Cuban Cigar Walk, London - Walk and Herf, Tue 17 Feb 2009

[Robusto]

It was great, Drew.

It would be super for a bunch of us to meet up, and this is a really neat context to do it in.

Maybe the Chicken Wing (soz Nic!) could think on and get us to meet one or two key players en route as we are - more or less - addicts!

We could busk.
How about Anyone Who Had A Heart at Green Park tube?
Simply The Best - Now THERE'S a dire tune and a half. Outside CHOPARD, maybe?...

[Drewmidorn]

I'd love to tag along next time if its an open invitation, looks like you had a great day Bryan!

D

[Robusto]

Someone else to play SUPASNAPS' SEX-GOD BULGING CIGAR HUNK this time lol.

Sometimes it's good for others to be allowed to try...


(Kidding. I love being photo'd - especially at cigar work. Apologies).

[Robusto]

YES!!!

Take that as a definite yes!

[Deano]

Just a quickie - will post more later, but I suspect I'll want to do this. You up for doing it again Robusto, and see if we can get some others on here to join us?

[Robusto]

Yeah. We have male Eva Brauns standing by the servers with whips. I'm not there this week!

Nic and I sat outside where we could smoke and I could be the provincial scruff.

The inside of the bar (crossed for toilet trauma) was swish as swish can be and I imagine one would have to be dressed up in there.

I noticed a pretty good humidor by the entrance door but don't know if folk have to go outside or not.

It was not too pricey for drinks for a great part of London and the waiter brought up-market nibbles. These remained untouched as we were working our cigars.

I imagine Nic might have more info when he reads this.

I'm back to my smoke-shack today with a lunchtime Bolivar and good coffee after I've showered in a bit.

[Pantomimehorse]

great post Robo, can't see the pics as they are blocked at work (IT Nazi's!) but I have heard about the American Bar before, I was told you have to wear a jacket or blazer is this the case? also can you smoke inside or is it an outside heated area?

ta

[Robusto]

TWO HOURS FROM MY HOUSE TO LONDON FOR SOME WELL-DESERVED CIGAR FUN!

Yesterday, during my half-term week off, I went up to London to meet up with fellow forum member turned mate Nic Wing in order to walk the Cuban Cigar Walk and to smoke some great stogies en route.

Nic took some pictures along the route, and I've included a slideshow of his best at the end.

You can find out about the audio tour Nic has researched and had professionally produced from his website where the mp3 of the tour plus maps and information can be downloaded.

Website link:

http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13

THE WALK

I know this area of London - and I don't know it at all, as I found out yesterday. From Green Park tube station up to the Connaught Hotel to the north-west, I followed the tape guide through streets I knew, and streets I didn't even know existed. The tour concentrates on cigars - cigar merchants, cigar history, cigar fables - but also guides you through some exclusive shopping areas and malls, all the while informing you of things you might not have noticed. I don't want to list all the sites and facts because that's what the audio recording is for - and there are so many of them! - but I can say that it is thoroughly engaging and eye-opening. And a lot of fun!

I think this would interest ANY stogie lover as well as people who don't know some of the stories.


THE CIGAR MERCHANTS

The tour takes you to three prime cigar merchants in this affluent part of the city.

I went first to Sautter's and chose a Petit Edmundo which the guys discounted for me. They also handed over matches and a 'putting out' tube for a cigar. I flogged my cigar cases on eBay a while back so will use this tube to walk out with a new cigar safely in my breast pocket.

Next it was Davidoff in St James where I was able to chat with Edward Sahakian about my humidor (bought there). What an amiable guy! He advised Nic and I to try a Partagas SerieD Numero5 for later in the day.

Last it was JJ Fox with its distinctive background and foreground cold and live cigar smoke smell. I hadn't been down to the Cigar Museum before, and Nic took lots of photos of me lighting up the Partagas down there.

All three of these shops have really friendly blokes serving and tending to you. In EACH shop, I was treated like a gentleman by true gentlemen. I discussed my cigar preferences in detail with men whose cigar knowledge is immense. As Edward said in Davidoff, when you see someone smoking a cigar, you know that person will be a nice person.

I think that's true, too!


THE HERF

After the smoke-out in JJ Fox, we crossed the road to the American Bar which is hidden down a quiet alley like so many other surprises! We herfed for 90 minutes or so and Nic lit a 10 year-old Montecristo he had been given at some point. I shall simply summarise by saying it is great to sit and herf for 90 minutes or so in great company. It's funny, and it's civilised.

Here is a slideshow of pictures taken mostly by Nic and sometimes by me.