Hiver began in 2013 after our Founder Hannah went along to a honey tasting in Bermondsey. After asking if she could help, she found herself on the roof of the Tate Britain, helping to inspect her first beehive. With a frame of bees in hand and a view over London to remember, this was the moment she thought I’d really love to work with bees and honey!
She started researching all things bees and beekeeping and, as she already worked in the brewing industry, she started to develop an interest in honey beers as well. And so, the idea for Hiver came about.
Soon after brewing began, she managed to get a pitch at the Maltby St Market selling Hiver beer on the weekends. This led to a takeover of one of the local Railway arches a few years later which is now the Hive-quarters and Taproom.
Hiver started to grow as a speciality beer business and over time it became obvious that our customers wanted more honey drinks from us (cue the launch of our Honey Cider) as well as all things bee related too. So, we also now run beekeeping experiences and honey harvesting workshops in 3 locations, from central London to Sussex and Surrey with our fantastic winery partners Albourne Estate and GreyFriars vineyards.
We have since gone on to win gold medals at international beer awards, gained recognition as a sustainable business and been included in listings with the likes of the National Trust. Along with the good times we’ve also struggled with rental and cost increases, and like most, hope that Covid is long behind us.
We have a strong ethos of only using fresh and natural ingredients. So, no nasties or rushing the process! We also source only from British suppliers; from the raw British honey we buy from Uk independent beekeepers to the glass bottles from a Yorkshire foundry to Kentish hops. If you enjoy a Hiver, you’ll be supporting other British businesses too.
In 2025 we’re looking to sell our beers and cider a little further outside of London and hoping to find a beekeeping experience home of our own in London alongside our Bermondsey Taproom. Let’s see!
