Lounges of the Realm: Three UK Cigar Havens Worth the Pilgrimage
If you’re chasing relaxed luxury—and a whiff of time-travel back to the glory days of the British Empire—these three cigar destinations deliver atmosphere, expertise, and serious humidors. From Mayfair polish to Cuban-leaning connoisseurship in Derby, and late-night jazz in Liverpool, this is a mini tour of the UK’s cigar-lounge culture at its most inviting.
No. 6 Cavendish (Mayfair, London): A Gentle Return to Empire-Era Elegance
Tucked into the heart of Mayfair, No. 6 Cavendish feels like an English cottage dressed for high society—warm, refined, and effortlessly confident. Expect bespoke cigar options finished to a very high standard, alongside a trained sommelier team that will match you not only with the right cigar, but also with a complementary pour from a deep spirits selection—especially luxury whiskies from across the former empire.
Inside, the palette is intimate and welcoming: large leather sofas, comfortable corners, and small gilded glass tables positioned so you never have to “reach” for your drink or ashtray. Heavy wooden floors, layered with rugs, meet deep blue walls, while colonial-era objects sit side-by-side with modern art and photography. Soft, warm lighting neatly defines seating areas—perfect for quiet conversation. Greenery and florals complete the scene, giving the space that polished “British drawing room” finish.
For cigar storage, the lounge takes things seriously: large wooden humidors and a dedicated humidor room maintain optimal conditions for Cuban premium cigars as well as top brands from the New World. The centerpiece is the lounge’s “vault”—home to super-premium labels, rare cigars, one-off runs, limited editions, and regional exclusives.
Good to know: Guided cigar tasting events are held on site. Check the venue’s listings for special evenings. Reservations are required, and stays are typically limited to around two hours, depending on demand.
No. 6 Cavendish
6 Cavendish Square, London
020 7637 8949
(Website link provided: https://tinyurl.com/ybetcvvp)
The Cigar Lounge Derby (Derby): A Havana Lover’s Private-Club Dream
If you’re a devoted Cuban-cigar enthusiast, you’ll immediately understand the appeal of The Cigar Lounge Derby—and of its owner, Captain Tony Spacey. A passionate devotee of Havana cigars for more than three decades, Spacey built the lounge from a simple idea: great cigars become even better when shared with people who truly appreciate them.
The lounge holds the “Gold Standard Havana” distinction—signaling not just deep expertise and a broad range (including exceptionally rare pieces), but also careful long-term handling and optimal serving conditions. While Cuban cigars are the heart of the house, you can also order cigars from other countries. The humidors are excellent, and the transition from the humidor rooms into the lounge itself is a sensory moment—like stepping into a collector’s world.
The experience feels less like a commercial venue and more like being welcomed into the private home of that one friend who really knows cigars. You’ll find the well-known Cuban marques—and also less common and harder-to-source selections, including rare boutique cigars. Another major plus: many cigars can be purchased as singles, and they’ll package them in a protective tube—ideal if you want to explore without committing to a full box.
The vibe is friendly—never stiff—yet undeniably elegant: deep leather sofas, refined leather chairs, wood-paneled walls, wall-to-wall carpeting, shelves stacked with cigar books and magazines, and nautical memorabilia that nods to the Captain’s seafaring aesthetic. A large stone fireplace seals the warm, home-like feel.
The Cigar Lounge Derby
22 Robinsons Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury St., Derby
01332 331 548
www.cigarloungederby.co.uk
Puffin’ Rooms (Liverpool): Cigars, Live Jazz, and a Whisky List That Doesn’t Quit
If you’ve spent time around Britain’s coastal regions, you’ve probably met the charming oddballs of the seaside cliffs: puffins—“sea parrots.” Liverpool, a proud port city, is a fitting home for Puffin’ Rooms, a beautifully designed cigar club named in their honor.
This is a venue for cigar lovers, yes—but it’s also built for anyone who wants a high-quality night out with fine spirits, live music, and a strong food offering. The humidors showcase leading Cuban brands alongside a curated spread from the New World. One section houses the smoking lounge, and cigar sales run until 23:30. After that, the night keeps going—drinks, bites, and live jazz performances that carry on into the late hours. Sunday afternoons often bring blues sets.
Design-wise, it’s sharply executed: grand piano, leather seating, wood detailing, and warm lamps that subtly create semi-private seating “pods” without closing off the room.
The bar is a headline act all on its own, featuring 200+ whisky labels, including rare expressions, plus an extensive cocktail list and a well-considered wine and Champagne selection. The kitchen supports the cigar-and-dram ritual with small plates—think Himalayan salt-seared scallops or imperial sturgeon caviar.
For those who like to go deeper, Puffin’ Rooms also offers private whisky tastings and cocktail masterclasses. Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Puffin’ Rooms
The Albany Building, 8 Old Hall Street, Liverpool
0151 705 1005
www.puffinrooms.co.uk
