Hadfield man is buzzing with sweet success!

A Hadfield resident has launched his own brand of locally produced honey - and business is already off to a sweet start. 

Andrew Lewis (59), a long-time bee enthusiast, has founded Hillside Honey, turning a lifelong hobby into a late-blooming commercial venture. His honey is produced from 16 colonies across the Glossop area, with each colony containing up to 60,000 bees at full strength.  

Andrew has already secured his first stockist in Glossop and is excited to see where the new venture takes him. “Hillside Honey is a new producer of raw local honey,” he said. “We are currently available to purchase at Sowerbutts in Glossop.”  

His honey is completely raw - unlike cheaper processed blends often found in supermarkets, which can include mixtures from different countries.  

Bee-keeping runs in Andrew’s family: “My great-grandfather kept bees - his home was actually called The Apiary” he said. “I only found this out in the last weeks of my father’s life, when he shared some of his memories. It opened my passion even more.”  

After waiting for the right moment to improve his work–life balance, Andrew joined the Stockport Beekeepers Association in January 2025.  

He said “I purchased two national hives, and in April this year I received my first two colonies from the club members. Everyone at the club has been fantastic - their mentoring has been first class.”  

As well as apiaries in Hadfield, Andrew now tends to hives in the Chunal and Hollingworth areas - with three varieties named after each location. He also produces beeswax candles as part of the Hillside Honey range.  

His enthusiasm and progress have already been recognised: Andrew was recently awarded the Roy Brocklehurst Trophy for New Beekeeper of the Year 2025. He will also be giving a talk on bees at Glossop Garden Centre, which has just begun stocking his honey.  

“I’m excited to share my honey with Glossop and beyond, and to teach others the art of apiculture,” he said.  

You can follow Andrew’s journey on Instagram at @hillside.apiaries  

Story credit: Alexander Greensmith