Here's a lovely way to celebrate an event with a few girlfriends. Book yourselves into perfumery Ormonde Jayne for a 'perfume portrait'. It's great for a special birthday, hen party or just a day out for a mum and daughter; owner Linda Pilkington can accommodate up to five people in her flagship Sloane Square store - she'll even supply the champagne.

Here's how it works. Everybody will be asked a few questions about their likes and dislikes, particularly when it comes to fragrance, and then - the best bit - you will be invited to smell a whole tray of different ingredients. From your reaction - and believe me your reaction to some of the more intense fragrances will be interesting - Linda will suggest your perfect fragrance from her bespoke Ormond Jayne range.

Linda is a rarity in the commercial world of perfumes, where everything is about big brands and high volume. She founded her bespoke perfumery in 1998, and currently produces just 12 scents - each one a minor fragrance miracle, using rare and exquisite oils, sourced from around the world. She has a long-standing and loyal customer base who, once they find their signature scent, stay with her. The day I visited, hotelier and TV presenter Alex Polizzi from 'The Hotel Inspector', popped in to pick up 'her usual'. 'I've been wearing it for years and just can't change,' she confided. Other celebrity fans include Yasmin Le Bon, Elton John, Will Smith, Bryan Ferry, Goldie Hawn and Emma Thompson.

And Linda is a lovely woman just to chat to, passionate and knowledgeable about fragrance and happy to share this with customers over the course of a perfume portrait. Much more personal than a spa trip, each perfume costs £70, each is a classic.

Visit Ormonde Jayne at 192 Pavillion Road, Sloane Square ; in The Royal Arcade at 28 Old Bond St ; at her Harrods' concession in Knightsbridge ; or online at www.ormondejayne.com.