Plumbs' News

Britain’s best-selling diary is back and its better than ever!

Get the 2026 Dairy Diary with your next Plumbs Dairy delivery. Featuring practical layouts, handy reminders and tasty recipe ideas, the 2026 Dairy Diary is your perfect companion for staying organised, planning ahead, and finding daily inspiration all year long. [...]

Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas With Fresh Local Produce

The new school term has begun, which means it’s time to start thinking about lunchboxes again. If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge in the morning rush, you’re not alone. It can be tricky to come up with lunches that are nutritious, tasty, and quick to prepare  especially when you want to keep things varied so the kids don’t get bored. The good news is you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. With a few fresh staples like sliced bread, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and juices, you can mix and match to keep things interesting all week long. Here are some ideas to help make back-to-school lunches easy, balanced, and appealing. [...]

The Orchards of Cambridgeshire: From Abbey Gardens to Heritage Varieties

Cambridgeshire is steeped in a rich horticultural history, whether it’s the Botanic Gardens in central Cambridge, the Cathedral in Ely, or the acres of heritage gardens across the county, you’ll find reminders of a time when orchards were everywhere. It’s a story that stretches from medieval abbey gardens through to sprawling orchards of the Victorian era, and down to the precious heritage varieties that are still around today. [...]

Delicious Dairy & Dairy-Free Recipes To Celebrate Ice Cream Day

Are you a soft-serve kind of person, or do you prefer something fruity and refreshing? Either way we all know ice-cream is a summer hit, with over 15.4 billion liters of ice cream being consumed annually. It probably comes as no surprise that the US has had an entire month dedicated to ice-cream for over 40 years. A joint resolution passed both houses of Congress, first designating July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and 15th July as National Ice Cream Day, with President Reagan signing it into law on 9th July, 1984. We don't need much more of an excuse than that to celebrate one of our favourite desserts, so here's two great ways to raise a spoon to ice cream this July! [...]

Join Plumbs’ Dairy for World Refill Week – Take the 5DayChallenge!

Join Plumbs’ Dairy and thousands of others for World Refill Day! Take the 5DayChallenge, reduce single-use waste, and explore our range of fresh, plastic-free produce and sustainable household goods. [...]

The History Of Wimbledon’s Strawberries & Cream

There are few things more British than Wimbledon. The iconic grass courts, the crisp white kits, the composed spectators, and, of course, strawberries and cream. It’s a sporting event that somehow feels like a garden party, complete with bunting, cucumber sandwiches and a Pimm’s in hand. But have you ever wondered how this Grand Slam became so associated with the humble strawberry? Or perhaps you’ve wondered what else you can tuck into while enjoying the matches from your patio or picnic blanket? In this article, we will be looking at the origins of this delicious tradition whilst sharing a few easy summer lunch ideas to enjoy while watching the action; even if it’s just on the telly in the background. [...]

Quick and Easy Recipes For Alfresco Dining

Warm evenings don’t come around all that often, so when they do, you want to make the most of them. You might fancy a last-minute dinner on the patio or a relaxed meal with friends; summer evenings call for food that’s fresh, light, and easy to prepare. Here are some of our favourite recipes that come together quickly, making the most of seasonal produce, and are perfect for warm weather dining. [...]

The Challenges Faced By The UK's Agricultural Industry

Our farming industry currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a variety of challenges that threaten its stability and sustainability. From climate-induced crop failures to post-Brexit trade complexities, the sector faces unprecedented pressures. Yet, amidst these seemingly impossible hurdles, new and innovative approaches and policy reforms offer a beacon of hope.  This article delves into the current state of the UK's fruit and vegetable supply chain, highlighting the obstacles it faces and the strides being made towards a more resilient and sustainable future including how small businesses are doing their bit for the local community. Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Crop Yields Recent years have seen the UK's agriculture sector increasingly impacted by extreme weather events. The period between 2023 and 2024 was marked by the wettest 18 months on record, leading to waterlogged soils and significant reductions in crop yields. Vegetable yields dropped by 4.9%, while fruit production saw a 12% decline. The area dedicated to vegetable cultivation also decreased by 6.5%, exacerbating the supply challenges. Farmers are urging the government to implement a strategic plan to bolster food security in the face of escalating climate risks. [...]