The Gluggle Jug (or Glug Jug as it is commonly known) isn’t a new thing. It’s been a popular household product since the 1870s. The quirky fish-shaped water jug is known for the distinct “glug glug glug” noise it makes as water is poured from its mouth-shaped opening. Admittedly, the iconic jug might not be for everyone, but I’m obsessed with anything a little bit whimsical, and it’s a household accessory that’s sat on my wishlist for the last few years. You’ve probably spotted it in the likes of Oliver Bonas and Fenwicks, where it retails for anywhere between £36 and £45, depending on colour.
However, while browsing Dunelm’s new spring collection, I was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar fish-shaped friend looking back at me. Dunelm now stocks the Wade Fish Jug in two different sizes, as well as a variety of different colours. While the prices don’t vary massively between Dunelm and other retailers, the fish jug is slightly cheaper.
The smaller size of the Wade Fish Jug (0.6L) costs £34, while the larger size (1.2L) is £44. The gurgling jug was first created by Thomas Forester & Sons in 1970 before passing through various manufacturers. They are most commonly associated with British Dartmouth Pottery, which developed the whimsical fish design I have grown to love. In 1958, the jug was given a royal stamp of approval, pushing it into the world of collector’s items.
Original and vintage Gluggle Jugs can retail for almost double the price of newer ones on re-sell platforms such as eBay, but luckily, plenty of high-street retailers now sell them. They also come in a whole range of colours to match your style.
Dunelm stocks the Wade Fish Jug in white, sage green, teal blue, grey, forest green, and cobalt blue. Fenwicks has a slightly broader colour range, with options including lilac, orange, pink, and yellow. Oliver Bonas has an eye-catching lime green version I haven’t seen in many places.
Although the jugs were designed to hold water, they make fantastic vases that would look beautiful holding a springtime bouquet. They even make an eye-catching table accessory on their own or are great as an addition to an eclectic shelf.
