Early Bees brings bee-inspired coffee and honey drinks to central London

Early Bees, an independent coffee brand inspired by the relationship between bees and coffee, is now operating sites across Holborn, Old Street and Bank, offering Londoners honey-led drinks and speciality Colombian coffee in nature-themed surroundings. The brand has built its concept around the role pollinators play in coffee production, with more than 70% of coffee flowers reliant on bee pollination.

The company’s founders cite this ecological link as the basis for both the menu and the design of its venues. Coffee plants, particularly the arabica varieties widely cultivated in Latin America, depend heavily on bee activity for fruit yield and bean quality. Studies have consistently shown that farms situated near healthy bee populations produce larger harvests, a fact that Early Bees draws upon in its branding and product range.

Early Bees joins a growing number of independent coffee operators in the capital placing emphasis on sustainability and the agricultural origins of their products. The sector has seen increased consumer interest in traceable sourcing, with single-origin beans and ethical supply chains becoming key draws for smaller chains competing with larger high-street cafés.

The new player’s menu features speciality coffee sourced from Colombia, one of the world’s largest arabica producers, alongside a selection of honey-based drinks. Signature items include the Salted Honey Latte and the Honey Cloud Latte, both of which incorporate honey as a primary flavour component instead of refined sugar. Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha is also available, reflecting a broader trend among London independents to offer high-grade green tea alongside coffee.

In addition to hot and cold drinks, there are pastries and light bites aimed at customers visiting for breakfast, lunch breaks or short meetings. All three venues are located in areas teeming with office workers and commuters.

The interiors have been designed with natural materials and botanical references intended to provide a quieter environment in the hustle and bustle of central London. The brand says the spaces are intended for customers seeking a brief pause during the working day as well as those settling in for a longer visit.

Food Desk

Early Bees is now open at Holborn, Old Street and Bank. For further information, visit the brand’s website here.