The 3 places you’d never expect to find bees in London
When you think of London's financial district, bees probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Yet across the Square Mile and Canary Wharf, something remarkable is happening on the rooftops of some of the city's most prestigious buildings.
For asset managers and property teams, urban beekeeping is more than an environmental gesture. It’s a practical way to improve tenant experience and meet ESG reporting goals. From glass towers to heritage properties, these buildings show that sustainability can work, even in the most densely built parts of the city.
Here are three standout locations where forward-thinking property managers have embraced urban beekeeping in places you'd least expect.
40 Leadenhall (40 Leadenhall St)
Nicknamed “Gotham City” for its striking silhouette, 40 Leadenhall is reshaping the eastern edge of the City skyline. With nearly 900,000 sq ft of premium office space, the building offers landmark architecture, rooftop terraces, a private cinema, and a wellness suite.
Completed in 2024, it is on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum certifications, thanks in part to its beehives. The elevated position and expansive terraces provide ideal conditions for managed beekeeping that supports, rather than strains, the surrounding ecosystem.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management (60 Victoria Embankment)
Overlooking the Thames with views of the South Bank and beyond, 60 Victoria Embankment blends heritage architecture with modern-day functionality. Long home to J.P. Morgan in London, the building stands as a testament to enduring presence and evolving workplace expectations.
Adding beehives to this historic site might seem unexpected but it reflects a broader strategy to enrich premium office environments. The rooftop setting offers ideal conditions for bees and creates a tangible link between sustainability goals and daily tenant experience.
6 Bevis Marks
Steps from the Gherkin, 6 Bevis Marks features a floating ETFE roof terrace and elegant glass façade. Built in 2013 using much of the original structure, it has improved energy performance by 80%.
The building also offers a landscaped courtyard, premium cycle facilities, and direct access to the Square Mile. Its beehives are part of a broader effort to create a workplace that reflects modern tenant values, from wellness to sustainability.
Tenants enjoy a landscaped courtyard, high-end cycle facilities, and direct access to London’s Square Mile, making it a favorite among forward-looking occupiers.
Why responsible beekeeping matters in London
As exciting as hives are, London is facing a real challenge: too many honey bee colonies and not enough forage to sustain them. In some central boroughs, hive density exceeds ecological limits, putting wild pollinators at risk.
That’s why responsible beekeeping matters. At Alvéole, we focus on practices that support both honey bees and wild bees, aligning with biodiversity goals and long-term sustainability.
To learn more, read our take on responsible urban beekeeping in London.
Own or manage a building in London?
Let’s talk about how sustainable beekeeping can support your ESG goals while engaging tenants in a meaningful way. Contact us today.
