Portman Square - Notting Hill

**treewhale** · 12-21-2010, 11:00 AM

Has anyone tried this yet? Reviews, people? I'm planning to get in on the 2011 purchase sabattical, and I would like to hear what people think of this one so I can put in an order before New Years. (I know that seems like cheating.)

**Vlad** · 12-21-2010, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by treewhale

Has anyone tried this yet? Reviews, people? I'm planning to get in on the 2011 purchase sabattical, and I would like to hear what people think of this one so I can put in an order before New Years. (I know that seems like cheating.)

Don't think I don't see you!

**michiganlover** · 12-21-2010, 12:22 PM

Just a shot in the dark here, but the inclusion of tallow, along with the description of "shaving cream soap" leads me to believe that "Portman Square" might be re-branded Queen Charlotte Soap. It likely is a specialized scent just for Bullgoose Shaving though.

In fact, just checked, and the ingredients list of both is identical. Both are also sold in 5oz containers.

**Baloosh** · 12-21-2010, 12:38 PM

I remember reading Phil posting that he has indeed contracted Queen Charlotte soap/cream as the basis of his Notting Hill offerings. If so, great idea!

**bandg** · 12-21-2010, 12:42 PM

If that is the case, no worries about performance.

**Sullybob** · 12-21-2010, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by michiganlover

Just a shot in the dark here, but the inclusion of tallow, along with the description of "shaving cream soap" leads me to believe that "Portman Square" might be re-branded Queen Charlotte Soap. It likely is a specialized scent just for Bullgoose Shaving though.

In fact, just checked, and the ingredients list of both is identical. Both are also sold in 5oz containers.

Like I needed to read this

. I was able to test one of the prototype soaps from Queen Charlotte and it was a pretty nice soap.

I have been able to resist ordering the Portman Square and the Coates cream for a while now. But resistance is futile

**geneaut** · 01-13-2011, 06:58 PM

It performs well for me. The scent is probably one of the stronger, masculine blends I've run across so far.

**michiganlover** · 01-14-2011, 04:01 AM

Got a sample of this from Phil in my recent Bullgoose Shaving order.

I have to say this is great stuff. Lathers really nicely, and the scent is great!

The scent is certainly unique. I would describe it as nutty. It's not likely to smell like anything else you have in your shaving arsenal.

According to Phil:

"a blend of lavender and cedar wood essential oils with a hint of leathery earthiness. To me, it conjures up images of leather bound books and wood paneling."

**Greyfox** · 01-14-2011, 05:19 AM

I got a sample of this from Phil with my last order as well. Have not tried it yet but will remedy that Saturday morning.

**bowlturner** · 01-14-2011, 01:25 PM

This is a nice cream/soap if you like a stout scent. On the Bullgoose site it is described as " a blend of lavender and cedar wood". It is very much a cedal smell and I love it. Of course the scent it gone shortly after cleaning up. It is just as easy to lather as Tabac soap, or Cella cream in a tub. Notting Hill is a very dense cream (like Cella or Acca Kappa 1869) and I work up the lather in the bowl.

**Lusitano** · 02-03-2011, 09:56 AM

Tried it today. The scent seems like a cheap insecticide. And the performance was disappointing, very little cushion and glide.

**ltjaw** · 02-08-2011, 06:40 PM

I have a tub of this and have been using it in rotation for the last month. It performs the same as other QCS "croaps," just smells different. As for the smell, in the tub it has a very earthy smell, almost like dirt. You get a hint of lavender in the tub. When you lather it, though, the lavender and woods really come out. It is a very nice, masculine lavender scent when lathered. Earthy, woodsy lavender fits the bill. To me it seems like a blend of QCS lavender and celestial woods with a touch of the earthy notes from vetiver. Complex, yes.

As for performance of the soap, it is tops. This is the slickest lather I've used. And maybe I have a selective memory, but I feel I have no nicks or weepers when using this soap.

You could just ask Phil for a sample with your next order from him (you know he has some things you need, I mean want). Or if you haven't experienced QCS soaps, get a sample pack of FIVE ONE OUNCE samples from QCS. These are very generous samples.