Tucked within London’s prestigious grid of Georgian facades and polished avenues, Mayfair is a neighbourhood where luxury isn’t shouted—it’s whispered through craftsmanship, legacy, and timeless rituals. Amid its tailored suits, private clubs, and world-class hospitality, the cigar persists as a defining symbol. Not merely a roll of tobacco, it is an artefact of slow living in a city that rarely stops moving.
There’s something deeply grounding about the act of cutting, toasting, and drawing a cigar in a setting like The Connaught or James J. Fox. Each motion becomes a marker of intent—of choosing stillness, choosing depth, choosing presence. It is here that cigars are not smoked in haste or distraction; they are savoured, contemplated, and, often, shared.
From Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century introduction of tobacco to British shores to the cigar’s 19th-century adoption by the aristocracy, these finely crafted rolls have carried connotations of refinement, affluence, and intellect. In literary salons, parliamentary chambers, and now modern cigar lounges, the tradition endures—elegant, masculine, and evolving.
This article is for those who seek more than consumption, for those who pursue the story behind the draw. What follows is a carefully curated journey through Mayfair’s most iconic cigar lounges, rituals, and references, offering a window into the cultural heartbeat of the modern cigar connoisseur.
The Mayfair Cigar Sanctuary – Mapping Today’s Finest Lounges
In the 1800s, cigar divans such as Simpson’s-in-the-Strand redefined what it meant to socialise in the capital—places where ideas flowed as easily as the smoke. Today, the evolution continues. Mayfair’s lounges are temples of modern indulgence, designed for connoisseurs who expect comfort without compromise and legacy without rigidity.
The Connaught Cigar Merchants (Carlos Place)
Discretion is key here. Hidden within The Connaught’s refined labyrinth is a space carved from quiet luxury. Designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, the Pippy Oak ceiling and humidor altar set the tone: reverent and intimate. The lounge hosts rare Cuban gems like the Montecristo Sublimes and Cohiba Gran Reserva, paired with a vault of elite spirits including Connaught’s bespoke Scotch and vintage Japanese whiskies. At its heart is Adam Lajca, one of the world’s few Masters of Havana Cigars—part curator, part confidant. There are no reservations; presence is earned by knowing where to look.
Ritz London Cigars (Piccadilly)
Step inside from the bustle of Green Park and into another era. The Ritz sampling lounge is dressed in rich leathers and brass, echoing the grandeur of early 20th-century design. A walk-in humidor houses both Cuban staples and a bespoke line rolled in the Dominican Republic. Even here, in one of Britain’s most traditional bastions, the New World cigar is embraced. There are lockers for the devoted and curated drink pairings for the curious.
Sparrow Italia Cigar Lounge (Avery Row)
A newer but no less elegant entry into Mayfair’s cigar scene, Sparrow Italia sits above a modern Italian restaurant. Its third-floor lounge feels like a private study—dark wood, low lighting, hushed laughter. At the helm is Syafiera, one of fewer than 40 certified Masters of Havana Cigars in the world—and one of even fewer women in that league. Pairings here span Dalmore whisky to hand-mixed cocktails. Seating is limited, and access is often granted only to members or diners.
Sautter Mayfair (Mount Street)
Sautter is both shop and sanctuary. Known for its deep catalogue of aged Cubans and knowledgeable staff, it’s a hub for those who value expertise without affectation. Frequent masterclasses, cigar schools, and insider newsletters nurture a loyal clientele. It’s not a place to impress—it’s a place to belong.
James J. Fox (St James’s Street)
The cornerstone of British cigar heritage. Trading since 1787, JJ Fox served Churchill, Wilde, and several royal households. Today, it combines high-end retail with a museum housing Churchill’s original armchair and ledger. Their house blends, such as the Honduran Churchill, are beloved, but the real draw is the atmosphere: a sense that time bends here, gently.
Other Mentions
Fumar, located in Shepherd Market, is among the latest to join Mayfair’s cigar circuit—small, modern, and attuned to today’s clientele. Also worth noting are The Wellesley’s heated cigar terrace, Edward Sahakian’s opulent lounge at the Bvlgari Hotel, and the lush Garden Room at The Lanesborough.
Did you know?
Mayfair has the highest concentration of certified “Masters of Havana Cigars” in the UK—an unofficial badge of quality unmatched anywhere else.
The Gentleman’s Cypher – A Modern Take on Cigar Etiquette
In Mayfair, the cigar is not a prop—it’s a practice. Mastering its etiquette isn’t about pretension; it’s about enhancing the experience for everyone involved.
- Selection: Consider your time and tolerance. A Perla might suit a short break; a Churchill invites an evening of unhurried reflection.
- Cutting: Use a straight or V-cutter. Avoid pocket knives or anything crude—it’s about precision, not machismo.
- Lighting: Toast the foot gently. Let it smoulder before puffing. Cedar matches or butane lighters are preferred—no petrol taint.
- Pacing: One puff per minute is a good rhythm. Let the cigar guide you, not the clock.
- Holding: Between the thumb and index finger, lightly. Never clench or wave it while talking.
- Ashing: Let it fall when nature insists. Don’t tap or flick. And never crush it—let it die with dignity.
Social nuances also matter. If offered a cigar, accept graciously. Never critique the selection. In lounges, keep voices low, and avoid lighting up without checking with those nearby. Cigar culture thrives on mutual respect.
In Churchill’s Shadow – The Prime Minister and His Legacy
Sir Winston Churchill did not merely smoke cigars—he inhabited them. Introduced to Havana cigars during military service in Cuba, he carried his love for them through wars, speeches, and statecraft.
Churchill was known to chew on cigars long before lighting them. He insisted on custom oxygen masks that allowed him to smoke at altitude. His London supplier, JJ Fox, still holds his account records and the chair where he once sat. One visit there is enough to understand the weight of tradition.
The “Churchill” size cigar—long, commanding, and leisurely—remains a tribute to the man who turned tobacco into a political signature.
The Trinity of Taste – Where Cigars Meet Whisky and Style
In Mayfair, refinement isn’t an accessory—it’s an axis. And on this axis, cigars, whisky, and tailoring revolve with measured precision.
Cigar & Whisky Pairing
Great pairings awaken something in both participants. The goal isn’t matching strength—it’s building contrast or harmony.
- A mellow Dominican cigar can sing against a floral Glenfiddich.
- A fiery Nicaraguan pairs naturally with a dark, oaky bourbon.
- Maduro-wrapped cigars find allies in sherry-cask Scotches.
Many Mayfair lounges offer guided pairings, including The Connaught and The Ritz, whose staff are as fluent in terroir as they are in tasting notes.
Cigar & Savile Row
The parallels are unmistakable. Both cigar rolling and bespoke tailoring demand years of apprenticeship. Each cut, each roll—measured, deliberate, artful.
It’s no coincidence that Henry Poole & Co. once invented the smoking jacket for the Prince of Wales. Whether silk-lined or chalk-striped, these pieces are worn not for display but for pleasure—the kind of discreet luxury that binds the cigar and the suit.
Old World vs. New World – What Today’s Smoker Should Know
For decades, Cuban cigars were the undisputed pinnacle. They grew in the Vuelta Abajo under exacting conditions, and their earthy complexity and smooth draw set the gold standard.
But the rise of New World cigars—from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras—has reshaped the landscape.
- Nicaraguan cigars: Bold, spicy, volcanic-soil driven. Brands like Oliva and My Father are modern legends.
- Dominican Republic: Creamy, nutty, and balanced. Think Davidoff or Arturo Fuente.
- Honduras: Leathered, woody, sometimes sweet. Camacho and Alec Bradley stand out.
New World cigars often undergo longer factory ageing, making them ready to smoke on arrival. Cubans, by contrast, often benefit from personal ageing, developing greater depth over time.
The discerning Mayfair smoker doesn’t choose one over the other. Instead, they build a personal humidor that reflects mood, occasion, and company.
The Torcedor’s Touch – The Human Craft Behind Every Draw
In an age of automation, cigars remain stubbornly human.
A premium cigar passes through the hands of dozens of skilled artisans. It starts with farmers selecting seed varieties suited to microclimates. Leaves are cured in barns, fermented in pilones, and aged in cedar vaults—each phase coaxing out complexity.
Then comes the torcedor, or roller. Trained for years, they execute each blend by hand: bunching filler, securing it with a binder, then wrapping it in the finest outer leaf. A cap is hand-cut and placed. The whole cigar is then aged again to allow the tobaccos to marry.
Every draw honours this journey. It is not consumption—it is communion.
Conclusion: More Than Smoke – A Cultural Anchor in a Fast World
To smoke a cigar in Mayfair is to join a centuries-old conversation—one about taste, ritual, and personal agency. From Churchill’s ceremonial lighting to Sparrow Italia’s quiet elegance, each moment spent with a cigar becomes a meditation on time, craftsmanship, and place.
In a culture that often trades quality for speed, the cigar persists as resistance—slow, deliberate, grounded.
Whether enjoyed in the grand salons of The Connaught, the museum-lined humidor of JJ Fox, or the sleek modernity of Fumar, a cigar in Mayfair is never just a smoke.
It’s a statement.
