Manchester’s 24-hour party bees produce bumper harvest

We all know that Manchester’s mad about its bees.

The rooftop garden of the Printworks is home to over 60,000 of them and 20 species of fruit and vegetables.

Over the past three years it has grown everything from lettuce to strawberries, beetroot to potatoes, and mint to radish, and boasts four beehives and a beetle hotel.

Back in 2014, the Printworks produced its first batch of honey with bespoke labels designed by Mancsy. They sold out in a week, with jars signed by the Manchester artist selling for as much as £75.

The 2015 yield was just as popular. Now, after taking a year off, The Printworks has managed to harvest a bumper yield of honey from the beehives on the roof – and they reckon it’s some of the best honey to date.

“2017 has been a tough year for Manchester,” says Printworks centre director Fred Booth, “but the city really did pull together and the bee has become such a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people. They are amazing creatures and we’re really proud of our 24 hour party bees and their produce which is our city’s truly local honey. Hopefully it will be as popular this year as ever before.”

The #LiveFromTheHive project is a collaboration between The Printworks and Hard Rock Cafe and was recently awarded a Green Apple award for its environmental commitment. This recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.

All the money raised from the sale of the £10 jars of limited edition honey will go to The Booth Centre and Forever Manchester. The project has managed to raise over £2,000 to date for the two charities and another sell-out year is expected.

To place an order, simply call Hard Rock Cafe Manchester on 01618 316 700. But you’d better bee quick. Stock is limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone.