Meet the Makers: The Bearded Barista

No.2

A little bit of honey, a lot of hard work, and a passion for the great outdoors thats Lee!

At The Village Larder, we believe there's a story behind everything on our shelves. And when it comes to Lee, the man behind The Bearded Barista, there's more to his story than you might expect.

Lee is a beekeeper, an educator, and a familiar face at local fairs and events, sharing his knowledge of bees, the natural world, and outdoor skills with the community. It's this mix of practical know-how, enthusiasm, and connection to the outdoors that makes his work such a good fit for The Village Larder.

From the community to the colonies

Lee tends the bees at The Eden-field Project, helping care for the colonies and supporting the important role bees play in our local environment alongside his own hives through Bury and Rossednale. Beekeeping takes patience, observation, and a real respect for the natural world. From understanding the needs of a colony to keeping an eye on its health and wellbeing, there's a lot of work that happens long before a jar of honey reaches a shelf.

It's a reminder that good local produce isn't simply something that appears ready-made. There's time, care, and plenty of hands-on work behind it.

A little island with a big purpose

Lee also works with Summerseat Island, where his passion for the outdoors and sharing practical knowledge comes into its own. Through his involvement in local fairs and events, Lee helps introduce people to the fascinating world of bees and the skills that can help us feel more connected to the outdoors.

Education is an important part of what he does. Whether it's helping people understand why bees matter, explaining more about beekeeping, or encouraging people to develop outdoor skills, Lee makes these subjects accessible and engaging. It's particularly valuable for younger people and anyone who hasn't had much opportunity to learn about the natural world first-hand.

More than what's in the jar

For us, Lee's story is exactly what Meet the Maker is all about. Behind the honey is someone who puts time into caring for bees, supporting a local community project, attending events, and helping others learn about the environment around them.

We're proud to help share that story, alongside the produce itself.

Find Lee at The Village Larder

Fancy trying some of Lee's honey? You can find it through The Village Larder's shop, alongside produce and products from other local makers.

Every purchase is an opportunity to discover something made or grown close to home, and to get to know the people behind it.