London’s Finest Cigar Lounges: A Gentleman’s Guide to Classic British Elegance
In the early 18th century, private clubs for men of England’s upper classes began to emerge in London. These clubs typically featured a bar, a library, a dining area, sometimes a billiard table, and a corner dedicated to reading newspapers. Gentlemen gathered here to discuss politics, close business deals, and enjoy a measure of peace and respite away from daily life.
In fact, the world’s very first gentlemen’s club was founded in London even earlier, toward the end of the 17th century—and it is still in operation today. From this point, the trend spread rapidly, and by the early 18th century London’s West End was filled with such establishments. Membership in a club spoke volumes about a man’s social and economic standing.
At the time, there was no need for designated smoking areas: everyone smoked cigars, and smoking was permitted everywhere. Today, of course, the situation is entirely different, and only a limited number of places allow one to truly enjoy a fine cigar alongside a quality alcoholic drink. With this in mind, we traveled to London to offer a glimpse into three cigar lounges in the city that pays perhaps the greatest respect of all to cigar culture.
The Ritz London Hotel
Ritz London Cigars
Located within the legendary and luxurious Ritz London Hotel, the cigar lounge pays tribute to some of the hotel’s most famous guests known for their fondness for cigars, among them Winston Churchill, Roger Moore, Charlie Chaplin, and others.
The lounge is situated on the hotel’s lobby level and adjoins a cigar shop featuring a state-of-the-art humidor. The selection includes a wide range of cigars from around the world, including premium and limited editions, as well as vintage cigars. The knowledgeable staff will be delighted to share the history of the cigar factories behind the brands. The shop also offers a curated selection of cigar accessories, all of which can be enjoyed in the lounge itself.
The pride of the house is its private-label line, Ritz London Cigars, which pays homage to the classical Cuban cigar tradition. These medium- to full-bodied cigars are all hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic and crafted from fine tobaccos sourced from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico. The blend of high-quality tobaccos from diverse origins allows the master blender to create rich and distinctive profiles.
The lounge itself embodies the essence of a traditional London gentlemen’s club. Armchairs and chairs upholstered in leather or velvet, in warm mustard tones, are complemented by classic British furniture inspired by Art Deco and late 19th-century design. Mahogany wood and soft, warm lighting envelop the bar, while cream-toned marble floors and thick rugs enhance the sense of understated luxury. The bar offers an extensive selection of Scotch whisky, cognac, and rum.
Dress code: Elegant.
Ritz London Cigars
The Ritz London Hotel
150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
(+44) (0) 20 7493 8181
www.theritzlondon.com/ritzlondoncigars
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
A cocktail and cigar bar of exceptional refinement, The Churchill Bar & Terrace exudes an atmosphere of relaxed yet unmistakable luxury. A quote by Sir Winston Churchill greets guests at the entrance: “I am easily satisfied with the very best”—a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of the venue.
Located within the Hyatt Regency London, the bar is regarded as one of the city’s most prestigious cocktail destinations. Its mixologists are highly acclaimed and award-winning. Fittingly for a bar bearing Churchill’s name—an iconic figure rarely seen without a cigar—it offers an impressive selection of cigars from leading global brands, including exclusive premium series. Naturally, these are kept in meticulously maintained humidors to ensure optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
Beyond its signature cocktails, the bar boasts an extensive spirits collection, fine wines, and a rich menu inspired by British imperial-era cuisine. The ambiance is elegant yet vibrant. Wooden floors and wall paneling are adorned with letters written by Churchill to his wife, Clementine. Leather and velvet armchairs in shades of blue and yellow, along with the rest of the furnishings, bathe the space in refined color. A well-stocked library, shelves of rare bottles, and a fireplace contribute to a warm, dignified atmosphere.
The marble-clad terrace offers a lush, green setting ideal for enjoying a drink and a cigar. It is heated year-round as needed, and guests are provided with light blankets for added comfort.
There is no formal dress code, but evening visitors are encouraged to dress accordingly.
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Hyatt Regency London
30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
(+44) (0) 20 7299 2035
https://tinyurl.com/25ez3k5u
Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop & Sampling Lounge
The cigar shop and lounge of renowned cigar industry icon Edward Sahakian, located within the Bvlgari Hotel London, is a coveted destination for connoisseurs seeking truly exceptional vintage cigars.
The shop features Cuban cigars from leading brands such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagás, H. Upmann, and Hoyo de Monterrey, alongside New World cigars. The true “crown jewels,” however, are the vintage and extremely rare cigars—many from Sahakian’s personal collection—including Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 (£3,000) and Cohiba Sublimes L.E. 2004 (£1,200).
The lounge itself is intimate, with dark wood-paneled walls and floors. Deep, wide black leather armchairs blend seamlessly into the overall palette. The design is restrained and elegant, with a subtle modern touch. The air purification and smoke extraction system installed here is among the most advanced in the world. Guests may also rent private humidors secured in locked safes, offering long-term cigar storage under perfect temperature and humidity control.
In addition to cigars, guests can enjoy a well-appointed bar serving cognac, whisky, and other fine spirits.
Dress code: Smart casual; shorts and sportswear are not permitted.
Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop & Sampling Lounge
Bvlgari Hotel London
171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW
(+44) (0) 207 151 1010
https://tinyurl.com/mvwzh5c3
