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Handmade
Guernsey
Bean Jars
Lucy is creating a handmade stoneware pot inspired by Guernsey's traditional bean jar. Each one is being designed for long, slow cooking and made by hand in her L'Islet studio.
The first small batch is coming soon. Sign up to hear when pots are ready to collect.
Prototype – unglazed
Prototype – unglazedThe tradition
A Guernsey pot for a Guernsey dish
Bean jar is one of Guernsey's best-known traditional dishes. It is also the name commonly given to the distinctive pottery pot used to cook it.
For generations, families made their own versions using soaked beans, vegetables and cuts of pork or beef. The ingredients were placed in a pottery cooking pot, covered with brown paper tied with string, and often marked with the family name.
The pots were taken to a local bakery and left to cook slowly in the cooling oven. Every family had its own way of making bean jar, with recipes passed down and adapted over time.
The traditional shape is well suited to slow cooking. Its deep, rounded body holds a generous amount, while the smaller opening helps to limit evaporation.
Locally made bean jar pots have become harder to find. Lucy hopes to create a practical, contemporary version that respects the tradition while being made for today's kitchens.
Why I'm making them
I've always loved making pottery that's meant to be used every day. Bean jar has been part of Guernsey life for generations, and I wanted to create a handmade pot that people could cook with, bring to the table and hopefully pass on to the next generation.
Lucy
In development
What Lucy is making
Made by hand in Guernsey
Each bean jar pot will be thrown on the wheel individually at Lucy's studio in L'Islet, Vale. They will not be factory-made or produced from a mould.
Designed for slow cooking
Lucy has spent months refining the shape, proportions and details. She is testing the clay, wall thickness, handles, lid and glaze to create a pot that is practical to cook with, carry and serve from.
Serving bowls
Lucy is also developing a set of handmade bowls to go alongside the bean jar pot, designed for serving the dish at the table.
No two will be exactly the same
Because each pot will be made by hand, there will be small differences in shape, size and glaze. These natural variations are part of what makes each piece unique.
Prototype – unglazedMade to be used
These are designed to be proper cooking pots, not decorative ornaments. Lucy wants them to be used in kitchens for years to come, bringing people together over one of Guernsey's traditional dishes.
- Guernsey families replacing an older bean jar pot
- People starting their own family tradition
- Islanders living away from Guernsey
- Visitors looking for a useful gift made on the island
- Restaurants, cafés and guest houses celebrating Guernsey food
- Anyone looking for a meaningful wedding, retirement or housewarming gift
Get notified when pots drop
The first pots are still in development and will be made in small batches. Sign up to be the first to know when they're ready to collect.
Common questions
What is a Guernsey bean jar?
Guernsey bean jar is a traditional slow-cooked dish made with beans, vegetables and usually pork or beef. The name is also commonly used for the pottery cooking pot in which the dish is made.
Why is it called a bean jar?
The name comes from the pottery jars that Guernsey families traditionally used to cook the dish. Over time, the name came to mean both the pot and the meal itself.
Is bean jar the dish or the pot?
Both. Bean jar is the name of the dish, but people in Guernsey also use the term for the traditional cooking pot.
Are L'Islet Pottery bean jar pots handmade in Guernsey?
Yes. Lucy will make each one by hand at her studio in L'Islet, Vale.
When will the first pots be available?
They are currently in development. Sign up above to be notified when the first small batch is ready.
Can I reserve one now?
Not yet. Lucy is still testing and refining the design before taking orders. Those on the mailing list will hear about availability before the general launch.
Will every pot look exactly the same?
No. Each one will be thrown and finished by hand, so there will be small differences in shape, size and glaze.
Will they be suitable for oven cooking?
That is what they are being designed for. Lucy is testing the clay, glaze and finished design before confirming the full oven and care guidance.
What size will they be?
The final size and capacity have not yet been confirmed. Lucy is working to find a size that is generous enough for family cooking without making the finished pot unnecessarily large or heavy.
Will they come with a lid?
Lucy is currently testing the design, including the best type of lid for slow cooking and serving.
Can they be personalised with a family name?
Lucy is exploring this option. Bean jar pots were traditionally marked with the family name, so personalisation could be a fitting addition if it works well with the final design.
Will delivery be available?
Collection from the L'Islet Pottery stall on Houmet Lane will be available. Shipping options will be confirmed before launch.