The Best Cigar in London
Was I the only one who breathed a sigh of relief when I found out that the Government were abandoning the crazy idea of having plain packaged cigarettes and cigars? Perhaps as one of a dying breed of cigar smokers I feel rather strongly about this issue, but that’s for another article. However, it does lead me in very nicely to talk about my hobby, indulgence, guilty pleasure… the pleasures of a fine cigar.
Here I will give you a concise rundown of some of my favourite places in the capital, those last bastions of a beleaguered smoker:
I. Boisdales, Belgravia:- a fun little Scottish restaurant near Victoria Station has a buzzing atmosphere and serves fine plates of the most clubbable nursery food such as potted shrimp, big steaks and of course haggis, but the real charm of this place comes from its spacious cigar terrace where you can enjoy something from their impressive list whilst supping on a wee dram from their exhaustive list of whiskies.
II. The Garden Room, Lanesborough Hotel – despite the greasy well-moniedbusinessmen and high class escorts that this place attracts, its Smoking Terrace is a fabulous location to enjoy a beautifully kept Cohiba whilst quaffing on one of their expertly mix cocktails (Negroni is my drink of choice there). The service is impeccable and the staff know how to add a bit of prestige and spectacle to the lighting of a cigar. The terrace is semi-enclosed and as such heated to suit the inevitable eventuality of a cold winter’s eve, it’s almost as if you were indoors!
III. JJ Fox – By far my favourite tobacconist in the capital, this legendary emporium on St. James has an incredible array of fine cigars from Cuba and further afield. The staff are both knowledgeable and friendly without the snootiness of the nearby Davidoff but just a respect and appreciation for expert, enthusiast and amateur alike. I have never purchased a duff cigar from them and they have a fantastic line NUB cigars which are well worth a ganders. The reason I mention them here is that they have a wonderful upstairs area in which you can enjoy a sample purchased on the premise whilst still adhering to the strict smoking policies that operate in this country.
IV. Casa Del Habano – In the heart of bustling Soho, this cigar shop is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of London town. A minute smoking area for samples is available and climatically is like stepping into the large humidor. Sadly, it is not a licensed establishment so I recommend sauntering along there after a boozy lunch and enjoying a fine Cuban with a cup of their excellent coffee or, dare I write it, an ice cold glass of (regular – none of this diet rubbish) Coca Cola. However, if you get bored by the smoke and the soft drinks, fear not, for there is a very trendy bar adjoining the shop in which you can wet your whistle admirably well.
V. St. James Park – Funny? Some readers are probably a bit surprised that I mention somewhere that is, to all intents and purposes, just another of London’s fabulous parks where you can smoke as many as you like to your hearts content without much hindrance (unless you are a perpetual litterbug or are loitering in a seedy fashion), but I have always come to this place on a fine day to enjoy a good purchase (usually from the above mentioned JJ Fox), to sit on a bench and watch the birds skate across the lake on a good day with a fantastic NUB Cameroon and a can of M&S Scotch and dry ginger makes for a very pleasant afternoon!
By Henry Rubinstein
