The Corner London City, the greenest hotel in London, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to welcome a permanent resident ahead of World Bee Day on 20 May, with a Queen Bee set to join the hotel’s rooftop hive signifying a new milestone in the hotel’s already established sustainability journey.

There’s no time to rest, as the team is all-a-flutter and busy pulling out all the stops for the Queen Bee’s arrival – with the hotel beekeeper, Soufiane Mghenen, giving the hives an extra dust off; the bar staff preparing delectable honey-based cocktails; and a specially made case crafted to transport the Queen to her hive.

In a bid to engage the local community and join the UN initiative to “Bee Engaged with Youth”, The Corner London City partnered with Brick Lane School to invite students to participate in a naming competition for the Queen Bee. As an incentive, the children will be invited to visit the hives once the Queen has settled and established her colony.

Germaine Joseph, event and sales manager of the hotel said: “The arrival of the Queen Bee is causing quite a buzz among the team at The Corner London City. We’re thrilled to welcome her as a permanent resident to our hotel and also involve the students from our local Brick Lane School. Her presence will symbolise our ongoing commitment to be the greenest hotel in London and the next phase of our sustainability journey.”

Honey produced from the hives will be integrated into The Corner London City’s breakfast offering, dining menus and cocktails in the coming months.

The Corner London City was accredited with the Gold Green Tourism certification early this year, and the Gold Greengage ECO Smart 2024 award recognising the ongoing commitment and extensive measures by the hotel team to both demonstrate and embrace sustainable practises.

The Greenest Hotel in London

The hotel’s credentials to be the greenest hotel in London can be seen in every corner of the hotel. All bedrooms feature a power-saving rain shower with water saving technology, energy saving lights throughout the building, sustainably-sourced fabrics, organic toiletries, and a quest to only use locally sourced ingredients and local suppliers.

Adding to the quirkiness, the rooms all contain bespoke handmade furniture made by artist Sander Bokkinga using reclaimed wood and old hosepipes.