Denholme Gate Honey grew from a hobby that became a passion and then a business for owners Andy and Julia . The business was started by selling honey from a basket and has now grown to become one of the bigger honey producers in Yorkshire, with customers from all over the world.

Andy and Julia have always been interested in bees and in 2012 Mike and Liz took them under their wing and taught the pair everything they knew about bee keeping and running a honey business. Mike and Liz have now retired leaving the business in the capable hands of Andy an ex engineer and Julia an ex teacher.

Passionate about bees and education Julia is still very much involved with schools, regularly going into to classrooms to share her passion about bees and the challenges they face. Do not be surprised to see Andy and Julia out and about in Yorkshire introducing people to the joys of bee keeping and inspiring the next generation of Yorkshire honey farmers.

Based in the village of Thornton, birthplace of the Brontes, Hill Top Farm nestles 1,000ft above sea level.  Julia and Andy are true to the spirit of the Brontes harvesting honey from the heather of the moors that inspired the work of Charlotte, Emily and Anne.

They now have hives all around West Yorkshire and also work with other Yorkshire beekeepers to ensure a plentiful supply of quality Yorkshire honey. The bees forage upon the distinctive flavours of the seasonal plants grown around the county. In spring they feed on wildflowers and tree nectars making a set honey, in summer the bees are feeding on blossoms and make a golden, runny honey and in August the bees travel up to the Yorkshire moors to feast on the heather crop creating a rich, caramel flavoured honey.

Andy and Julia are dedicated to helping preserve the natural Yorkshire habitats that support their bees and help to shape the distinct and delicious flavours of their honey. They work with local landowners to ensure they site their hives where the bees can help with pollination and increase and preserve natural wild flowers and heathland.

After numerous years of honey farming, Andy and Julia remain just as passionate about creating the purest, sweetest, finest Yorkshire honey – and still start each day on the farm with a spoonful of the stuff.