PLOTHOLDERS at Northfields Allotments were delighted to welcome a record number of guests to their annual summer open day last weekend.

On Saturday, July 1, more than 700 visitors from across Ealing came through the gates to experience for themselves what goes on at London’s oldest allotment site which dates back to 1832.

Attractions included the onsite apiary where the bees produce Northfields Allotments honey, a heritage plot with a World War II Anderson shelter, a wildlife-friendly shed made from recycled materials, and a traditional potager plot.

In addition, there were cake and plant stalls and the Apple Tree Bar where visitors could enjoy an elderflower champagne cocktail beneath the shade of the old apple tree.

Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, was also in attendance to hand out awards to plotholders at the annual allotment prize giving, and councillors from both the Conservative and Labour parties also dropped by.

Christina Fox, chairman of the Ealing Dean Allotment Society, said: “We are delighted that so many people were able to join us for our third Summer Open Day and experience a genuine part of the capital’s history.

“As plotholders, we feel really fortunate to have access to the allotment site which is why we believe it is so important to share the many benefits that we enjoy with the wider Ealing community.

“Northfields Allotments is an important historic site dating back almost two centuries and a vital part of Ealing’s natural heritage.” 

The plotholders at Northfields Allotments would like to thank everybody who attended, as well as the many Ealing-based businesses who supported the event.