London Beekeeping & Beer Tasting
About this experience
London Beekeeping & Beer Tasting
Hiver started out of admiration for London's urban beekeepers, and this experience takes you to meet them. You'll spend two hours at Bee Urban in Kennington Park, close to Kennington and Oval tube stations, learning how bees live and work in the middle of the city, then finish with a tutored tasting of Hiver's honey beers.
What you'll do
- Meet the bees. An expert beekeeper explains how a beehive is organised and how the bee life cycle works.
- Get hands-on. You'll be "suited and booted" in a beekeeping suit, then open the hive with the beekeeper, handle a frame and see the colony at work.
- Learn about urban beekeeping. You'll find out how bees thrive in London and what it takes to keep them in the city.
- Taste the results. You'll finish with a tutored tasting of three of Hiver's award-winning honey beers, with food matching and some nibbles.
On very wet days, when the hives can't be opened safely, the beekeeper builds a hive with the group instead and focuses on hive by-products. So you still get the full experience, whatever the weather.
When it runs
The beekeeping season runs from April to September, when the bees are most active. Check Hiver's booking page for current dates, including any winter sessions.
What to wear
Beekeeping suits are provided. Wear closed shoes and socks that cover your ankles. Shorts and skirts are fine under the suit.
About Hiver
Hiver is a London honey beer brand, born out of an admiration for the city's urban beekeepers and a passion for craft beer. Its beers use only British ingredients and are fermented with raw honey, and the range includes a Honey Blonde Beer and a Honey Brown Ale. Hiver is one of the longest-standing venues on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, and its taproom on Stanworth Street has a live colony of bees in an exhibition hive on the wall.
Good to know
- Hiver's beer contains wheat (gluten), and some food matches contain wheat and lactose and may contain traces of nuts. Let Hiver know about dietary needs in advance at experiences@hiverbeers.com.
- Booking changes can be made up to 2 weeks before your date.
- If you have questions, contact Hiver on 07732 156449 or experiences@hiverbeers.com.
Highlights
- Learn how a beehive works and about the bee life cycle
- Suit up and handle a frame during a live hive inspection
- Hosted by an expert urban beekeeper
- Tutored tasting of three Hiver honey beers with food matching
- Beekeeping suits provided, and no experience needed
Where
Bee Urban, Kennington Park, London SE11
