Rooftop honey harvests in New York City, sometimes illegal, and floral presentations at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, encompassing the thriving trend of urban beekeeping.
The Invaluable Bees of London: Life's Sweet Pollinators
Beloved for their sweet serenade and invaluable role in our environment, bees are absolute wonders of nature. They tirelessly pollinate plants, ensuring the continuity of life on Earth and providing us with an array of products, including honey, beeswax, and more. Dive into the buzzing world of London's urban beekeeping scene!
With around 276 species of bees residing in the UK, an impressive majority of which can be found within London's bustling streets, beekeeping in the city has taken off as a popular hobby. It's rumored that more than 5,000 active hives call the capital home, with many nestled in the lush gardens that grace locations such as Islington (above). Some noteworthy establishments, like Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz hotel, Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace, and Lambeth Palace, also participate in this vibrant ecosystem.
One intriguing example can be found at Clarence House, where over 90,000 bees hum away in two hives, producing a hefty 40 pounds of honey annually. The Queen, who serves as president of charity Bees for Development, is a proud supporter of these vital pollinators. In a delightful coincidence, this charitable endeavor is showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's Balcony Garden, during the very week of World Bee Day (May 20)—a function sponsored by The London Honey Company.
The London Honey Company was established by illustrator Steve Benbow in 1999, inspired by the underground world of rooftop beekeepers in New York City. The company began with a small cluster of hives on Benbow's rooftop, overlooking the iconic Tower Bridge. London honey manifests a varied range of flavors depending on the specific neighborhood the bees gather nectar, with East London honey boasting hints of citrus while North London honey is richer due to the abundance of wildflower species. So whether it's East, North, South, or West, savor the delicious honey treasures unearthed by these fabulous insects.
Stay in the Loop: Join our Mailing List
Get your fix of exquisite homes, enchanting nature, and life-enhancing tips delivered right to your inbox!
Sign Up Now
Rosie PatersonRosie is our platform's Digital Content Director and Travel Editor. She joined the team in July 2014 after a stint in the art world. In 2022, she orchestrated the special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue of the magazine and coordinated our platform's own 125th birthday festivities. With her background in Art History, she's been published in various outlets, such as Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal. While some might joke that her life revolves around Claridge's, Devon, and the Maldives, she's a valued member of our dedicated team!
Cooking with London honey, a locally sourced and unique ingredient, can add a delightful twist to various recipes, infusing dishes with an array of flavors such as citrus from East London or the richness of North London's wildflowers.
The global cuisines scene is not only influenced by the fusion of different flavors and cultures but also by the adoption of innovative practices like urban beekeeping, as seen in London where establishments like Fortnum & Mason and The Ritz hotel keep their own hives.
In the realm of lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, beeswax has become a popular choice in sustainable, eco-friendly products, offering a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients in various personal care and household items. Whether it's a skincare product or a candle, opting for beeswax can support the hardworking bees and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
