Cigar shops on the South Coast (UK)?

[LukeBird]

While smoking with a friend of mine at the pub yesterday, we pondered any local cigar shops; anybody know of any in the Portsmouth/Southampton area?

Both of us are previous residents of Bournemouth and still use the Pipe & Cigar Shop in Southbourne (which is fantastic!) but just wondered if there is anywhere closer that is worth a try?

Thanks in advance!

[pdgray.uk]

Hamble here.....I know of nowhere in the Southampton or Portsmouth area to buy a decent cigar. Hence the lack of replies I assume. Do you have more details of the place in Southbourne?

Thanks

[Pandyboy]

The only place I cn think of is the small tobacconist on London road in Southamptn, there is also a papershop in Portswood that does loose pipe tobacco. Someone told me that there is a tobacconist in Fordingbridge, near Ringwood.
Other than that I don't think there are any others, maybe someone should open one.

[LukeBird]

Do you have more details of the place in Southbourne?

Thanks

Here you are - http://www.loosetobacco.co.uk/

It's a lovely shop and the people who run it are superb. Definitely worth a visit. :)

[jibjob79]

I think i have been to Loosetobacco but i think the actual shops name is the pipe shop. Must say i wasn't overly impressed with the condition of the cigars. Isn't there a wardrobe sized humidor just on the left as you walk in, with the better cigars in, with big holes drilled in the front. For that reason i didn't buy any cigars as they were essentially open to the elements and dry air. I looked for a hydrometer but couldn't see one and the whole shop was not humidified i'm sure. Also the female server wasn't very knowledgeable and i was shocked by her customer service as i felt i was an inconvience to her. They had a half decent selection of accessories but i left not wanting to go back and felt i had wasted my time visiting.

Other experiences may vary, just my 2p.

[LukeBird]

I think i have been to Loosetobacco but i think the actual shops name is the pipe shop. Must say i wasn't overly impressed with the condition of the cigars. Isn't there a wardrobe sized humidor just on the left as you walk in, with the better cigars in, with big holes drilled in the front. For that reason i didn't buy any cigars as they were essentially open to the elements and dry air. I looked for a hydrometer but couldn't see one and the whole shop was not humidified i'm sure. Also the female server wasn't very knowledgeable and i was shocked by her customer service as i felt i was an inconvience to her. They had a half decent selection of accessories but i left not wanting to go back and felt i had wasted my time visiting.

Other experiences may vary, just my 2p.
That's the place and that's what it's called.
Interesting, as my experience couldn't be further from yours (I have been buying from there every few months/weeks for around 3yrs), when did you visit?
The chap is definitely more knowledgeable, but both are very helpful and willing to have a chat. Certainly feel more than a customer! :)
Perhaps a different humidor, as the current one (as of my previous visit a few months back) doesn't have any holes in the front and has a large aggrometer in the front.
Worth trying again I reckon! :smile:

[tippexx]

I think there's an independent wine merchants called Cavita (or something like that) with several shops in the Winchester area that stocks cubans.

[Top Cat]

The best that I've come across for miles and miles is White's on London Rd in Southampton. A small tobacconist but has a decent range of cigars, the vast majority of which are Cuban.

Great selection of loose tobacco too.

Don't know anywhere in Portsmouth though...

[LukeBird]

Thanks chaps, may have to try the one in Southampton.
I think Portsmouth is devoid of decent smokers' shops then!!