Daisy54

This question is for those who actually live or have lived in the U.K. I regularly receive a catalog from England and have been intrigued by one of the items always prominently offered - a pitcher in the shape of a fish which is called a "gurgling jug" due to sound it makes when pouring out the liquid (caused by the air trapped in the fish's tail). According to the description, "every British household has a gurgling jug on their table". I was wondering of the catalog copywriters were accurate in stating this is a common item in British homes. It looks like I may be returning to England next year, and if it truly is as commonplace as they say, I will wait and buy one there but if they're pulling my leg and it's not available in every M&S in the UK, I may order one from the catalog.

GeoffHamer

I've lived in the UK for over fifty years and have never knowingly used a gurgling jug, and certainly never owned one.

lawchick

It's like every Irish household eats boxty - what the? We've never even heard of it

david_west

Someone's pulling your leg. I've never seen one of these, nor have I even heard of one.

I've googled it to see what they are, and I can tell you that if anyone ever gave me one of these things I would poison their lawn.

lawchick

I just googled too

this site says it all - Granny used to have one - but then Granny was completely batty

http://www.grannieusedto.co.uk/trolleyed/3/

Look at all the other great crap you can pick up!

lawchick

and by the way, I think granny was trolleyed when she bought it

sheila

I know all about it. They're very 1960s, and quite common with the generation above us (ie 55+). they have a certain amount of kitschy attraction.

flanneruk

Among 55+'s in the real world, they're as common as being bought a drink by a Cowdenbeath native on a wet Tuesday.

You see them a lot in Scotland though.

Xenos

I've still got 3 years to go before I'm 55+, but I've never seen or heard of these things and have lived in England all my life.

sheila

I'm gobsmacked that you guys don't know these. Whilst I wouldn't give any of these house room, myself, they really are quite common. I saw a few on this web site, so you know what we're talking about here.

http://www.artfostersbabycham.co.uk/...ession*id*val*

Kate

perhaps a Scottish thing Sheila?

I've only once come across one of these, and that was in a cheap Italian restaurant in Reading. You know the kind of place, fish netting on the ceiling, gingham tablecloths, chianti bottle for candle holders....

nona1

"I will wait and buy one there but if they're pulling my leg and it's not available in every M&S in the UK, I may order one from the catalog."

You mean you really want one??!!

julia_t

I've never heard of a gurgling jug, but once Sheila had described it, I now know that you could pick up one for a very modest amount at almost any charity/thrift shop or jumble sale!

They are starting at 2.99 GBP on ebay...

CatFancier

I've seen these for sale at antiques and collectibles shows in the U.S. Granted, they're not the prettiest things in the world but would certainly be a conversation piece!

Mucky

Hi Daisy54
When I first read this post I really thought someone was pulling your leg.
Until I saw Sheilas link to the said article...lol

My grandmother had 2 in her house, she always had flowers in them. Isn't it a vase?

I never saw her do anything else with them.
And for the record, you won't find them on hardly any British tables these days.
If anyone does know the real purpose I for one would be intreagued to know.

Muck

sheila

I'd have you know they come from Cornwall!!

Maybe I just move in less salubrious surroundings than the rest of you.

and, Mucky, the name's a giveaway. When you pour from them, they gurgle.

what's this post got to do with travel?

Barbara

Sheila, a little more care with the "generation above us" cut-off age, please!

janisj

Barbara: I was going to say the very same thing

Daisy54: You won't find gurgling jugs on almost ANY UK tables. Perhaps in Granny's curio cabinet, but not on the table.

I've seen them in lots of antiques/junk shops and places like Portobello Rd.

Pumbavu

Lived in UK all my life. Lived in the North and the South of England. Never heard of a gurgling jug.

You can complain to the Advertising Standards Agency ;-)

MissPrism

I've actually got one in the house somewhere, perhaps in the loft.
I think that it may be a Scottish person who gave it to us.
I certainly don't use it. Perhaps we should hang onto it and wait until it is a valuable antique ;-)