We’re counting down to the Barnes Fragrance Fair. See you there…?
London’s first-ever niche show is celebrating its fourth year – a treat for the senses, showcasing indie and perfumer-led brands. The date for your diary is 16th May 2026. Blotters to the fore!
Workshops include Sarah McCartney’s ‘Scent Salon’
In On The Scent’s debut issue, you are invited to ‘Meet The Founders’ – and by that, we mean quite literally, meet the founders. Because this event brings together many of the most exciting rising stars and independent fragrance brands, under one roof. (Actually, two roofs – because this year, events are taking place not just in Barnes Village Hall, but also Barnes Methodist Church, which is just a 100-yard stroll away.
Held in picturesque Barnes, in south-west London, this fair – organised by scent expert Amanda Carr – is completely FREE to attend (except workshops and panel sessions, see below). It brings together fascinating founders and creators from the independent perfume scene – an amazing brand line-up that includes 4160 Tuesdays, Angela Flanders, Jorum, Nancy Meiland, Kingdom Scotland, Olfactive O, Gallivant, Beaufort London, Meadow Farm Lifestyle home fragrance – around 40 names in all, so you truly can make a day of it.
As well as discovery scents and fragrances for sale, you will find Barnes Fragrance Fair’s own merchandise– and the chance to pick up a print copy of On The Scent magazine…
WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Entry to the Fair is free, but there’s a charge for the following sessions with podcasters, fragrance writers, perfumers and other experts, all of which should be booked via barnesfragrancefair.com. The charge is mostly £15, but the Eventbrite page for each will tell you more. Note: there’s a fabulous goodie bag to take away from the booked talks, provided by event sponsor and leading distributor Kenneth Green Associates.
Scent & Sound with Thomas Dunckley and Haydn Williams
An immersive, interactive talk with two of the UK’s leading fragrance podcasters, who also know their music.
9.30 a.m. – 10.15 a.m. – book here
Alice du Parcq and Suzy Nightingale’s ‘Best Scents of the Fair’ Round-up 2026
These two multi-award-winning fragrance journalists will talk you through some of their favourite discoveries, sharing wisdom on how to buy your perfect scent.
11am – 12.15 p.m. – buy here
Scent, Style & Self-Expression: Exploring How Men Can Show Up with Scented Confidence
‘Clothes maketh the man’, as the saying goes – but what can fragrance do? Find out via this expert panel, hosted by Haydn Williams.
12.45 – 1.30 p.m. – buy here
The perfumes, proof and practical ways to use fragrance as a wellness tool and make you feel better. Hosted by Alice du Parcq with an expert panel.
2 – 2.45 p.m. – buy here
From Dream to Bottle: the Story of Scented Start-ups
For anyone thinking of starting their own fragrance brand (or who wants to know more about perfume is created), hosted by Jo Fairley with an expert panel. 3.15 – 4 p.m. – buy here
How to Talk About Fragrance
Thomas Dunckley and Kaorium's Scent Sommelier explore ways to communicate an art form that doesn’t have its own formal language.
12 – 1 p.m. – book here – and 2 – 3 p.m. – book here
Scent Salon with Sarah McCartney
Explore rare naturals and white biotech perfumery molecules with 4160 Tuesdays founder and perfumer and customise a scent base to make a 10ml fragrance to take away.
10.30 a.m. – book here – and 1 p.m. – book here
Scented Walk Around Barnes
Perfume collector and fragrance historian Olga Petrouchenko will scent-walk you around this beautiful south-west London village.
11 a.m. – book here – and 2 p.m. – book here
And look forward to ‘meeting the founders’ of all the following brands, on their stands…
• 4160 Tuesdays • Altra • Ånd fragrances • Angela Flanders • Aspects Beauty • Connock London • Early Modern • • Elix • Fiole/ SG Brands • Gallia Rae • Jorum • Kaorium • Kingdom • Mabelle O’Rama • Nancy Meiland • NOSU • Nyita • Olfiction/ Eau de Boujee • Perfino • Rakes Progress • RNDL •Shloksa • Soki London • • Told London • Wales Perfumery
Plus • Glorious Brands (organisers of the fabulous raffle) and Orange Pekoe Tea House, in the Kitchen Space