There’s a Sweet New Beestro at the Honeybee Centre in #SurreyBC

There’s this little place called the Honeybee Centre just down the road from me. I’ve driven past it hundreds of times, but I’ve never stopped to go in. (I bet you have a few of these local jewels in your neighbourhood that you’ve missed out on too. Go! What are you waiting for?) Last week I finally made the time for a visit, and I’m so glad I did!

Last Friday evening I joined a fantastic group of local bloggers at the Honeybee Centre to learn just what happens there and to check out the grand opening of their new cafe, Fry’s Corner Beestro. Dilly the Clown was there to keep the kids entertained while the adults got to explore all the fascinating things to see and do there, and even shop a little.

We got a fascinating 20 minute beekeeping demonstration and learned how local beekeepers raise healthy honeybees, examine the hive, and harvest honey. We even saw the queen bee firsthand. Did you know the queen bee lives four to seven years and lays 1500 eggs a day, every day? And here I am, finished at only two!

I have to tell you that my kids usually freak out when they see a bee (or any flying insect, really), so the best part of the beekeeping demo for me was my five-year-old telling her little sister later that evening, “It’s okay, bees are good! They won’t sting you if you leave then alone.”

Afterwards we had the opportunity to taste raw, warm honey straight out of the hive – it just doesn’t get any sweeter than this!

The kids got to do a bee-themed craft and visit with the giant Honeybee Centre mascot (a bee of course!) while the adults relaxed in the brand new Fry’s Corner Beestro, a bright, warm, and inviting converted greenhouse offering visitors delicious pastries, soups, salads, and panini sandwiches, all featuring the sweet touch of honey. Notice the honeycomb pattern on the back wall? Nice touch!

On our visit we enjoyed the honey peach lemonade, strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese and honey balsamic drizzle, and several kinds of panini. You have to try their BLTA – bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado with honey mustard and mayo. Dessert was honeycomb scones with Devonshire cream, mini blueberry honey muffins, honeyed cheesecake, and homemade granola  and vanilla yogurt parfaits with wildflower honey. What a delicious spread!

The Beestro also offers a children’s menu at a reasonable $4.99 for soup or a sandwich, served with a side of veggies and dip or apples with cinnamon honey yogurt dip.

All the staff we met were friendly, professional, and oh so patient with all the kids running around underfoot. One thing to be aware of: there’s a lovely miniature pond with goldfish at the entrance to the Beestro that the kids will definitely want to check out, but since there is no railing along the edge you’ll need to keep close watch so little ones don’t take an unexpected bath.

There’s lots more fun to be had at the Honeybee Centre this summer! Mark your calendars for the Honeybee Festival coming up on July 25 and 26. Events include:

• Live bees
• Bee beards
• Honey tasting
• Beekeeping demonstrations
• Kidz Zone
• Local artisans’ market
• Free demonstrations all day

See you there!

Connect

Honeybee Centre is located at the corner of 176th Street and Fraser Highway (Fry’s Corner) in Surrey, BC. Connect on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Win a Honeybee Centre Gift Basket!

My local readers have a chance to win a honey-inspired gift basket worth $100, courtesy of the Honeybee Centre. This giveaway is open to entrants age 19+ who can pick up the prize in person at the Honeybee Centre in Surrey, BC. Prize will not be shipped.

Check out my other open giveaways listed in the sidebar or in the menu (for mobile)!

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