Noble Isle Founder Katy Simpson’s London Guide

 Noble Isle was formed as a celebration of Britain – its founders wanted to create the quintessential British brand. Noble Isle has recently launched their Tea Rose from Chelsea Green collection, with a Luxury Bubble Bath & Shower Gel, Luxury Body Cream, Luxury Hand Wash and Luxury Hand Lotion all based on an extract created from the sustainable English scented roses we grow on our Hampshire flower farm. We caught up with Noble Isle’s founder Katy Simpson to discover the story behind the Tea Rose collection and find out her favourite London places.

What inspired you to create the Tea Rose collection?

"When I first started to work in London, one of my favourite pastimes was to go for an aperitif in the grand Art Deco hotels in the West End – The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Langham, The Berkeley. Occasionally we would treat ourselves to afternoon tea with the “full works” of finger-cut sandwiches, scones and clotted cream and a dainty cup of English breakfast tea served in a fine bone-china cup. There was something so glamorous and elegant about these grand hotels with their stylish interior decoration that made you want to stay forever. These iconic London hotels that have taken the ritual of afternoon tea and elevated it to the point of pure poetry have been the inspiration for the fragrance of Tea Rose.""I wanted to find another company that embodies the same core values and synergy that we have at Noble Isle. I met Rosebie from The Real Flower Company last year and she invited me to her beautiful farm in Hampshire. Seeing first-hand the rows beyond rows of scented English roses nestled among the rolling Hampshire hills, and listening to Rosebie, with all her knowledge and passion, explaining the subtleties of hue and scent within the different breeds, I just knew that The Real Flower Company was the perfect partner for Noble Isle."

Tell us about the scent of the Tea Rose collection.

"The Tea Rose fragrance is made up of a complex blend of ingredients that results in a pure and delicate aroma. Combining two opposite but complementary main notes, the fragrance is simply a delight for the senses.""There’s a finely balanced mix of fresh rose petals, jasmine and green leaves – which are pure and delicate – but these fresh notes are then grounded, turned earthy, through black tea and sage scents, making Tea Rose complex and sophisticated." Top Notes: Bergamot and Green LeavesHeart Notes: Black Tea, Rose and JasmineBase Notes: Clary Sage and Musk

What is your first London memory?

"My parents took me shopping at Miss Selfridge at Selfridges when I was twelve. I fell in love with the city and fashion!"

If you were being a tourist for the day in London, where would you go?

"I would go on the hop on / hop off double-decker bus tour on a lovely spring day, sitting up top with the best of London whizzing past. My friends and I used to sit up top with a bottle of wine and glasses and watch the sights go by!"

What are your favourite London restaurants?

"Zuma for Japanese, Maggie Jones for the best of British, Café Boheme for a taste of France, Yauatcha for Chinese, Maroush for Lebanese, or Sophie’s Steak House."

What’s the last thing you saw at the theatre in London?

"Kinky Boots at Christmas. It was fabulous, and put me in the mood for the Christmas festivities!"

Where do you like to shop?

"The Kings Road."

What do you miss about living in London?

"The buzz, the culture, the bars, restaurants and shops. You can take the girl out of London, but you can never take London from her heart!"

What was the worst thing about living in London?

"Queuing and crowds."Noble Isle’s Tea Rose of Chelsea Green collection is now available at our London Flower Shop in Chelsea Green. You can also shop the range here, with next day nationwide delivery.