The Best Cigar Lounges in London

Tobacco in Europe was certainly a late arrival. It had been an important cultural and ceremonial product in the Caribbean and Central America for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that it made its way across the waters to have such an incredible impact on society here.

By the 19th century the cigar had become an item closely associated with politics, literature and the intellectual elite. The city of London was emerging as one of the most important cigar markets in the world with such demand making the very best tobacco a status asset.

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A strong culture of cigar appreciation grew alongside this market to support it. Early establishments such as The Grand Cigar Divan that opened in The Strand in 1828 demonstrated how this new social ritual was developing rapidly. Patrons would read newspapers, discuss the matters of the day and share suggestions and recommendations for cigars amongst each other.

In 2026 the cigar lounges of London are a much different prospect. After the smoking ban of 2007 it was necessary for specialist cigar sellers to provide certain allocated spaces to try their products, with outdoor spaces and lounges now prioritised.

The best cigar lounges in London today are a fascinating mix of history and modernity rolled into one. Here is a guide to six of the finest:

The Top Six Cigar Lounges in London

1. James J. Fox
19 St James’s Street

This location was the centre of the city’s cigar trade at its height hundreds of years ago. James J. Fox remains perhaps the most historic cigar merchant in all of London with roots stretching back to 1787.

Today the shop maintains its traditional flavour with wooden cabinets and a huge walk-in humidor with hundreds of the best examples on show. Upstairs is a dedicated smoking room with space for over 20 guests to sample their purchases.

James J. Fox is a great option for:

• Cohiba and Partagás cigars
• Vintage Havana
• Private cigar tastings for dedicated groups.

With past patrons such as Winston Churchill this is a place where excellence is guaranteed every time.

2. Davidoff of London
35 St James’s Street

The Davidoff brand is one of the most prestigious in the world. It began in Geneva and established itself around the world as the height of sophisticated tobacco products with this London shop opening in 1980.

For cigar aficionados this place is a must. It is frequently recognised by the cigar trade with awards to make it the choice for visiting international collectors with expert staff on hand to guide any purchases. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for:

• Limited edition Davidoff releases
• Handmade cigar-smoking accessories
• Expert consultation

The Davidoff brand is a guarantee for quality and the experience here is perfectly matched to it.

3. The Connaught Cigar Merchants
Mayfair

The Connaught is one of the leading lights for historic hospitality in Mayfair. For 2026, its cigar programme is expertly overseen by Adam Lajca, a certified Master of Havana Cigars.

There is a delightful boutique ambience to this place with a humidor that focuses heavily on Cuban varieties. Its connection to the Connaught Hotel and bar make for the perfect pairing when one wants to sample their latest buys with an excellent brandy. Some particular highlights recently at The Connaught Cigar Merchants are:

• Cohiba Behike
• Montecristo No. 2
• Bolivar Belicosos Finos

The Connaught Cigar Armagnac collaboration available here is well worth exploring too.

4. The Wellesley Cigar Terrace
Knightsbridge

The Wellesley Hotel appeared in 2012 inside a former jazz club just near Hyde Park Corner. Immediately, it garnered quite a reputation for the cigar terrace that became a huge attraction to residents and visitors.

The plush seating and all-year-round heaters make this a fabulous al fresco environment for cigar enthusiasts. With a cigar collection that ranks amongst the best hotels in Europe and an extended menu of whisky and Cognac pairings The Wellesley Cigar Terrace is incredibly well equipped. Particular favourites here include:

• Romeo y Julieta Churchill
• Trinidad Reyes
• Paratgás Serie D No.4

Importantly, this is also located in one of the most impressive and famous neighbourhoods that London has to offer.

5. Boisdale of Belgravia
Belgravia 

This place will be primarily known as a Scottish restaurant and whisky bar to many. However, it also holds a cigar programme that has been serving the cigar elite of the city for almost 40 years.

The wonderful walk-in humidor is complemented by a purpose built outdoor cigar terrace decorated in Boisdale’s unmistakable livery. Leather armchairs and low tables sit beneath heated lamps for a relaxed and informal feel. Stock here is sourced through Hunters & Frankau, the official UK distributor for Havana cigars, and rotates frequently to reward revisits. Some recent menu highlights include:

• Cohiba Robustos
• Montecristo No. 2
• Bolívar Royal Corona

Aged boxes and a collection of special editions do occasionally appear too, so it is always worth a conversation with the staff to see if any are scheduled.

6. Tomtom Cigars
Belgravia

There is such a long-standing association with cigar smoking and spirit drinking in London that it can often be difficult to find a place that isn’t built around it. Tom Assheton opened Tomtom cigars in 1997 with a wholly different concept based on quality cigars and coffee.

A small smoking lounge on site is an informal and welcoming space that acts as a daily spot for many patrons. This is definitely one for the rather more adventurous with a stock selection that also embraces new world cigar suppliers from Nicaragua and The Dominican Republic. Some great options to try here are:

• Oliva - Serie V
• Plascencia - Alma Fuerte
• AJ Fernandez – San Lotano

Tomtom is a very modern version of the cigar lounge tradition with keen tailoring to the changes in tastes and lifestyles that London is experiencing in the 21st century.

All of London’s finest cigar lounges celebrate a ritual that has existed for thousands of years. The almost meditative process of choosing a cigar and taking the time to enjoy it is incredibly well served in this city for 2026. It can form part of a perfect evening in stunning locations and offers an opportunity to spend a while in the company of like-minds while doing so.