Old Castle Farm Hives

I purchased a suit at this years Tradex with a view to completing my own assessment. Initially I must admit I was impressed however not unexpectedly today I somehow managed to tear a pocket on brambles, which to be honest was always likely. This unfortunately was not the only mishap and the second issue has raised a real concern. I use a petrol blower to assist with removing supers when clearing down for extraction and clearly have to work in close proximity to this equipment which melted the suits leg fabric when it just touched. My concern is just how combustible this garment is for users who frequently use smokers etc. Needless to say the suit and it’s packaging does not come with any warning.

Fabulous company. Bought a bee keepers suit from them which I then broke the zip on. Totally my fault. They have repaired it for me for a small fee so happy days. Couldn't have been more helpful. Excellent.

Fantastic service from Ian at Old Castle Farm Hives.

I ordered a new Sentinel Pro II full suit after speaking to him to discuss sizes – I’m 6’4” tall and was surprised that the suit Ian sent me fitted perfectly, and is really comfortable, even with normal clothes underneath.

The suit is highly ventilated and of the highest quality of materials and is well designed with YKK zips, plenty of pockets and velcro covers over the zip tops. There’s no chance of being stung through the material as it’s thicker than the sting itself, and the fabric is very light weight, comfortable and flexible. A clear face mesh and sting-proof material on the hat and veil too.

The Sentinel II is much better than any other mesh suits available, has a range of different hat/fencing vale, gauntlets, gloves and gaiters available in the same sting-proof material and is well priced with fast delivery too – you can’t go wrong with one of these!

Very knowledgeable and helpful. They gave plenty of time up advising me on buying all the essential equipment i needed.
I will be going back for more products if needed in the future. Great Beeshop!

This company will not get any of my business.
I made a price inquiry with Konigin of Hungary in relation to a particular model of honey extractor I was interested in and that they manufacture. My email was forwarded by them to Old Castle Farm Hives, Neath, one of Konigin’s UK distributors. Shortly afterwards I received an email in response from Ian Roberts of Old Castle Farm Hives who stated that he had received the email from Konigin regarding the particular model of machinery and he suggested that I contact the company by telephone.
I replied by email that I was simply wanting a price for the particular model and also of their range.
I didn’t need to speak to their sales team, just a price was all I needed.
I then received a further email from Ian directing me to their website and a link to a similar machine but a different model. The website had no information at all on the particular model I was inquiring about however it did suggest that Old Castle Farm Hives do supply the range but no prices listed.
So, as I pen my third email simply to obtain a price for an item of machinery they are supposed to sell, I was no closer to an answer. I pointed out that I did look at their website prior to contacting the Hungarian manufacturer and that I’m just looking for a straightforward answer to a simple question.
The response from Ian Roberts was sarcastic suggesting that a referral to their website “…was possibly too complicated for you(me) to understand.”
The link related to a different machine and was even more confusing as the photograph within the link was of yet another machine, not the one advertised, nor the one I was inquiring about. Misleading perhaps?
I recontacted Konigin and I have now been directed to Thornes who also distribute the machine I inquired about with the correct pictures of their full range with a much better description. Whilst these machines are all shown as “Out of stock” Konigin assure me that my order will be fulfilled and despatched through Thornes.
A rude, arrogant, and ignorant response has lost Old Castle Farm Hives a four-figure sale and all of my future business.

Bought a bee suit.Great customer service,Cheryl had lots of patience helping me with the right size.
Highly recommended.

Bought a Sentinel Queen Bee suit three years ago and couldn’t be more pleased with it.
Comfortable in the summer 2022 heat and never been stung through it

I have been purchasing all my bee equipment from Old Castle Farm for a for a number of years. It is of excellent quality and at very reasonable prices compared to other bee equipment suppliers on the market. You can be assured that when you order something it will be delivered the following day. This company is of top quality service, helpful and friendly in all your beekeeping needs.