A brand-new fragrance experience is arriving in Penrith this weekend as Helen Ingram launches The Perfume Studio – Lake District at The Lounge Hotel and Bar on Saturday between 11am and 3pm.
The business brings the growing trend of bespoke fragrance design to Cumbria, allowing visitors to create their own completely personalised perfume blends — something Helen says was previously unavailable anywhere in the North West.
“I had to travel to Manchester to do it myself,” she explained. “When I realised nobody in the whole of the North West was offering it, I thought — why not bring it here?”
The launch event will give visitors the opportunity to explore fragrance ingredients, experiment with scents, and design a signature perfume tailored entirely to their own tastes and personality.
And for founder, the passion for perfume is personal.
“I only ever wear my perfume now, which is called Leopard Lady,” she laughed.
The Perfume Studio experience is designed for everyone — from individuals looking for a unique scent to family gatherings, birthday celebrations, hen parties, and group experiences. According to the owner, even men are getting involved.
“Fellas actually love it too!” she said.
Guests who create a fragrance can also reorder their custom scent in the future, making it a lasting personal product rather than a one-off experience.
A range of gift sets will also be available, including larger family packages that have already proven popular elsewhere in the country.
The launch comes at a time when bespoke fragrance creation is becoming one of the fastest-growing trends in the perfume industry. With thousands of new perfumes released globally every year, more people are moving away from mass-market scents in favour of fragrances that feel more personal and meaningful.
Industry figures estimate the personalised perfume market could reach £1.13 billion by 2028, driven by growing demand for creative, experience-led luxury products.
Lloyd Naake, Managing Director of The Perfume Studio, says the trend reflects a wider shift in consumer behaviour.
“In a world increasingly shaped by automation, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, fragrance lovers are slowing down,” he said.
“People want experiences. They want creativity. They want individuality.”
Rather than relying on automated recommendations or celebrity brands, bespoke fragrance design encourages people to explore scent through creativity and instinct — blending notes that reflect memories, moods, and personality.
“It’s a moment to step away from screens and reconnect with your senses,” Lloyd added.
Visitors attending Saturday’s launch event in Penrith will also be able to take advantage of a 20% launch discount on bookings and purchases.
For many, it may simply be a fun and unusual day out. But for the growing number embracing bespoke fragrance, it represents something more — the chance to create a scent that belongs entirely to them.
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