer. Garnished with cucumber and mint leaves.

A crisp, herbaceous, and well-balanced drinking experience, perfect for this season.

Almond Sunset - Amaretto Adriatico Bianco, Campari, lime juice, pink grapefruit tonic, served with a wedge of grapefruit.

A refreshing, light, and elegantly crisp cocktail.

Virgin Peach Bellini - Alcohol-free Prosecco, peach purée.

Enjoy this alcohol-free version of a beloved classic.

Alongside vibrant cocktails, guests can enjoy complimentary olives and taralli extending to Italian-inspired canapé bites, designed by our Terra by Carlo Cracco team to complement the cocktails.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, highlights from the menu include the Polpo All'Arrabbiata which features bold Italian flavours with charcoal-grilled octopus, nduja sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes and smashed potatoes. 

Their wide variety of flavoursome pasta dishes include Spaghetti Al Pomodoro with roasted cherry tomatoes, lemon peel, and fresh basil. For a taste of the sea, Cracco's Fregola Al Gamberi features grilled prawns straight off of the wood-fired grill, roasted cherry tomatoes, and prawns bisque, inspired by the sublime Sardinian coastline.

https://eataly.co.uk/news/introducing-terra-by-carlo-cracco

Shop Cookbooks, Cookery Items and More via That’s Food and Drink – Powered by Amazon for Bargain Prices and Trusted Delivery

If you’re looking for cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, gourmet groceries, or fine wines—all without the hassle of shopping around, That’s Food and Drink has you covered. 

And best of all, our shop is powered by Amazon’s trusted platform, meaning you get all the ease, speed, and security of Amazon shopping, with a curated twist from us!

From the quirky retro baking of B. Dylan Hollis to essential kitchen gear and even full-size cookers, our online storefront features handpicked favourites for home cooks, foodies, and entertainers alike—often at bargain prices.

What You’ll Find in the That’s Food and Drink Amazon Storefront:

Cookbooks to Keep You Inspired

From bestselling authors to internet sensations like B. Dylan Hollis, our storefront includes a carefully chosen selection of cookbooks that range from nostalgic bakes to modern, healthy meals.

Kitchen Tools and Cookware

Whether you're after a sturdy skillet, time-saving gadgets, or a full baking set, we’ve selected some of Amazon’s best-reviewed kitchen essentials—all in one place.

Browse kitchen gadgets and cookware

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From organic ingredients to Italian-imported pantry staples, our Amazon shop offers hard-to-find gourmet foods, all available for quick delivery and excellent prices.

View gourmet groceries

Wines, Beers and More

Enjoy a curated mix of fine wines, craft beers, and celebratory tipples, with handy bundles and gift sets available—perfect for food pairings and festive occasions.

Explore wines and drinks

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Yes, you can even buy full-size cookers, microwaves, and other appliances via our store—reliably sourced through Amazon and delivered right to your door.

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Final Thoughts

We’ve taken the guesswork out of shopping for all things delicious. With That’s Food and Drink via Amazon, you get great taste, reliable delivery, and handpicked quality, without spending hours searching. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, picking a cookbook, or choosing a foodie gift, you’ll find it fast.

Shop smarter. Cook better. Drink beautifully.