Italian bees creating a buzz on Fortnum's roof

Some 200,000 honey bees have taken up residence on the roof of Fortnum & Mason.

Based in four hives, the Italian carnaroli bees are known for being placid and should produce a rare, super-sweet honey. They will gather nectar from the exotic flora within a three-andhalf mile area of the Piccadilly store, including Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Kensington Gardens, as well as pollen from chestnut and lime trees.

The white oak hives, each with a historically-themed arch, were designed by Fortnum & Mason sweet grocery buyer Jonathan Miller and are sited on the Jermyn Street side of the store. The bees have their own keeper, Steve Benbow, and are expected to produce 800 halfpound jars of honey each year.

Mr Miller said: "The honey will taste much richer than that from the country because the bees are feeding on such a rich diet."