FORTNUM & MASON UNVEILS GIANT DISNEY WINNIE THE POOH-INSPIRED BEEHIVE AT ST. PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL
Fortnum & Mason, the iconic British retailer, is set to create a buzz at St. Pancras International station this summer with the unveiling of a spectacular giant beehive installation to celebrate 100 years of Disney Winnie the Pooh.
Appearing in the station arcade from Tuesday 14th July, the Eau de Nil-coloured beehive shines a light on the vital importance of bee health, drawing inspiration from Fortnum’s own beekeeping heritage, with a nod to Fortnum’s four working hives sitting on top of the station. The installation is situated near Fortnum’s St. Pancras International store, and will provide a special and interactive experience for more than one million visitors who pass through each week.
Appearing in the station arcade from Tuesday 14th July, the Eau de Nil-coloured beehive shines a light on the vital importance of bee health, while drawing inspiration from Fortnum’s own beekeeping heritage, including the four working hives located on top of St Pancras International Station itself. Situated near Fortnum’s St Pancras store, the installation offers a unique and interactive experience for the more than one million visitors who pass through the station each week.
Designed to capture the charm of Winnie the Pooh while highlighting the importance of bees and honey production, the hive features a beautiful honeycomb design and six hand-crafted whimsical golden bees. Renowned artist Paul Badham has crafted a total of 56 bees from recycled metal, with the remaining 50 decorating the front of Fortnum’s flagship Piccadilly store.
Stepping inside, visitors will discover an illuminated honeycomb interior that recreates the atmosphere of a working hive. Accompanied by the gentle sounds of nature and the familiar buzz of bees, the space offers a moment of calm and discovery amid the bustle of the station, complete with seating areas for travellers to enjoy.
Throughout the experience, visitors can learn more about bee health and Fortnum’s own beekeeping expertise. The story unfolds through a map of the 100 Aker Wood, bringing together Winnie the Pooh’s enduring love of honey with insights into Fortnum’s hives in Ashdown Forest and the vital role bees play in supporting biodiversity.
The installation celebrates the limited edition Disney Winnie the Pooh collection available at Fortnum & Mason,created in collaboration with Disney. Inspired by the shared themes of nature, friendship and adventure, the collection playfully connects the world of the 100 Aker Wood with Fortnum’s centuries-old beekeeping heritage.
The hive is the centrepiece of St. Pancras’ summer campaign, shining a light on sustainability, biodiversity and conservation. In addition to the four Fortnum & Mason beehives on the station roof, over 20 further community hives are supported along the length of the high-speed rail route connecting St. Pancras International with the Channel Tunnel.
Whether arriving, departing or simply passing by, visitors are invited to step inside the hive and experience a whimsical celebration of one of Disney’s most beloved characters – offering a charming moment of wonder for honey lovers, nature enthusiasts and Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages.
Sallie Smith, Head of Visual Presentation at Fortnum’s says, “At Fortnum & Mason, we have a long-standing affection for honey, so there feels no better way to celebrate Disney Winnie the Pooh’s 100th anniversary than with a giant beehive at the heart of one of London’s most iconic transport stations. This installation brings together two stories connected by a shared love of nature, adventure and, of course, honey. We hope visitors enjoy stepping inside, learning more about the remarkable world of bees, and rediscovering the timeless charm of Winnie the Pooh.”
Peter Martin-Jones, Head of Marketing at London St. Pancras Highspeed, says, “It feels very special to partner with Fortnum & Mason and Disney to celebrate the centenary of Disney Winnie the Pooh by bringing such a unique installation to St. Pancras International. The beehive is the centrepiece of our summer campaign of sustainability, perfectly mirroring the Fortnum & Mason hives on our station roof and sharing an important message of bee health to the millions of visitors who will pass through the station this summer.”
The brand-new collectible Disney Winnie the Pooh range – including the world’s first 100 Aker Wood Hunny and the luxurious Winnie the Pooh Collector’s Hamper – will be available for a limited time only at Fortnum & Mason in-store and online from 16th July.
