Edinburgh Honey Company gets ‘World Bee Day’ afloat with Fingal

Edinburgh Honey Company has teamed up with Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel to get the city buzzing for ‘World Bee Day’ on Saturday 20th May.

For the first time in its 60-year history, the family-owned honey firm is working with Edinburgh’s Fingal to raise awareness of the importance of bees and beekeeping as part of the global campaign day.

Edinburgh Honey Company specialises in rare, high-quality, raw honey, which is sourced in a responsible and sustainable way.

Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is now showcasing Edinburgh Honey Company’s Scottish honey and honeycomb on its menus.

Fingal has also created a special new cocktail called ‘Shipwreck’, using honey syrup to celebrate World Bee Day on 20th May. The Lemon verbena and winter savory used to infuse and garnish the cocktail are grown in the Fingal meadow on the shore opposite the ship. The Shipwreck cocktail also combines green chilli liqueur, Fingal’s in-house cordial and a touch of smoke, creating an explosion of flavours.

Re-launched as a luxury hotel, restaurant and bar in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just 10 minutes away.

Andy Zalewski, Managing Director of Edinburgh Honey Company, said:

“We’re thrilled to be working with Fingal to help promote World Bee Day, along with the importance of pollinators in nature. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and raise awareness about the crucial role that pollinators play in our ecosystem."

Permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront, Fingal is now a world-class foodie destination with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance.

Fingal recently sailed into the AA’s prestigious list of hotels and restaurants after being awarded the top five-star rating for the hotel and two AA Rosettes for its Lighthouse Restaurant, which champions local, seasonal and artisan produce on its menus.

Commenting on the ship’s work with the Edinburgh Honey Company to celebrate World Bee Day, Andrew Smith, Food & Beverage Manager for Fingal, said:

“We’re always on the lookout for new ways to work with local producers and suppliers. The Edinburgh Honey Company is based less than two miles from Fingal and keeps its beehives right in the heart of the city, so this was an opportunity that we just couldn’t miss.

“The honey they produce is rare, high quality, and 100 per cent natural and raw. It’s also sourced in a sustainable and responsible way.”

Andrew added:

“Like Fingal and Britannia, the Edinburgh Honey Company is independently owned. It also has a rich history with beekeeping that goes back 60 years.

“We’re extremely proud to be working with this family-owned business to celebrate World Bee Day on 20th May. Not only are we showcasing Edinburgh Honey Company products on our menus, but we’ve also created a new Shipwreck cocktail made with their honey.”

Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by its rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining and is also available for exclusive use events and weddings. Serving Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails (pre-booking required), Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has a relaxed, luxurious feel.

Edinburgh Honey Company is also planning a series of events around the city to celebrate World Bee Day on Saturday 20th May, including an art exhibition of their beehives painted by Edinburgh College of Art students at the Jupiter Artland, as well as a ‘Gin and Honey’ evening event with Edinburgh Gin.

For more information on Edinburgh Honey Company, visit www.edinburghhoney.co.uk and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/EdinburghHoneyCo; Instagram www.instagram.com/edinburghhoneyco and Twitter https://twitter.com/edinburghhoney

For more information on Fingal, visit www.fingal.co.uk and follow on social media , including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh; Twitter https://twitter.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh