Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham

[Drewmidorn]

I have a few hours tomorrow afternoon to kill in Birmingham. I've popped onto the Hotel Du Vin website to check if they still have their "Comfortable Outside Smoking Area" and all I can find is a note that says the Hotel is strictly no smoking, this could be a recult of my interweb illiteracy.... just wondered if anyone with better local knowledge could fill me in?

[El Catador]

Bad news I'm afraid.

This particular HduV is no-longer cigar friendly (unlike some which have smoking bothies), it does have a good champagne bar though - if you're feeling flushed.

[Drewmidorn]

Ahh bugger.... thanks for that!

As for the Champagne, i'd rather have a cup of tea!

[Seriesteve]

Not sure you noticed this Drew
This is a new member just joined up over the weekend and he enjoys a cup of Tea himself :thumb:
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?t=7491
I hope it's of some good for you
Ss

[Drewmidorn]

Thanks Steve... I've made a note of the address. I'm going to be at the NIA in the centre of town, but if I have enough time (and I may do as we've got to get the gear in at 11am.... which is a disgrace if you ask me) I will jump in a taxi and head down. It looks like a nice pub.

[The Prince, Moseley]

hey Drew,

Keith here from the Prince of Wales in Moseley Birmingham.

We are about 10 mins from the NIA in a cab. We open at 12 noon. I am around during the day until about 5.30pm, if you have time for an afternoon smoke. Then I am off to a beer tasting event in Edgbaston returning to the pub about 10.30pm. I always sit up late with a few friends in the beer garden enjoying a cigar. You would be welcome to join me at any time.

Regards Keith

[The Prince, Moseley]

I used to pop in here and by the odd cigar from the humidor. I went in a while back and the humidor was still there but not functioning. It was full of dried out cigars. Boxes and boxes of them. Pity.

[Drewmidorn]

Hi Keith, if I get time in the afternoon I'll certainly pop across. It all depends on what time the sound check is supposed to be starting/finishing. I won't be able to get across in the evening. although it sounds great, as we won't be finished till past midnight with an early flight in the morning.

If I don't see you... enjoy the beer tasting.

D

[RhiannonBW]

Although I still enjoy going to the HduV in Bru, it's just not the same now we can't smoke. It's a real shame as they do have an ideal smoking balcony on the first floor, which at the moment is only available to guests for drinks (not smoking). The last few times we've been there in the evening we have had to smoke on the doorstep, not ideal for those who enjoy a cigar, especially in the depths of winter.

I'm sad to hear of the sorry state of the humidor. I used to love standing in there and inhaling the fabulous smell. It was the sommellier there who introduced me to Rocky Patel Vintage Sungrown.

Hope you have a good time in Brum - I'm stuck in the office all day so won't be able to join you.

R x

[El Catador]

I'm sad to hear of the sorry state of the humidor. I used to love standing in there and inhaling the fabulous smell.

I couldn't agree more.
Had my first Trinidad Fundadore there (pre-smoking ban). Back then the humidors of all the du Vins were well stocked, well managed and (relatively) good value.

I've noticed however, that even the ones that still cater for cigar smokers have gone downhill in the 'care and maintenance' of their stock. Very sad.

Still, now that I know about 'The Prince'. . .

Have fun in Brum Drew
(You've had your shots I take it?).

[Drewmidorn]

Well..... it has ti be said Keith is a gentleman and The Prince could be a great place for a summer herf... if keith is happy for that (and I suspect he would be).

I had a really relaxed afternoon smoking in the very substantial beer garden under a Gazebo and a super efficient patio heater with the good man himself.

Thanks again Keith!

[eggopp]

Thats a shame, Birminghams a place i often visit with work and training, would have been good to tie in with a smoke or something :(

[nicwing]

This sound like a great spot and I trust the Drewmiladiesdorm's nose in these matters. Looks like we have a formal midland herf venue beckoning

[The Prince, Moseley]

Drew,

Thanks for the kind words. Any cigar smoker is welcome and I will always find time to sit down and enjoy a cigar together. If any of the guys on the forum would like to organise a herf here, I would be delighted.

Perhaps best around a new cigar or some other special occasion. I have a box of the new Por Larranaga Regalias de Londres coming Monday/Tuesday and this might give folks who couldn't make it to London an alternative.

[nicwing]

Now who could turn down an invitation like that??

PS, I am now taking bets on the 2013 RE being the Por Larrañaga Regalias De Brum. It will be a Maduro (Black country don't you know)

[El Catador]

Perhaps best around a new cigar or some other special occasion. I have a box of the new Por Larranaga Regalias de Londres coming Monday/Tuesday and this might give folks who couldn't make it to London an alternative.

Hi Keith

We'll have to try and get a few more of the local forum members along for a herf - your beer garden looks just the job!

P.S. are the Por Larranagas going on sale in the pub as I have an itch to try one?

[bopmachine]

Hi Keith

We'll have to try and get a few more of the local forum members along for a herf - your beer garden looks just the job!

P.S. are the Por Larranagas going on sale in the pub as I have an itch to try one?

Hey Cat we should meet there week after next - I'd love to try on of those Por Larranaga Regalias.

[neilini]

Hi Keith,I'm just over in Kidderminster so only a short train journey away,let me know if your arranging a herf to sample the Por Larranagas as I'd love to attend

[The Prince, Moseley]

Gentleman,

If a few folks want to meet up, then simply let me know when you want to come. There's a couple of things going on at the Pub you might be interested in anyway (involving Rum, Whisky and Cocktails) but you are welcome any time. You can see these on the front page of the blog at the moment http://princeofwales.wordpress.com/
Please don't read too much into The Cigar Sunday event tomorrow, its simply me trying to encourage my non cigar customers to discover the joys of the leaf, although any one is welcome.

On the Por Larranagas, I really bought them for myself but I would be happy to sell a few to the Brothers!

[El Catador]

El Cat slides his foot in the door . . . before Lord Keith comes to his senses and closes it . . .


Hey Cat we should meet there week after next - I'd love to try on of those Por Larranaga Regalias.

Excellent idea!!!

You see, as it happens, Bop and I (Can I call you 'Bop'?) were just having a chat about this very thing!
Getting together for an evening of cigar related drinking (or vice versa).
He's up in the 'Midlands' mid week, most weeks, and I um. . live near-ish.
Well, I can't think of a worthier contender to enjoy a (frankly) rare tasting event then:
The first visit to a truly cigar 'friendly' boozer!
Cheers Keith!

(Good: Cigars, Drink, Company = Nights to remember!)


Hi Keith,I'm just over in Kidderminster so only a short train journey away,let me know if your arranging a herf to sample the Por Larranagas as I'd love to attend

Would be excellent if you came over.
Especially as, I see you're a recently addicted cigar forum member - therefore I still have time to try and um. . help 'steer' your tastes in the. . err . . 'Cuban' direction - before you get 'turned' by NC's that is!

"It's alright, you can trust me . . don't be afraid!"


Gentleman,

If a few folks want to meet up, then simply let me know when you want to come. There's a couple of things going on at the Pub you might be interested in anyway (involving Rum, Whisky and Cocktails) but you are welcome any time. You can see these on the front page of the blog at the moment http://princeofwales.wordpress.com/ (http://princeofwales.wordpress.com/)
Please don't read too much into The Cigar Sunday event tomorrow, its simply me trying to encourage my non cigar customers to discover the joys of the leaf, although any one is welcome.

On the Por Larranagas, I really bought them for myself but I would be happy to sell a few to the Brothers!

I have an idea guys - stay with me. . . they happen rarely.

I'm attending the Chester Cgars roller demo on Monday the 25th of Oct.
"What's that got to do with it"? I hear you cry.

Well, the reason it may be relevant, is because I've always wanted to try (but not had the opportunity before) a 'freshly' rolled, quality made, Cuban cigar - straight off the bench (so to speak).

The PLAN!

How about?
I purchase a few more freshly rolled ones from Cgars (for those interested in trying one) and bring them along for a rare tasting?

A comparison of: a fresh (pre-sick period) young - (but ammonia free) cigar. . .
Against: another, (reportedly magnificent), and also fresh, cigar. . .
The Por Larranagas.

How often does an opportunity like that come along?

O.K. - Who's interested?

The obvious dates would be:
Either: Daiquiri night on Wed the 27th - or: Rum night on Thu 28th.

I not saying which I prefer - http://www.myemoticons.com/images/emotions/embarrassed/embarrassed-2.gif (http://www.myemoticons.com/emoticons/emotions/embarrassed/embarrassed-2-07236/)- happy to do either.
(whatever works best for everyone else. . . speak up now!)

Of course:
If that would be O.K with you - fellow flat cap wearer - Keith - Sir.

P.S.

Interesting Fact
The roller's name is 'Hamlet'.
(were his parents talking the piss?)

[bopmachine]

Sounds like a brilliant idea cat! count me in!. im good for either of those dates.

[El Catador]

(Said in a 'Cartman' style voice) http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/emoticon-south-park-006.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons.php)

Sorry, I couldn't find a gleeful looking emoticon.

"Sweeeeeeet"

P.S. - (To avoid a thread-jacking)

I've started a new thread for those interested in joining the herf.

"A (Rather special) Birmingham herf in October"

See here - http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?t=7587

[The Prince, Moseley]

Gentleman,

It would be an honour to entertain you all on either of the dates suggested.

I will save the Por Larranagas for this evening and make sure everyone who wants one can have one. I don't know the costs yet as H&F haven't sent me the invoice but I will keep them reasonable to buy.

The rum night will probably be the best bet on the 28th.

I'm off to Rumfest in London now... oh yes!