Basic shopping advice please

[obuk]

Hello,

I've recently moved into the UK and I'm wondering what the usual place to buy "BBQ stuff" (briquettes, lighting fluid, etc) is. Is it the supermarkets, petrol stations, or something else altogether? I live in the centre of Exeter and would like something within walking distance ideally - so no wholesale department stores or garden centres accessible from the motorway, please.

Thank you very much in advance!

[Eddie]

I am not familiar with Exeter, but you might be better off obtaining what you need by ordering it over the net? What do you want/need?

Eddie

[obuk]

Thanks Eddie.

I just wanted to get a pack of charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid for a small weekend BBQ in our garden (let's say four people) - ideally in a walk-in shop not too far from where I live. Ordering online is not really an option for now as I'd like to do it all tomorrow, but I'd welcome any tips as to which e-shop to order from for the next time around!

[Pecker]

Most large supermarkets sell briquettes in the Summer. That's coming to an end now, but you can sometimes pick up bargains.

Best bet is probably garden centres.

I'd Google 'Exeter garden centre' then check each one's site, or give them a ring, to see if they sell what you want.

Or there's these:

http://www.hotsmoked.co.uk/

Steve W

[Swindon_Ed]

I live in the centre of Exeter and would like something within walking distance ideally - so no wholesale department stores or garden centres accessible from the motorway, please.

I know there is a Go Outdoors in Exeter and i've found they normally have a good stock of BBQ stuff over winter.

[obuk]

Thank you all for your kind tips and advice!

[UKEgger]

Try not to use lighter fluid !!!

[Pecker]

Absolutely.

In the longer term, buy a chimney starter. You'll get all the advice you need here, and there are a million and one videos at YouTube.

Very, very, very easy to use.

In the short term, as you're in a rush, if you can't get one in time, and you feel that you absolutely must use lighter fluid, please use as little as possible and ensure it's all completely burned off before you cook.

But trust us. Lighting charcoal can be frustrating, but with a good chimney starter it's a piece of pi...erm, cake.

Steve W

[Eddie]

Just had a look on the B&Q store finder and you have two in your area http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates ... Submit.y=0

B&Q at the moment are having a massive sale with Q equipment, different charcoals and they also sell Chimney starters

Eddie

[keith157]

If you do buy a chimney starter please take a careful look at the way the handle is fixed. Most of the cheaper ones have metal brackets pressure fitted into a wooden handle which leaves exposed HOT metal right where your thumb wants to be.