Gimme the jars!

June 1, 2009 3:20 AM

Where can I buy a lot of jam jars in London, for cheap?

I plan on making jam. A lot of it. And I don't want to spend £2 per glass jar in a corner shop. Where can I buy reasonably priced jars in London, UK (I'm North East London, but could travel)? And hell, if anyone knows where I can purchase discounted kitchen equipment (pans!), even better.

posted by Sijeka to food & drink (7 comments total)

Lakeland. And you can order online. My wife uses their kit all the time.
posted by smcniven at 4:01 AM on June 1

Try the Indian areas of London: Tooting (High St.) and Southall. They will have big pans and, I presume, glass jars at keen prices and will not be offended if you ask for a quantity discount. Kitchen equipment wholesalers will sell at retail. At least Dentons of Clapham High St. will but they are not cheap.
posted by Dr.Pill at 5:27 AM on June 1

Seconding Lakeland for jars, we use them all the time. And of course NEVER throw out any jars if you make jams/chutneys
posted by hardcode at 5:32 AM on June 1

I know this involves an enormous waste of food (I use the term loosely here), but Tesco value mixed fruit jam is 38p a jar, according to the interwebs.

If you're comfortable with scooping out a load of vaguely fruit-infused glucose-fructose syrup and disposing of it, I doubt you'll find jars any cheaper.

But otherwise, another vote for Lakeland.
posted by dowcrag at 5:43 AM on June 1

Seconding Tesco Value (or Asda Smart Price) jams. Both cheaper than the £5.99 for 12 Lakeland ones.

As for using up the unwanted jam, you could always try making wine from it, although I doubt it'd be much better than prison quality.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 6:10 AM on June 1

Post to Craigslist or freecycle looking for a quantity of jam jars to re-use. Surely there's someone like me, with a box of jars in the shed, waiting for a use.
posted by theora55 at 6:47 AM on June 1

I buy my jars for honey from Thorne by the gross. You can order online, but if you want to collect them in person, try Park Beekeeping in Blackheath.
posted by roofus at 11:41 AM on June 1