Back in July, half a million honey bees checked in at the Lancaster London, making it the first central London hotel to install beehives on its roof. Yesterday, the hotel's “Bee Team” invited us round to have a taste of their golden yield alongside a few jars of honey from other hives around London and Surrey.
Londonist was truly amazed by the variation in flavour of the different honeys. The Lancaster's sweet stuff was particularly complex and flowery in character, no doubt due to the hotel's proximity to Hyde Park. Other honeys were more robust and waxy. Indeed, a taste of Wandsworth Floral Honey (available at the Hive Honey Shop on Northcote Road, SW11) had us reminiscing about the first time we'd chewed on a bit of honeycomb. Other honeys were more herby and vegetal. All were delicious.
Not available to guests quite yet, the hotel plans to serve their honey straight from the comb at breakfast in their restaurant, Island, and as part of their afternoon teas. Pots of honey will also be offered to VIPs and honeymooning guests, while the wax from the hives will be used to create candles for gifts.
With its Bronze Award from Green Tourism for London and the distinction of being the only hotel to win an Award for Sustainable Tourism at the Visit London Awards 2008, Lancaster London continues to demonstrate a commendably yummy dedication to responsible hospitality. With bee populations on the decline, this is news that should have honey lovers all abuzz.
For more details, visit the Lancaster London's Bee Blog.
