Argh!!! No Charcoal

[mcdodge]

Went to Booker to get some lump and they were all out. Luckily I have enough left for about 1 smoke...

Nobody else would appreciate this frustration... Thank you for your understanding BBQ brothers!

[MrBlue]

We know this feeling VERY well!

[All Weather Griller]

I feel your pain buddy! Now is the time to start banking your fuel for the winter. You don't want to be out of fuel on Christmas day with a turkey to smoke.

[JEC]

I understand your pain, I buy Cocoshell briquettes in bulk to avoid the same issue, luckily for me I have a local lumpwood charcoal producer just 3 miles away so I have a ready supply (although no space in my shed!!) of both types whatever my cooking needs are

[clairbare]

We are purchasing a newer, bigger shed so we can hopefully stock up on fuel - especially as we now have a new tradition of cooking for our Halloween party

[mcdodge]

I have a big garage, just need to stock up next time I am at Booker. Any clues how often they get it in?

I've officially run out of Charcoal now, having used the last on a brisket I put on at 11 last night...

[All Weather Griller]

I'm not sure how common knowledge this is but basically there is a shortage of the blue bagged restaurant grade stuff this year. That stuff is manufactured in Namibia by farmers that have to clear root weeds from their land. Essentially the charcoal is acacia and it has been affected by the flooding that has taken place in the last season.

I spoke with Barbequick and they tell me that they have even had to stop supplying other wholesale companies in the BBQ industry as there isn't sufficient stock left either in the uk or on the harbour side in Namibia.

They will sell direct to Joe or Joanne public, the price is still the same but they are aware that the restaurant stuff may be an issue for the remainder of this year and early 2012 with fresh stocks being available from around the end of the first quarter in 2012.

All other types should be fine, not sure where Big K get theirs from but Ed will probably chime in at some point as they Sponsor a Bunch of Swines.

Cheers Adie

[clairbare]

Cheers for that Adie, we weren't aware of that

[All Weather Griller]

Apparently it's very common knowledge http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink ... loods.html

Cheers Adie

[Swindon_Ed]

I spoke with Big K about this today and was told that they don't import their resturant lump from Namibia and don't have any problems with supply.

They're happy to take orders direct from the public so if you're in need give them a go. I've been very happy with the size of the charcoal peices in the bags i've used so far.