Savour the Scent: Afternoon Tea-Inspired Perfumes to Delight the Senses
Surely few rituals are as quintessentially British as Afternoon Tea – a tradition that has become a byword for elegance, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. From its origins in the 19th century – supposedly when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, first felt a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon [don’t we all, dear?] and requested tea with a light snack; the custom has flourished into an occasion beloved by locals and visitors to these shores alike.
For many, Afternoon Tea is a gentle pause in the day, a chance to savour delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries, all accompanied by the gentle clink of fine china and the soft hum of conversation.
It’s hardly any wonder, then, that tourists flock to experience this slice of British life, eager to immerse themselves in a world where time slows, and every sense is indulged. And indeed, that perfumers often look to this ritual for fragrant inspiration (as we shall see – scroll on for our olfactory suggestions!)
This spring, delightfully, the ritual of Afternoon Tea has found a new, scented dimension in the heart of London. The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James, renowned for its serene and enveloping atmosphere, has collaborated with Memo Paris to create a limited-edition Afternoon Tea experience, inspired by the house’s latest fragrance, Portobello Road. Until 20th June 2025, guests are invited to embark on a sensory journey where the boundaries between flavour and fragrance blur deliciously…
Sofitel says: ‘The Memo Paris Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London St James is available from 11th March to 20th June, served daily from 12 pm to 5 pm. Priced at £70 per person, or £80 with a glass of Champagne, this indulgent experience is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of Portobello Road. We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea, where the worlds of fine fragrance and gourmet cuisine meet.’
The menu, crafted by pastry chef Lerrick Coelho, draws directly from the rose-laden, rain-fresh notes of the Portobello Road perfume, with each treat echoing a facet of the scent. The Chicken Coronation on Toasted Croissant offers a sumptuous twist on a classic, while the Cornish Crab Roll brings a whisper of the British coast. Sweet creations such as La Rose – a marriage of rose, Yorkshire rhubarb, mandarin, and vanilla crème – and a Gold Chocolate and Earl Grey Slice evoke both the romance of London’s gardens and the sophistication of its tearooms. Even the zesty Yellow Carnival Passion Fruit Mango and Coconut Sphere transports the palate to sunnier climes, all within the opulent embrace of the Rose Lounge.
[For further inquiries about the Memo London Afternoon Tea experience, call the Sofitel team on (0)20 7389 7820 or email [email protected].]
In further celebration of this fragrant union of tea, cake, and scent – and to end our month-long look at the theme of tea fragrances, (but this time focusing on the cakes and vibe!) – we’ve chosen a selection of perfumes that perfectly evoke the spirit of Afternoon Tea in all its forms. Each fragrance conjures a different aspect of the experience – from the anticipation of a rain-dappled stroll through London’s backstreets to the irresistible allure of patisserie, marzipan, and birthday cake (to be enjoyed at any time!) and beyond.
So, let’s indulge, shall we…?
Memo Paris Portobello Road captures the excitement and charm of exploring London’s most intriguing backstreets, where antique shops beckon and the air is tinged with the promise of discovery. The fragrance opens with the dewy freshness of rain on stone, mingling with the elegance of rose and the green brightness of myrtle oil. It is as if one has escaped a sudden shower by ducking into a cosy yet impossibly elegant setting for Afternoon Tea, where the scent of fresh blooms and polished wood lingers in the air. The bottle itself, adorned with the artistry of Kate Daudy, is a visual tribute to the city’s creative spirit – a journey in liquid form, as evocative as the street that inspired it.
£235 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.om
AKRO Bake is a revelation for those who thought the idea of a lemon cake-inspired scent might be too sweet or whimsical. Here, the gourmand genre is elevated: the perfume opens with a burst of bright lemon peel, cutting through the smooth, creamy heart of cake batter and airy sponge. There is a luscious swirl of Chantilly cream, a whisper of rum, and a dusting of brown sugar and vanilla that lingers on the skin like the memory of the perfect patisserie. Perfumer Olivier Cresp has created a scent that is both nostalgic and utterly modern – a fragrant treat that tempts without overwhelming, as light and irresistible as a slice of lemon drizzle on a sunlit afternoon.
£80 for 30ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.com
Thursday Marzi is a joyful homage to marzipan, conjuring the image of a traditional Battenberg cake with its pastel squares and squidgy almond outer layer. The fragrance begins with a bold, almost photorealistic hit of bitter almond, soon softened by clouds of vanilla and brown sugar. Carnation adds a subtle, spicy warmth, while musk lends a gentle, comforting finish. Marzi is a scent that wraps the wearer in the happy memories of tea times past – the anticipation of cake, the pleasure of sweet treats, and the freedom to indulge at any moment. It is as perfect for grey, chilly days as for the hopeful cusp of spring, bringing a smile with every spritz.
Try a sample as part of the Thursday Fragrance Discovery Set 3 x 2ml for £20 in our Shop
THoO Keep Glazed is a patisserie-inspired delight, designed to stimulate both nose and imagination. Inspired by the creations of renowned pastry chef Ksenia Penkina, this fragrance opens with a lively burst of frozen lemon, juicy mango, and the green freshness of strawberry leaf. The heart is a creamy blend of Chantilly, coconut, and a hint of ginger crumble, evoking the sensation of biting into an artfully crafted dessert. As it settles, fruity musk and precious woods create a soft, lingering finish. Keep Glazed is a solar, uplifting scent – bright, creamy, and just a little bit decadent, it is the olfactory equivalent of a patisserie window on a summer’s day, each note inviting you to take another bite.
£220 for 75ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com
Marissa Zappas Annabel’s Birthday Cake is a whimsical, otherworldly celebration in scent. Imagine a lavish garden party, where angels gather around a pastel-hued cake adorned with rich tuberose frosting and candied rose petals. The fragrance opens with the soft, powdery embrace of heliotrope and a dusting of lemon sugar, followed by the creamy sweetness of cake fresh from the oven. Honeycomb and roasted tonka add depth and warmth, while cocoa absolute brings a subtle richness. Annabel’s Birthday Cake is both playful and refined – a scent that balances the innocence of childhood celebrations with the sophistication of a grown-up tea party, leaving a trail of sweetness and joy in its wake.
From £12 for 2ml sample eau de parfum saintecellier.com
Written by Suzy Nightingale