Ormonde Jayne, the flagship boutique for the British niche line of the same name, can be found in The Royal Arcade, a lovely Victorian covered passage that links Old Bond Street with Albemarle Street. ‘The Arcade’ was built in 1879, and got the ‘Royal’ added when a shirtmaker at No. 12 was patronised by Queen Victoria. Guess who occupies No. 12 now?

The Ormonde Jayne shop at No.12 is tiny, with a wrought-iron spiral staircase leading to a mysterious upstairs from which an assistant will descend when you enter. It couldn’t be more Dickensian, apart from the smart orange and black décor and the 21st century lighting.

Normally, Linda Pilkington, Ormonde Jayne's founder and owner, used to be there herself. She’s a delight — a petite, bubbling, infuriatingly pretty lady who explains her scents with enthusiasm and charm. Recently she gave birth to a little boy, so these days you're more likely to meet one of her assistants (that's Natalie, shown below) when you visit the shop.

Best selling fragrance: Isfarkand For Men is the line's biggest seller overall; Ta'if is the best selling fragrance for women.

Getting there: Ormonde Jayne, 12 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4SL . Tel: +44 (0) 207 499 1100.

The nearest tube station is Green Park, although Piccadilly Circus is not much further. The Arcade is close to the Piccadilly end of Old Bond Street; you’ll see the entrance about 100m up on the west side.

Nearby: You’re close to a wealth of fashion/perfume boutiques. Prada is just across the road, and further up Old Bond Street is Chanel, Hermès, Lalique and countless other posh shops. Penhaligon’s is round the corner in the Burlington Arcade, and Dover Street Market (which is what Comme des Garçons calls their flagship store) is about five minutes’ walk away. Close by, on the other side of Piccadilly, is Fortnum & Mason.

Don’t miss: The Charbonnel et Walker chocolate shop at the Old Bond Street end of the arcade.

— images & report filed by Nina.

See also: Perfume Shopping in London