Charming old UK Cigar Stores

[nicwing]

Guys, I need your help, recollections stories etc.

I am working on a new feature on British shops and I want to include a 'charming' old style Cigar store.

I have a short list but could do with some more information. Do any of you have any details/stories on any of these stores?

a. Arthur Morris in Bolton,
Bolton is home to Arthur Morris, a quality tobacconist since 1903, and now into its 4th generation of the family. This shop has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel to it; even the window display harks back to days gone by.

b. James Barber in Otley Nr Leeds
JAMES BARBER TOBACCONISTS enjoys the best of both worlds, located in the historic market town of Otley, but within easy reach of Harrogate, Bradford and Leeds. The walk-in humidor was built by James Barber himself, and now houses not only a wide array of cigars, but also lots of certificates on the walls and even an old photograph of his great grandfather on the tobacco fields in Kentucky.
Now in its fourth generation, the shop has always been on this street, and stock is rapidly outgrowing it

c. The Bear Shop (Shave & Coster) in Cardiff,
http://www.tobacconistonline.com/coster.htm
The Coster family has been associated with the tobacco business since 1844

d. John Hollingsworth in Birmingham,
More information needed

e. Turmeaus Tobacconists in Liverpool
The second oldest Cigar store in the UK (after JJ Fox), Owned by C.Gars Ltd

All thoughts and comments gratefully received.
:smoke:

[Simon-JG-hr]

I've only ever been to the Bear Shop in Cardiff. Though I'd hardly call it charming... it's pleasant enough but it still feels like just a shop. The interesting stuffed bear, whilst a nice talking point, hardly helps in the 'charming' stakes either.

Nonetheless, always a visit before Cardiff herfs.

[PoohBore]

I've only been to a few shops in the area but theBear Shop is the most pleasant, very attentive and helpful staff. Given the only other cigar supplier I've found in Cardiff is the House of Frase store and they actually stick price tags onto the cigar itself :eek:, the bear shop is great.

[Lee Nub]

Bolton is the next town to me, i had no idea Arthur Morris was there. I will have to pay a visit one day.

[nicwing]

Bolton is the next town to me, i had no idea Arthur Morris was there. I will have to pay a visit one day.

My deadline is mid January so a late Christmas shopping trip to Bolton would be ideal Lee.

[Lee Nub]

I wish mate, im working everyday now until 5pm christmas eve :(

[daverave999]

I remember when the Bear Shop was where it used to be, on the corner. I think it used to be Lewis Darbey? I was well underage then so was only concerned with buying different kinds of cigarettes like Kools or cherry menthol rolling tobacco.

Are you looking for stories/details about how they are now? What kind of info? The Bear Shop is well known in Cardiff and I'm sure I could rustle up some further reports from smoking friends round here.

[Drewmidorn]

John Hollingsworth in Brum is a nice store. The Humidor is a reasonable size and they have a lot of pipe smoking gear. Its definitely a quaint shop. Its a shame the shop in Market Harborough has closed...it was perfect.

D

[nicwing]

John Hollingsworth in Brum is a nice store. The Humidor is a reasonable size and they have a lot of pipe smoking gear. Its definitely a quaint shop. Its a shame the shop in Market Harborough has closed...it was perfect.

D

Thanks Drew, be in touch direct. N

[nicwing]

I remember when the Bear Shop was where it used to be, on the corner. I think it used to be Lewis Darbey? I was well underage then so was only concerned with buying different kinds of cigarettes like Kools or cherry menthol rolling tobacco.

Are you looking for stories/details about how they are now? What kind of info? The Bear Shop is well known in Cardiff and I'm sure I could rustle up some further reports from smoking friends round here.

Dave, any stuff you can get would be useful, thanks

Ideally, I want to write about one of these stores with honerable mentions for one or two others.
N

[satch]

e. Turmeaus Tobacconists in Liverpool
The second oldest Cigar store in the UK (after JJ Fox), Owned by C.Gars Ltd

I was in rhere a couple of weekends ago. Nice little Scottish lady let me look around the humidor. She was very patient with my humming and harring. The shop is tiny, more than two people it's cramped. There is loads of smoking goodies crammed on lots of shelves etc. Quite pricey but this is Britain. She told me it 's not open on saturdays except on the run-up to Christmas

[peanutpete]

nic dont no anything about the shops you mentioned but would love to know more about the book, love going into independent shops and meeting proper shop keepers

[nicwing]

I am now full on with my article and I think I have landed on this cigar store as my favourite.

Any chance anyone is near enough to Otley to pop in and reconnoitre for me?

I will stand you a stick for your trouble!!!

James Barber in Otley Nr Leeds
JAMES BARBER TOBACCONISTS enjoys the best of both worlds, located in the historic market town of Otley, but within easy reach of Harrogate, Bradford and Leeds. The walk-in humidor was built by James Barber himself, and now houses not only a wide array of cigars, but also lots of certificates on the walls and even an old photograph of his great grandfather on the tobacco fields in Kentucky.
Now in its fourth generation, the shop has always been on this street, and stock is rapidly outgrowing it.

Just take a look at the pictures from their web site
http://www.smoke.co.uk/acatalog/about_us.html

[whisky77]

The shop in Ayr high street has been there for years Nic, and is as traditional as they come.

[nicwing]

Whisk, Thanks for the tip, can you send me details (for something else I am working on).

Have two stores 'north of the border (Andy Race fish shop in Malaig and Valvona in Edinburgh) but thanks for the tip.

[Howling]

I am now full on with my article and I think I have landed on this cigar store as my favourite.

Any chance anyone is near enough to Otley to pop in and reconnoitre for me?

I will stand you a stick for your trouble!!!

James Barber in Otley Nr Leeds
JAMES BARBER TOBACCONISTS enjoys the best of both worlds, located in the historic market town of Otley, but within easy reach of Harrogate, Bradford and Leeds. The walk-in humidor was built by James Barber himself, and now houses not only a wide array of cigars, but also lots of certificates on the walls and even an old photograph of his great grandfather on the tobacco fields in Kentucky.
Now in its fourth generation, the shop has always been on this street, and stock is rapidly outgrowing it.

Just take a look at the pictures from their web site
http://www.smoke.co.uk/acatalog/about_us.html

:doh: Sorry I have joined after your deadline, but will take a gander for you, as Otley is not far from where I live and close to where my brother-in-law lives, so will pop in when we go there next (won't be long) What do you need to know? :noidea:

[nicwing]

Hi Howling
Since I posted this I have been up to Otley and met James Barber and his wife. I recommend most strongly that you pop in and allow a good couple of hours for your visit. You will not be disappointed!

[Drewmidorn]

Its such a shame that Colema's in Melton Mowbray closed. I loved it.

D

[nicwing]

A good cigar and a good pork pie!

What a heady combination!!!

[eggopp]

Hi Howling
Since I posted this I have been up to Otley and met James Barber and his wife. I recommend most strongly that you pop in and allow a good couple of hours for your visit. You will not be disappointed!

Yeah you were in there half hour before me, the chap told me you had been, remember when i bought the CAOs that were on offer... great store, i tokk a couple of pics whilst i was in there too :smoke:

[eggopp]

Its such a shame that Colema's in Melton Mowbray closed. I loved it.

D

And Paul Beresfords in Melton.. he closed last year when he sold up to a company down south, nice 15 minute drive to Beresfords, then he closed his shop and moved his huge humi cabinets to his farm where i continued to go to get my sticks until he sold his business.. was a real shame, im still in contact with him now too. :smoke:

[Drewmidorn]

Eggpop... that sounds like the shop I mean. Last time I was in the shop (a few years ago) he was closing to become a mail order company. It was a proper little dark shop with the Humi at the back on the left? Is that right?

[Gryph]

Found a great store when ambling around Penzance Cornwall this weekend ... http://www.cornwall-cigar.co.uk/cigars/about.html for the details.

Had a great humidor, and ended up walking out with a few singles - 2 x magnum 50s, 1 x petite edmundo tubo and 1 x partagas serie P 2.

The friendly owner was helpful and went through a number of different sticks until found ones he thought I'd be most satisfied with.

Loads of other cigar/pipe accessories and choices - and unfortunately I totally missed the own label Honduras cigars!