Is prior beekeeping experience required?

No experience is needed; the session is designed for beginners and led by knowledgeable guides.

Are beekeeping suits provided?

Yes, suits are provided during the summer sessions for hive inspections.

Can I participate if I have a bee allergy?

If you have a severe allergy to bees, participation is not recommended for your safety.

What types of beers are included in the tasting?

The tasting features a curated selection of craft beers brewed or selected by Hiver Beers, paired with honey and cheeses.

Is the experience suitable for groups or couples?

Yes, it’s ideal for small groups, friends, or couples seeking a unique urban outing.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Bring a valid ID and dress appropriately for the season; all beekeeping gear except footwear is provided.

Urban Beekeeping & Beer Tasting with Hiver Beers London | Guided Tour | Food Tour

Situated on St Agnes Place in vibrant Kennington Park, London SE11, Hiver Beers offers a distinctly urban outdoor adventure that blends hands-on beekeeping with craft beer tasting. This two-hour experience invites locals and visitors alike to step into the world of London’s urban apiaries, where buzzing hives meet expertly brewed beers in an immersive setting.

Kennington Park itself has a rich cultural history as a public green space south of the Thames, offering a green lung in the heart of the city’s bustle. Within this lively urban park, Hiver Beers cultivates an unexpected connection to nature: thriving bee colonies that are both a reminder of the importance of pollinators and a rare opportunity for city dwellers to engage with beekeeping first-hand.

During the warmer months from April to September, participants don protective suits and approach the active hives, guided through the inspection process where they can handle frames and learn to identify the Queen Bee. The experience deepens appreciation for the complex life cycles and social order of bees, against the backdrop of Kennington Park’s seasonal blooms and urban wildlife.

In cooler months, the focus shifts indoors and to preparation work: building hive frames, making beeswax candles, and understanding how colonies survive winter dormancy. Throughout all sessions, a tutored beer tasting follows, showcasing Hiver’s curated selection of craft beers paired alongside local honey and a cheeseboard, marrying the flavors of bee labor and brewing artistry.

What makes Hiver Beers a standout in London’s outdoor scene is its unique fusion of education, hands-on conservation, and communal tasting—all within an accessible city park setting. This approachable, engaging activity offers not just a taste of craft beer but a closer look at urban sustainability and the delicate ecosystems thriving just beyond the city streets.

About Hiver Beers

Hiver Beers is a London-based brewer and experience operator specializing in honey‑infused craft beers, beekeeping workshops and guided tastings. Founded to explore the intersection of beekeeping and brewing, Hiver Beers runs hands-on hive experiences, beer and cider tastings, cider-making workshops and vineyard visits across London and the surrounding countryside.

Hiver offers a range of curated experiences including urban beekeeping sessions in Kennington Park, rural hive days at Albourne Estate and Greyfriars Vineyard, Taproom tastings near London Bridge, Bermondsey Beer Mile tours and seasonal honey-harvesting workshops. Each experience pairs expert-led beekeeping instruction with tutored tastings of beer, cider or wine and locally sourced cheese or picnic options.

Sessions are led by trained beekeepers and beverage specialists who guide guests through hive inspections, honey extraction, cider production techniques and sensory tasting notes. Safety briefings, protective equipment and clear, practical instruction are provided to ensure an informative and accessible visit for beginners and beer or cider enthusiasts alike.

Hiver Beers collaborates with local vineyards, breweries and markets to showcase regional producers and promote pollinator-friendly practices. Guests leave with practical skills, tastings, take-home samples and branded glassware or goodie bags depending on the experience. With urban and rural locations, Hiver Beers blends education, sustainable beekeeping and artisanal tasting for memorable days out near London.

Popular venues include Greyfriars Winery in the Surrey Hills, the Albourne Estate vineyards and the Taproom near London Bridge on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Participants often receive branded glassware, goodie bags or bottles to continue brewing and tasting at home.