what's the problem with cigars in UK??

[ctrl]

there is another thing...I know from some car forums im a member of, you sometimes get the comments of p***s envy...could the same apply here...a cigar is not always just a cigar........probably why more women dont smoke cigars tbh (shame )

[Simon-JG-hr]

Some very good points raised in this thread about why cigar smoking may get some surprised looks.

I once had a woman come up to me in Plymouth and comment on the size of my, erm, stick... I was quite pleased with that... As I probably would be if I was told it suited me.

[ctrl]

get out a cigar, or mention a cigar in the uk...and Churchill the first thing people think of....
plus if you ever hunt for "fat cats" in industry/business they always have charactures of people with a big fat cigar...

Its a percieved class thing here in the uk...sadly

[Robusto]

I know where to buy Cubans in the High Street in Calais.
Calais is no big shout of a French town. Same for Dunquerque.
But they can support Cuban trade.

Can't get em in Thanet, Deal, Dover, Folkestone.

Availability counts.

[Robusto]

[QUOTE=tippexx;81987]

Britain can be very conservative about cigars, I think. I've never had a second look in Germany or France when out and about with a big one.

I think a lot of it is a consequence of TIME and WEATHER. In the UK a lunch hour is an hour, and a lot of people these days don't even take that. In France it's two hours, plenty of time for a meal and a leisurely smoke after.

Al Fresco seating is also relatively new in the UK, but even then is really only enjoyable in the warmer months. Or, maybe would be if it wasn't for the habit of too many cafe owners to pack the seating so close that it's difficult to light up without the fear of creating an annoyance with the smoke or burning someone. Last year I was asked to leave a Cafe in Grays in Essex because the smell of my Monte Petite was annoying a bunch of female Boots employees, two of whom were smoking cigarettes. (The cafe owner was very uncomfortable and apologetic about it, but they were regular customers whereas I was just a passer-through).

Absolutely agree with what you've written, tipp!

The climate here, and the different length of time given for lunch breaks, are critical factors.

We have no balconies to speak of in this country. I would love it to be a bit more Cote d'Azur in so many ways. and being warm at night... being comfortable outdoors... would be top of the list.

We NEVER get that sexy Mediterranean heat here. We might get it for the odd day but the heat doesn't linger... I miss that.

On the radio this morning has been much criticism of the longer pub opening hours in the UK and the fact that a European "cafe culture" hasn't come about in the UK.

I think there is more provision for outdoor eating, drinking and smoking, but on a typical day like today in South-East Kent, it's grey and cold yet again. It's not conducive to smoking outdoors.

I do think we have to be determined to smoke where we can when we want to. I am quite confident about this now and feel good when I do it.

I am cautious not to be antisocial about it - and I detest stupid fussmakers.

But I think walking around with a significant cigar on the go - I'm serious about this - is a form of Cuban benediction to bystanders.

Those in the slipstream are the privileged!

[daverave999]

I think due to price, it is seen as a somewhat decadent past-time in the UK. Traditionally enjoyed by the upper classes too. When I was in Barcelona, a restaurant owner commented that I looked like a local with my Boli RC after dinner.

[tippexx]

[QUOTE=Robusto;81978]

Britain can be very conservative about cigars, I think. I've never had a second look in Germany or France when out and about with a big one.

I think a lot of it is a consequence of TIME and WEATHER. In the UK a lunch hour is an hour, and a lot of people these days don't even take that. In France it's two hours, plenty of time for a meal and a leisurely smoke after.

Al Fresco seating is also relatively new in the UK, but even then is really only enjoyable in the warmer months. Or, maybe would be if it wasn't for the habit of too many cafe owners to pack the seating so close that it's difficult to light up without the fear of creating an annoyance with the smoke or burning someone. Last year I was asked to leave a Cafe in Grays in Essex because the smell of my Monte Petite was annoying a bunch of female Boots employees, two of whom were smoking cigarettes. (The cafe owner was very uncomfortable and apologetic about it, but they were regular customers whereas I was just a passer-through).

[Cigar-aficionado]

I run a new fishing tackle stand at local car boot sales every weekend through the season and I always smoke cigars while I work, usually get through 3 or 4 in a good day. I do get a few odd looks but most people seem to like the smell and tell me they always know where my stand is by just following the cigar smoke

[Lee Nub]

I gave a chav a bloody good hiding for breaking into my garden shed, then celebrated on the street with a cigar, does that count lol

[Robusto]

Dress as a cowboy on UK streets. Ride a big horse.
The cigar is then part of the deal.

Britain can be very conservative about cigars, I think. I've never had a second look in Germany or France when out and about with a big one.

It is our duty to carry on toking fat ones out there and think balls to the lot of them.

[eggopp]

I mostly go to Siuthern Germany for my holidays in the summer, the weather is always smashing there. The locals are always friendly and last year when i was there, we sat in a food and drink fest and there was the scent of cigars coming from all directions.. and yep, you got it, i was more than happy to join the many beer swilling, over weight germans with a nice cigar.

As for in the UK.. I walked to the post office yesterday from my office its from one end of Grantham to the other, so you can smoke a good 30 min smoke there and back. The stares are plentiful, but im not bothered, amazes me tho as its always youngsters who mill on the corners with there baseball caps that always comment.. Things like.. Hey look hes got a cigar.. like its something from the movies only, they look on in facination.. AAhhh the chavs of today with no brains, ya gotta love em.

[crslaytor]

larrysputnik

[larrysputnik]

Just as long as we stereotype the entire population of the United Kingdom. I don't want there to be any confusion in this thread and have people read this and think that some citizens of the UK might condone smoking outdoors. That narrow-minded woman who offended you, and through the transitive property associated me, is indeed a reflection of everyone in the UK.

[crslaytor]

I live quite near kings cross, let me know next time you're around haha

I am working just a minute from the station :-) do you The Big Chill house? I am going on their balcony to enjoy nice smoke and dark rum every week now as the weather is .. lets say fair

[crslaytor]

Well, if there were no smoking bans I would really enjoy it on my desk, but I have no other choice..

(Officially I am not supposed to smoke at home either! )