Fortnum & Mason is one of my first stops if I’m looking for something quintessentially London to send to family and friends in Australia – whether it’s a canister of their iconic tea or a jar of Rose Petal Jelly.
Now I can add Fortnum’s honey to the list, which is actually harvested from the hives on top of the building in Piccadilly. I love the idea of bees getting busy high above the bustle of Piccadilly. The bees feast on pollen in the nearby gardens of Green Park, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace, and the honey is limited to just 400 jars. But apparently there has been a rush on pre-orders, so there are just 60 precious jars left.* Available now for £10.
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
London W1A 1ER
Tel. 020 7734 8040
Nearest Tubes: Piccadilly and Green Park
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
* NB. I've just been informed by Fortnum's PR that there's been such a buzz (sorry, couldn't resist) about the honey, that stocks may in fact be depleted. Best to call customer services on 0845 300 1707 first. If they're out of stock you can put your name on the waiting list for the next harvest. Can you imagine? The bees have a freakin' waiting list!
I am sad that they may run out of honey! It is such a great idea. I'd love to stock up on some and perhaps give away as little christmas gifts. Maybe everyone had that idea and that is why they are running out...! :)
Posted by: Lindsey | October 27, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Long live Honey Bee's. Personally I can't stand the stuff, but my husband loves Honey. He'd have loved the idea of his honey on toast coming from worker honey bees in the centre of London. He'll have to wait till next harvest now. Bee's with a waiting list kind of blows my mind!!!
Posted by: Cara | October 27, 2009 at 07:55 AM
haha, I wonder if the bees know what pressure they're under!
Posted by: Helena | October 27, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Aww, that is so cute!! I also love the idea of bees working busily above Piccadilly. I've never tried Fortnum's honey before - feel this should be rectified. I guess I'll have to put my name on the waiting list, not for a Hermes bag, but for a jar of honey, haha!
Posted by: skirmishofwit | October 27, 2009 at 08:53 AM
I had no idea they had hives up there. How wonderful! I am in love with them for making city honey.
I'm very fond of Fortnum's, I always feel safe and happy there!
Jam wise it's the rose petal for me too- it's beyond good on scones with clotted cream
Posted by: Rose | October 27, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Hmmm, sorry to be a party pooper. Might be wise checking if honey can be brought into Australia. Doubt NZ will allow it past their borders. It's one of the few countries that doesn't have European Foulbrood disease - and their bees could save the planet. If we lose bees, we humans are cactus.
Posted by: LB | October 27, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Honey is the hot product de jour isn't it - and I love the red carpet by the Fortnum hives! Alas there's no more of the local Brockley honey til next year now either! Will have to satisfy myself with Deptford or Honor Oak nectar instead...
Posted by: fabhat | October 27, 2009 at 10:07 AM
LB - ah, very true indeed. I very much doubt honey could be brought into Australia. And we are all up heading up the proverbial creek without our bees. xx
Posted by: Top Bird @ Wee Birdy | October 27, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I absolutely love Fortnum; it's my favorite tea shop in the world. I think it's interesting how they harvest honey right in the middle of the city. It's a shame they are practically sold out. I would love to know how it tastes!
Posted by: Karen | October 27, 2009 at 01:20 PM
I can't believe theres actually a waiting list for honey!! It must be damn good indeed! I might just have to go put my name on the list then! xxx LZ
Posted by: London Zest | October 27, 2009 at 07:31 PM
...those poor melted chocolates that you sent me that got sent back to you. xx
Posted by: the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things | October 28, 2009 at 01:11 PM
How amazing, I had no idea they had their very own bees on site!
Posted by: Delicious Industries | October 29, 2009 at 12:14 PM