If you’re a regular visitor to this website, you probably know that I love exploring different cigar spots in and around London and, more recently, in locations outside the city. I also enjoy sharing my experiences here after each visit.
As more and more folk visit this website, it’s been quite a pleasant surprise for me to start getting invitations to different cigar events and venues 🤯 It’s honestly mind-blowing! Even though I often feel pretty nervous before heading to these cigar gatherings, the sheer enjoyment of the experience usually erases that anxiety.
My most recent adventure took me to a cigar-sampling event at Farrants in Cobham, Surrey, a charming village about 17 miles (27 km) southwest of London. Thanks to their frequent social media posts, this place has been on my radar since last year, when the owner of the store was sharing updates on the progress of their cigar sampling lounge…
As of 2022, it is now officially ready!
Discovering Farrants in Cobham
Farrants, a charming family-run business, has been a staple on Cobham High Street since 1896. Initially specialising in stationery, the store has evolved over the years while keeping stationery at its core. Cobham itself has transformed from a quaint village into a thriving high street with diverse businesses, and Farrants has been an integral part of this growth.
Despite some recent negative press attention, this establishment has long been known for its exceptional service to its customers, and my visit was a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Hiram & Solomon: A Celebration of Fine Cigars
The focal point of the evening was to celebrate Hiram & Solomon cigars, a brand I have had the pleasure of writing about in the past. I had previously sampled their cigars, including the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, as part of a collaboration with CigarClubLdn a few years ago.
One of the owners of Hiram & Solomon, Fouad Kashouty and his wife Romy, had travelled from the United States to promote their exceptional cigars. Such visits from overseas are a rare treat for enthusiasts in the UK, making it all the more special to meet them in person.
Hiram & Solomon cigars are inspired by Freemasonary and their Masonic traditions of enjoying cigars before and after meetings. They aim to unite Masonic brothers and all cigar enthusiasts over high-quality cigars. Their journey began in the Dominican Republic and later led them to Nicaragua, sourcing the finest tobacco. In 2020, Fouad Kashouty, alongside his wife Romy, expanded the company’s global reach, emphasising inclusivity and charity.
One remarkable aspect of Hiram & Solomon cigars is their commitment to donating a portion of their profits to charity, aligning perfectly with the teachings of Freemasonry. Their mission is to create positive experiences, foster unity among Brethren, educate non-Brothers, and inspire dreams.
My Unforgettable Experience
My trip to Farrants in Cobham turned out to be quite an adventure. I was staying nearby in Kingston, Surrey, so I opted for a bus ride to reach this charming village. When I got to the store, it was impossible to miss – it’s a substantial establishment.
Once I stepped inside, a welcoming staff member graciously led me down a flight of stairs to their cigar sampling lounge, discreetly nestled within the heart of the establishment.
Inside, I had the pleasure of meeting with David Worsfold, the owner of the store, as well as Fouad from Hiram & Solomon cigars, and Phil representing the UK cigar distributor, Bright Leaf. Additionally, numerous other aficionados of cigars were rocking up to the event.
For those that don’t know, Bright Leaf, under the co-ownership of Paresh Patel from Havana House, proudly distribute a varied collection of cigars throughout the UK. Their lineup features distinguished brands such as Rocky Patel, Ashton, EP Carrillo, La Galería, Hiram and Solomon, Oscar, Te-Amo, and an array of other cigar brands and accessories.
As the evening got into full swing, we were handed cigars to sample and were served drinks.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the evening was learning about the intricate process of crafting cigars. The dedication and numerous rounds of tasting that go into preparing a new cigar for the market are truly impressive. Each cigar has its own unique story, and Hiram & Solomon cigars are no exception.
During the event, we had the privilege of smoking the Veiled Prophet (Limited Release), which featured a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, Indonesian binder, and a filler blend of Habano Estelí, Paraguay, and Ligero Habano Jalapa.
Ring gauge: 54
Length: 6″
Vitola: Monarch
Wrapper: Brazil (Arapiraca) Colorado
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Habano Estelí, Paraguay, Ligero Habano Jalapa
It was a truly exceptional cigar, and I was keen to try more cigars from this brand. I now have these cigars to smoke through…
The event was a tremendous triumph. The cigar sampling lounge provides a delightful ambiance for unwinding with its excellent lighting and impeccable ventilation. Despite us all indulging in cigars, the space felt remarkably fresh. The abundance of leather chairs and tables added to the comfort. The staff, especially Harry, were exceptional, ensuring every guest had a cigar and a drink at all times. The atmosphere was vibrant, and chatting with fellow cigar enthusiasts was a real joy for me. I felt completely welcome by everyone at the event – especially being an ‘out of towner’. A special shout out to Phil, Dan and Romy – if you read this!
After the event, the owner of the store, David Worsfold, graciously led me upstairs to the humidor and gave me a tour of the shop. It was a mesmerising experience. Farrants isn’t just any shop; it’s steeped in history, with memorabilia from the area displayed throughout the store.
Their Gold standard humidor holds the best cigars from the world’s most prestigious brands such as Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Julieta to name but a few.
I was captivated by the creative ceiling decor, adorned with cigar boxes, which served as a perfect tribute to this delightful passion.
At this point, I also learned that David is responsible for organising the annual Ignite event at Whittlebury Park in Northants, which I believe is the first-ever cigar trade show in the UK. Given the abundance of such events in the US, it seems fitting that we have one right here in the UK! One day, I hope to visit that place, too 🤞
Here is a little video I made…
My rating: 9 out of 10 – an excellent cigar destination – residing in Cobham has its privileges!
To sum it up, my experience at Farrants in Cobham was truly outstanding. A great place to herf with a few friends. If you happen to be nearby, I wholeheartedly suggest you visit there. If you travel from afar, it might be worth dropping them a call or email to make sure there’s a spot for you upon arrival. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or new to the cigar scene, Farrants and their exceptional team and events are certain to craft enduring new memories for you – they certainly did for me!
You can find them at:
Farrants,
15-19 High Street,
Cobham, Surrey,
KT11 3DH
Visit their website: https://farrants.co.uk/
Get directions on Google Maps.
Contact them via phone at 01932 862184 or email at shop@farrants.co.uk.
Connect with them on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
If you like this review, check out my other reviews of cigar bars, terraces and smoking lounges.
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