The best cigar lounges in London

With a name like that, cigars are almost a must. The Churchill Bar & Terrace in Marylebone is an award-winning hotel bar boasting a covered terrace for cigars and outdoor drinks, with decor inspired by Sir Winston Churchill. The bar hosts exciting events like guest bartender shifts and cigar evenings, with the London cigar terrace open year-round. Don't forget to select one of the expertly crafted cocktails to enjoy during your time here.

Edward Sahakian's Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge at the Bulgari Hotel in London is renowned for its collection of rare and vintage Havanas, curated over 40 years by London's cigar kingpin Edward Sahakian. The shop offers unique cigars like the Davidoff 80 Aniversario and provides expert advice, cigar storage, and ageing services in a climate-controlled vault. Visitors can purchase cigars individually or by the box and enjoy them in the luxurious leather-panelled sampling lounge with a state-of-the-art air purification system.

The Knightsbridge branch of London's leading retailer of Cuban cigars features a luxurious cigar lounge where you can sit back and relax with your favourite smoke while discussing the various aspects of Cuba's most famous export. Sautter also offers cigar training courses for those who wish to discover this unique lifestyle and learn more about the history  of cigars and cigar smoking.

The Connaught Cigar Merchants, located in one of London's grandest hotels, offers a luxurious and meticulously designed space for cigar enthusiasts. Overseen by Master of Havana Cigars Adam Lajca, the humidor features rare and exclusive cigars, with expert guidance available for personal collections and bespoke requests. Paired with hand-picked spirits like the Karuizawa 1972 and a special Connaught Scotch, the discreet setting provides an ideal retreat for a refined and private cigar experience. Advance bookings are not required.

James J. Fox is London's oldest cigar shop, with roots going back nearly 250 years. Its flagship store in St James's Street features a plush cigar sampling lounge with an indoor smoking license. You can enjoy your newly purchased cigar in like-minded company here, or attend one of the regular cigar samplings, pairings, and other events held here. There's even a small museum with fascinating exhibits like Winston Churchill's cigars to be explored downstairs.

Arc Le Salon in Mayfair caters to an upscale clientele, offering a luxurious setting to relax with drinks, pastries, or a smoke. Its lavish décor, plush seating, and late hours create an opulent retreat, enhanced by colourful flowers, intricate patterns, and fairy lights. The lounge provides a wide selection of premium drinks, gourmet pastries, fair-trade coffees, and cigars, which can be enjoyed on-site or purchased to take home.

The Tasting Room on the eighth floor of the luxurious Peninsula London hotel is a stylish cigar lounge inspired by vintage motorcars, particularly The Delage 155B luxury French race car. Thanks to its rooftop perch, it also boasts some of the finest views from a cigar lounge London has to offer. The walk-in humidor serves as an elegant space for enjoying fine cigars, accompanied by one of the rare top-shelf whiskies available here. Climate-controlled lockers for storing your cigars are provided too.

For an exclusive cigar lounge in Central London, head to No.6 Cavendish in Marylebone. The bespoke sampling lounge is beautifully furnished with plush, comfortable seating and eye-catching decor. An in-house bar is available so you can pair your cigar with your drink of choice, and the acclaimed merchant's cigar sommeliers are happy to provide any advice you need. A private vault for storing cigars is provided as well.

The Boisdale restaurants are decked out in tartan and other Scottish accoutrements, bringing serious highland vibes to London. Both offer dedicated areas for enjoying a cigar accompanied by one of Boisdale's curated whiskies – the Canary Wharf branch features a walk-humidor with members' cigar lockers and a hunting lodge aesthetic, while the Belgravia venue boasts an outdoor cigar terrace, complete with heaters and cashmere blankets all the way from Scotland to keep you warm even in winter.

The Ritz Cigar Lounge, situated in one of the world's most prestigious hotels, offers a lavish smoking experience with a walk-in humidor featuring premium cigars, including The Ritz's own line. The elegant sampling lounge, honouring past celebrity smokers like Winston Churchill and Roger Moore, provides a comfortable setting for guests to enjoy their cigars. You can order premium drinks from the neighbouring Rivoli Bar as well.

The Cigar Terrace at the prestigious Wellesley hotel in Knightsbridge is fitted with heaters and comfortable leather seating, ensuring an elegant and sheltered cigar smoking experience regardless of the weather. You don't have to be an expert cigar smoker to feel welcome here – especially as the bespoke on-site humidor contains a curated collection of only the finest cigars, meaning you can't go wrong with your selection.

City Of London Cigars runs several cigar shops in the capital, but you'll want to head to the one next to Liverpool Street Station to smoke your cigar in style. The recently opened cigar lounge in Spitalfields features a beautiful Art Deco-inspired interior where you can work, socialise, or host an event. The cigar lounge is fitted with a top-of-the-line ventilation system, and a curated drinks menu is provided to go with the premium cigars on offer as well.

Coming to London from the US, Sparrow Italia is a prestigious contemporary restaurant serving classic comfort food from the Mediterranean. Spread across three floors, this upmarket restaurant features different areas, including a fabulous cigar lounge led by Sparrow Italia's own Master of Havana Cigars. There's a carefully curated selection of the finest cigars for you to choose from and enjoy in the intimate setting.

This converted Georgian townhouse in Mayfair serves as a showcase for luxury goods purveyor Dunhill, offering a wide range of services aimed at the refined gentleman, from quality garments and a premium barber to a walk-in humidor with a wide selection of cigars. You can sample their wares in the pleasant courtyard cigar lounge.

Franco's is an old-school Italian restaurant dating back to the end of World War II. It's a classic establishment with light, traditional look. Celebrating the finer things is a way of life here, and that includes cigars. You can browse the curated cigar list and partake in your chosen champion on the heated outdoor cigar terrace, complete with a plate of pasta and an expertly mixed cocktail if you like.

Tomtom Cigars & Coffee has been around since the late 90s, offering cigar enthusiasts in Belgravia a welcoming retreat to enjoy their cigars in comfort. The award-winning store provides both outdoor seating and a luxurious indoor lounge, complete with wood panelling and soft ambient lighting, creating an exclusive and serene environment for patrons. You can enjoy a cup of artisan coffee with your cigar too.

Housed in a charming townhouse in Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens offers luxurious four-star accommodation in the heart of London. Cigar aficionados can relax in the peace and quiet of the hotel's outdoor cigar terrace. A deluxe cigar tasting experience is offered as well, featuring a choice of cigars, accompanied by a steak baguette and a 12-year-old Glenfiddich whisky.

Cigars Unlimited is dedicated to premium cigars, humidors, and accessories, providing a vast selection of Havana and New World cigars. While primarily an online business, they also have a cigar shop and an elegant sampling lounge in Fulham, where aficionados can indulge in top-quality cigars with professional advice on hand.

Located on the site of a former women's prison, the Leaf & Cane offers a tropical escape in the heart of the city. Though the main venue is an intimate underground setting inspired by South American tribes, the bar features a pleasant outdoor cigar terrace. Peruse the cigar menu to choose your smoke, then add one of the vibrant cocktails crafted with unique ingredients.