Spoiler: they are not. They’re something much more interesting…
But let’s take a step back. Samuel Johnson said that ‘if you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life’. We think he’s probably right - though he didn’t have to deal with gridlocked roads and beer costing upwards of £7.
In any event, our capital city has certainly inspired perfumers and indie brands. Here are a few to look out for - they’re not the most popular men’s fragrances in London, but we do think they’re the most interesting colognes inspired by the capital.
London Calling: You might argue this one is a bit on the nose (yes, pun intended). Taking its inspiration from the Pet Shop Boys 80s classic this is for ‘East End Boys’ and ‘West End Girls’. It’s spring time in London, the bouquet of roses from the Columbia Road flower market, a well-worn leather jacket, and the lush, green smell of new life and regeneration.
Get it: $76 direct from Gallivant
Jack - Piccadilly ’69
London Calling: The Jack fragrance range is from actor Richard E. Grant, celebrating all things British. Not for him the usual practice of licensing your name and image and letting others do the heavy lifting. No, this brand is owned by Richard and his daughter and predicated on a lifetime love of scent and perfume.
Piccadilly ’69 is an evocation of the period when he arrived in London from Swaziland. ‘Free love’, taking tea at Fortnum & Mason, the musical ‘Hair’, The Beatles and the tail end of the ‘swinging sixties’. He has brought this to life with the key late-sixties raw material - patchouli, adding bergamot, ginger and leather.
Enjoy: over a long afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason.
Get it: available for US shipping direct from Jack
nb it appears they’re shipping direct from the UK, meaning you may have to pay some import duty on arrival / wait a long time for your package.
Thomas Clipper - City
London Calling: City from British indie fragrance and grooming brand Thomas Clipper is a cologne inspired by London’s barbershops. It’s a fougère, but not as you know it. The classic notes are all present and correct, but the lavender and aromatics are anchored by warm woods and deeper spicy accords. Ideal for the thoroughly modern gent.
For: an upscale barbershop experience in the City of London, try The Ned. Haircuts, express facials and traditional wet shaves in a classic, speakeasy-style salon.
Get it: currently available including shipping for $109 shipped direct from the brand’s US warehouse
Gallivant - London