Beekeeping Experiences at Bishop’s Court Farm

Bees at Bishop’s Court Farm

Our apiary has 20 traditional cedarwood beehives which each house 50 000 honeybees. We have planted 20 hectares of wildflower meadows for our bees to feast on (made up of borage, phacelia and sainfoin) to produce our runny honey and our soft-set honey. Each of these flowers produces its own distinctive nectar which infuses the taste of our delicious Bishop’s Court Farm honey.

This year we are pleased to announce that we will be running two special courses for those interested in the fascinating world of bees and beekeeping.

Bee Awareness Session

Saturday 26th August and Saturday 9th September 2023 between 9.30am – 12.30pm (Maximum of eight participants).

Our Bee Awareness Session is perfect for anyone interested in keeping bees or who just wants to get a bees-eye view of the world. As well as giving you an opportunity to see inside an active honeybee colony, you will learn how the pollinator-friendly flora at Bishop’s Court Farm helps honeybees and a huge variety of other insects including bumblebees and butterflies.

At the end of the three-hour session, you will have a thorough understanding of honeybees and modern beekeeping. You will also be able to taste our mouth-watering honey varieties and take a jar of Bishop’s Court Farm Honey home with you. Gloves and veils are provided for your protection.

Practical Beekeeping Day

(Maximum of five participants).

If you have completed our Bee Awareness Session, have some beekeeping experience or would just like to brush up on your knowledge, we are offering an in-depth Practical Beekeeping Day which is supervised by our expert beekeepers at Bishop’s Court Farm. If you are thinking about running a handful of hives, this is the course for you.

We will look at the anatomy of the honeybee, its complex colony organisation and the unique social structure that makes these creatures such a successful species and an endless source of fascination. The course will provide answers to all of the questions which prospective new beekeepers need to know.

If you are interested in attending a Practical Beekeeping session, please contact us so that we can arrange a mutually convenient time.

Take a look at our farm

SOUS CHEF  – THE FLEUR DE LYS

The Fleur De Lys is situated in the lovely, picturesque village of Dorchester- on-Thames and has recently come under new ownership. It’s currently undergoing refurbishment and we are keen to get our kitchen team established ready for the grand reopening. We are aiming for a traditional pub menu with twists on the British classic’s. As well as a bar snack menu to run alongside this. Pure and simply is the aim.

This really will be a great venture for a chef with the vision and determination to deliver quality food, whilst overseeing the day to day running of the kitchen.

The ideal candidate must have at least 3 years’ experience in a professional environment, an excellent aptitude for delivering high quality food, a keen eye for detail, whilst confidently capable of running an efficient service. Must also be familiar with designing new menus in collaboration with the Head Chef.

We offer fair working hours in an environment that will enable the ideal candidate the opportunity to achieve a desirable work/life balance. An ideal situation for a chef who wants a life outside of work as well.

PACKAGE
Salary: £24,000 - £26,000 per year | 40 hr week over 2 splits - 3 days | 2 Consecutive days off

BENEFITS
Subsidised meals | Employee discount | Onsite parking | Flexible working hours | 28 days holiday including bank holidays | Pension scheme after probation period

COMMIS CHEF  – THE FLEUR DE LYS

The Fleur De Lys is situated in the lovely, picturesque village of Dorchester- on-Thames and has recently come under new ownership. It’s currently undergoing refurbishment and we are keen to get our kitchen team established ready for the grand reopening. We are aiming for a traditional pub menu with twists on the British classic’s. As well as a bar snack menu to run alongside this. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who not only has the vision but the determination to deliver good quality food.

The ideal candidate must have at least 1 year experience in a professional kitchen with an excellent attitude for providing good quality food with a keen eye for detail. We offer fair working hours, allowing for a great work/life balance. The ideal situation for a chef who wants a life outside of work as well. For the ideal candidate, there is the chance for progression within the company.

PACKAGE
Salary: £20,000-£22,000 per year | Work shifts: 40 hr week | 2 split shifts, 3 days | 2 consecutive days off

BENEFITS
Subsidised meals | Employee discount | Onsite parking | Flexible working hours | 28 days holiday including bank holidays