For fragrance fanatics the world over, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that London is a haven of scent shops. It’s home to the country’s oldest perfumery, and also the shop that provides fragrance to the royal family, no less, and everything in between.
However, if you’re new to London, it can be tough to know where to start when it comes to embarking on a discovery of sensational scents. So if you’re heading to the capital soon and want to learn where you can pick up the best options, or simply have a sniff of some amazing aromas, we’re here to help. Here’s our pick of the best and most exclusive perfume stores across the city.
Speaking of exclusive, at the Montcalm Hotel London, our loyalty scheme will provide you with all the perks you need to feel like a true VIP in the city as you start your journey. Delight your senses even further with a visit to The Aviary London – our stunning rooftop restaurant and terrace bar.
Bloom – Covent Garden
Bloom is a wonderfully whimsical perfumery situated in Langley Court, just off Floral Street in the beautiful area of Covent Garden – a particular hotspot with tourists. Langley Court is a special, high-end shopping area, and is home to the likes of Mulberry and Kate Spade, but most importantly, Bloom. The staff at Bloom are extremely informed in their craft, and the marvellous collection of brands which means you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a fragrance you love. Though they even offer a bespoke fragrance service for those who want a little extra assistance and are prepared to pay for it.
Jo Malone London – Mayfair
Jo Malone London has become somewhat synonymous with fragrance in the capital and wider country. They truly understand just how lavish and elegant fragrance fans want shopping for their dream scent to be, right down to the detail in the packaging. There are various locations and concessions across the city but Brook Street is our favourite and is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir, too. It’s also conveniently located near our fabulous Montcalm Royal London House – bonus!
Penhaligon’s – Various
Penhaligon’s London is another true famous London fragrance institution since it was founded in 1870 by William Penhaligon, an ambitious alchemist. He began selling exclusive scents to notable ladies and gentlemen from a barbershop located on Jermyn Street. By the time Queen Victoria’s reign ended in 1901, William Penhaligon was the official ‘Barber and Perfumer to the Royal Court’ and Penhaligon’s London still retains two Royal Warrants, which means they provide products to British royalty. Fancy!
Jovoy – Mayfair
A much-celebrated perfumery in Paris, we’re very lucky that François chose London as another home for Jovoy: a destination where the astonishingly knowledgeable staff guide you through their collections with ease. And what a collection they have. Jovoy Mayfair possesses the delectable scents of over 60 amazing, notable perfume houses such as Jeroboam, M.Micallef, The Different Company, House of Oud, all in addition to their own scents.
Perfumer H – Baker Street
Perfumer H is a relative newcomer to the world of niche fragrance. This intriguing concept store enables customers to decide from three options: the creation of a bespoke scent in collaboration with Lyn – a method that can take up to six months – a pre-made unique perfume from the Laboratory Edition – an added fee will guarantee that once a bottle has been purchased, the formula is put under lock and key – or a ready-to-wear seasonal scent which is open to anyone who visits the shop. Likewise, at our fabulous bar – The Brewery London – you’re also in charge, and we welcome cocktail orders from the ordinary to the extraordinary!
Les Senteurs – Belgravia
This store has a real family and community vibe. It has been family-run since it first opened in 1984, and this charming boutique is brimming with rare and hidden gems in the world of fragrance. Another huge plus about this place is that it’s more than just another store – Les Senteurs hosts events with perfumery’s most select names, and as London’s oldest independently-run perfumery, it really is a mecca for all fragrance fans. Since its inception, Les Senteurs has been the primary stockist for a lengthy number of the best names in fragrance from across the globe. The range today includes Frederic Malle Éditions de Parfums, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Galway-based Cloon Keen, Heeley, By Kilian and a lot of exciting newcomers in the scene to discover, too.
Angela Flanders – Spitalfields
This stunning Artillery Passage boutique is Angela’s flagship store, though her brand was originally born on Columbia Road. This is certainly one of the most eye catching and beautiful stores on the list – here you can experience incredible floral displays in the window, and then as you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into Angela’s own home. It’s glowing with gentle neutrals, peach tones and pretty carpets and you’re instantly welcomed with the magnificent rose scents of her trademark candles. Each of the perfumes Angela has produced is proudly distributed with absolute unity, as virtually every bottle is the same.
Harrods – Knightsbridge
No London shopping guide would be complete without this inclusion, and no perfumery guide would be the same without it, either!With not one but three perfume areas to choose from – The Black Hall, the Apothecary and the Salon de Parfums – it’s not surprising that Harrods remains to be one of world’s highest-selling fragrance stores (and one of the best places in London to spend an afternoon). The most recent fragrance space in Harrods is the Salon de Parfums, which is located on the sixth floor. Here you will discover some of the most exquisite and rarest scents in the world as well as a private perfume personalisation option. The Salon, which began in 2014, is home to a number of boutiques including Guerlain, Dior, Henry Jacques, Tom Ford and Chanel.
Ready to discover some truly enchanting scents? For out-of-towners, the first step is booking your accommodation! Fortunately, The Montcalm has several locations around the city. Explore your options here.
