8 of the Best British Fragrance Brands

Born in London in 1991, Jo Malone remains one of the most recognisable brand names in the fragrance world. Now owned by Estee Lauder Group, they have a whole host of scents utilising ingredients from across the globe (such as Myrrh and Tonka and Oud and Bergamot), however they are steadfastly rooted in Britishness, leaning into it for limited edition collections and some of their best-selling perfumes. Jo Malone London have created scents inspired by canal hedgerows and blustery beaches, wildflowers and home-grown fruits, and even recently dedicated a limited edition creation to Paddington Bear (Orange Marmalade, of course). Perhaps their most beloved British-inspired fragrance is English Pear and Freesia, a crisp and comforting depiction of Autumn in the countryside

This is a brand that can’t brag about being hundreds of years old but can, without doubt, brag about changing the fragrance industry completely when they launched. Created in 2006 with the idea to challenge the way we think about and create scent, their inaugural blend ‘Escentric 01’ centred around the Iso E Super molecule, a synthetic aroma molecule created in 1973, previously used in perfume but as an additional, small dose, not the main player. The beauty of Iso E Super is that it somehow smells different to different people - in fact to some it’s imperceptible - so by using it to make up 65% of the blend meant it was truly unique, not just in the industry but to the wearer too. Their second creation, Molecule 01 was even more radical: a pure, single E Super scent. Today there are over fifteen scents, all with the special molecule at their heart.

Another fragrance that is, impressively, still standing the test of time is Penhaligon’s, born in London the late 1860’s. Founded by William Penhaligon, a barber based in a Turkish bath institution on Jermyn Street, he began creating bespoke products for clients before blending his first ‘signature’ Penhaligon’s perfume, Hamman Bouquet (which is still sold today!). Today’s library of creations are influenced by both the Turkish and North African roots of hammams and luxurious grooming rituals (included in their ‘Trade Routes’ collection) and old fashioned Britishness. ‘The British Tales’ collection is home to timeless classics, both traditional and with modern twists, including the gin inspired Juniper Sling and the bucolic Highgrove Bouquet scent. A favourite for many is Halfeti: a unisex, spicy, mysterious blend of oud, fruits, jasmine and rose.

If it’s the sweet smell of history you’re after, then not many brands will beat Floris, founded in 1730 (staggeringly, that means they’re approaching their 300th anniversary!) when Juan Famenias Floris and his wife began selling fragrance - alongside other grooming products - from their Jermyn Street store. The store still stands today, and includes their prized perfumes alongside body products, a selection of shaving must-haves and even a counter offering the opportunity to create your own bespoke scent. To honour the iconic home of Floris, the Jermyn Street fragrance was created: elegant, luxurious, with green notes nodding to the plane trees that line the famous St James’ street and fresh cotton notes in homage to the shirt makers that flank the store on all sides.

Founded by the ever-curious Linda Pilkington, Ormonde Jayne is a quiet force in luxury fragrance — understated yet unforgettable. Since the early 2000s, this London-born house has pursued elegance with rare, unexpected ingredients inspired by Pilkington’s travels around the world and speciality oils that add a signature touch of mystery. Take Ormonde Woman, a hypnotic blend of black hemlock, violet, jasmine and amber. It’s the kind of scent that makes people stop and wonder, “Who is that?”. Consider Ormonde Jayne your calling card if you prefer to set trends rather than follow them.

The history of the House of Creed can - according to the brand - be traced back to 1760, then a tailoring business in London, within which there were dabbles in fragrance via scented gloves and spritzed hems. Known today for producing blockbuster scents, they became internationally known in the mid 80s with Green Irish Tweed and even more established in 2010 with the infamous Aventus. Keeping things in the family, Olivier Creed and son Erwin Creed sit as creative masters of the house today, and have cleverly navigated it toward huge popularity across multiple generations (and social media platforms like TikTok too!).

If it’s home-grown super-luxury you’re looking for, look no further. Inspired by Boudica (Boadicea is the Latin spelling), Queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe and icon of justice and strength, the brand launched in 2008 with quintessentially British, original and creative scents. Every gender neutral creation is housed in hand-crafted bottles, filled with the highest quality ingredients they can find. Valiant, for example - part of a Zodiac collection and attributed to the Year of the Horse - blends orange blossom, neroli, amber and an orris note (amongst others) to make a bright, indulgent and memorable perfume.

An icon in the world of perfume, both here in his home country and internationally, Roja Dove started his career at Guerlain before taking his love of fragrance and setting up a perfume PR house in the UK. In 2004 his expertise led him to open the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods, stocking scents from luxury and niche brands such as Tom Ford and Xerjoff. It was almost inevitable that he’d launch his own brand, ROJA, which is unashamedly luxurious and sophisticated, always using the finest, quality raw materials he can sniff out. His Pour Femme scent created in collaboration with Harrods is enticing, sweet and - unsurprisingly - truly opulent.