Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.
Today is Friday, August 30, and I’m looking forward to an upcoming trip to London. As usual, I’m tagging along on one of my husband’s work trips, which I’m always happy to do! I haven’t made up my mind yet about all the things I want to do, but one option is Portobello Road’s markets, which I’ve never visited and have always found intriguing. If you have suggestions, please share! I do have a friend who has lived in London for many years; maybe I’ll see if she’s interested in going with me.
Also on my list is Fortnum & Mason, which I’ve never visited, and maybe a return visit to Jovoy Paris. And of course, if I’m at Jovoy, why wouldn’t I stop by my favorite store in London, Liberty? I’m hoping to see some theater and art exhibits too, but I’m not buying any tickets in advance after last September’s cancellation (which I don’t regret doing at all, given our son’s situation, but we weren’t able to use some tickets I had bought. Luckily, my nice friend could!). If the weather is nice, I’m always up for a visit to a garden. Maybe Syon Park this time?
I might see if I can stop by the new digs of 4160 Tuesdays, a favorite brand of mine. I was able to visit their former location and meet Sarah McCartney, who is just as fun, nice, and creative as one might hope from sniffing her fragrances and reading her website. Speaking of Sarah, she was just featured in a great article in The Financial Times, by Hannah Nepilova, which is well worth reading. It’s about her work scenting performance arts, such as a new opera that will open next month.
Is there a possibility that, between all the visual and musical stimuli, such subtleties of aroma might go unnoticed? McCartney believes that “even when we don’t positively register it, smell contributes to the atmosphere of a room.” Besides, “smell activates a part of the brain that wouldn’t otherwise be used . . . I’m not hoping to add something extra to the opera, but rather to fill in the missing part that everybody has forgotten about.”
Do you have any suggestions for my London trip, fragrance-related or otherwise?
Serenity Now Scents and Sensibilities 
Since my last trip to London was 40 years ago, no suggestions from me… I know you will enjoy it. There are so many lovely museums in London I’m sure there will be some interesting exhibits to take in.
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Heya OH,
If it’s a lovely day definitely walk the Portobello Markets. It’s a whole day adventure if you want to make it so. Go all the way till you meet the Ladbroke Grove market (not sure of the dates for it nowadays). It has much more of an old fashioned market vibe and everything is about 1/100th of the Portobello prices.
I love to walk London in fine weather.
Currently one of my dearest girlfriends is over there with her husband. She’s got some journalist work but also a LOT of free time. If you’d like an intro send me an email and we can organise it.
If you get to Fortnum & Mason there are a couple of really famous arcades steps away Piccadilly and Burlington, also across the road the Royal Academy of Arts usually has a few exhibitions that are worth a look. It’s a really cool corner of the world.
If Fortnum & Mason doesn’t thrill you for High Tea (it’s my fave) then The Ritz is also just around the corner and theirs is sumptuous.
So excited for you.
Portia xx
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London isn’t my favourite place. It makes me feel grubby.
Maybe try to fit in a visit to Ormonde Jayne. A packet of your favourite tea blend from Fortnums? Pair it with Hammersmith Tea & Biscuits from Sarah
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I’m just back from a trip that included London, a city I love. There is a new mini market on Regent Street called Brityard that has a small selection of British brands, including 4160Tuesdays perfumes and some interesting gelato flavors, very close to Liberty. Also the Proms are on until September 14 (I didn’t get to attend as didn’t have enough time). Excited for you!
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