The Bronnley story begins in 1884, when James Bronnley established his business in a modest workshop on Verulam Street in Holborn. Having studied perfumery and soap making in Paris, he returned to Britain with a simple ambition: to produce beautifully made soaps and fragrances that offered a touch of everyday luxury. It proved to be a winning formula. Although the original premises disappeared during the Second World War, the company had already begun its journey, moving premises as demand increased and steadily building a reputation for quality that would soon become recognised around the world. One creation, in particular, would go on to define the Bronnley name.

When James died in 1938, the business remained firmly in family hands, passing from his daughter Gladys Rossiter to his granddaughter Ann Rossiter. Together they safeguarded the company's reputation for almost seven decades. Like many historic British brands, Bronnley experienced periods of both success and uncertainty after leaving family ownership in 2007, but its loyal following never disappeared. The biggest turning point came in 2023, when Heathcote & Ivory took ownership of the business. Rather than reinvent the brand, they looked backwards, returning to James Bronnley's original vision and carefully restoring the products that had made Bronnley such an enduring favourite.

The collection today feels both reassuringly familiar and refreshingly modern. Alongside timeless fragrances like English Fern sits an impressive selection of triple-milled soaps, hand washes, and an expanding skincare collection built on the company's bathing heritage. At the heart is the Lemon range, which has become the unmistakable signature of the brand. From the iconic 1892 Lemon Soap to beautifully fragranced hand care, the collection continues to grow, and now welcomes the new alcohol-free Lemon Eau Fraîche. Fresh, uplifting and wonderfully easy to wear, it's the perfect travel-friendly addition to everyone's summer holidays.

The fragrance opens with the now iconic pairing of lemon and lemongrass, so you get an instant burst of citrus freshness. Immediately you are thinking of summer beaches and hot weather, evening if you're holidaying at home. This is then quickly followed by a fizzy neroli, with its slightly metallic undertones, which also helps to keep the scent sparkling and bright. However, in the same way as the smell of the soap, there is a surprising development to the fragrance. The arrival of cedarwood, with its dry woodiness and hints of pine-like sap, adds an unobtrusive support to the citrus medley happening on the top, and the final touch of sweetened musk completes the perfect summer companion.

The Lemon Eau Fraîche is available from Bronnley at bronnley.co.uk, as well as Waitrose, and is priced at £12 for 15ml. [Sample provided by Bronnley]