The best British perfume houses in London

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little daunted at the prospect of perfume shopping in London; this European capital is rich with world-class, established perfumeries and niche, up-and-coming boutiques. But for those staying with us at one of our central London hotels, the best perfumeries in the city are within easy reach. From household names to new pretenders, these are the best perfume houses in London.

Creed  

This family-run perfumery has created more than 200 scents since its founding in London in 1760. Each perfume is unique and handmade and, being a favourite of Queen Victoria back in the 19th century, Creed has a royal warrant, too.

Jo Malone

The doors of the first Jo Malone boutique opened in London in 1994 and the world has been hooked ever since. Wonderfully fresh and individual, the fragrances here can be magically combined to create your own bespoke scent.

Penhaligon’s 

One of the great British perfume houses in London, Penhaligon’s scents are inspired by everything from Greek mythology and London dry gin to the smell of a tailor’s workshop. A heritage brand, Penhaligon’s perfumes are still made here in the UK, so make sure you stock up while in town.

Bloom

This perfumery offers a thoughtfully curated collection of independent perfumes at its two London locations. Bloom is also gearing up to launch its own bespoke scent creation workshops, in which you’ll create your own unique perfume over the course of an hour-long session.

Miller Harris

Miller Harris set out to combine Parisian elegance and London eccentricity in its fragrances and many Londoners would testify to their achievements. These delicate, quirky, complex perfumes are masterfully crafted and can be found at Miller Harris’ flagship store in Mayfair, as well as other locations around the capital.

Les Senteurs

Winner of the “Best Perfumery” award from the readers of Basenotes (the leading UK fragrance forum) for three years in a row, Les Senteurs is beloved for the variety and quality of the perfumes it selects and sells. Considered a pilgrimage site for perfume lovers, their specialist fragrance boutiques in Belgravia and Marylebone offer everything from big brands to rare scents.

Floris

Founded in 1720 in a small shop in St James’s, Floris is one of the best-known British perfume houses in London. Still operating out of its original premises at 89 Jermyn Street, this is a must-stop spot on any London perfume trail.

Illuminum

Founded in 2011, this perfumery became an overnight sensation thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge (she wore one of their fragrances at her wedding to Prince William). Chic, understated, and long lasting, Illuminum perfumes are both playful and refined.

Ormonde Jayne 

Ormonde Jayne selects many rarely used scents for its perfumes, making their fragrances distinctive and unmistakeable. All of the Ormonde Jayne perfumes are created, bottled and packaged by hand, for that extra luxurious touch.

Shay & Blue

Established in 2012, Shay & Blue is a relative newcomer among the best British perfume houses in London. The decadent, rich fragrances at this perfumery have won it the title of  “Best New Fragrance House” in the 2014 Beauty Shortlist.