If you are a regular follower of my website, you will know that I like to visit many different cigar bars, terraces and smoking lounges in London and beyond, and I like to review them afterwards. Recently I came across a cigar venue just outside of London in the small seaside town of Margate, Kent, in the South East of England.
Background
Opened in 2018, Astoria Cigars is a boutique merchant of Cuban and New World cigars and accessories owned by a true cigar lover Jason Bangura.
The venue has a comfortable lounge allowing visitors to sample hand-rolled stock before purchase. Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments are available. They cater for most budgets and can source specific Cigars if they don’t hold the exact vitola sought.
My experience
The merchant is a short walk from Margate beach.
Upon approaching the venue, I wasn’t sure whether it was open at first, as the blinds were down. All you have to do is ring the buzzer, and they’ll be someone with you to let you in.
At that point, I met the awesome owner Jason. I mentioned I wanted to sample a cigar in the lounge. He took me and my mate downstairs through to the humidor to select my cigar. I went for a Diplomaticos Exclusive Spanish cigar.
| Brand | Diplomatico |
| Length | 5 3/8 inch |
| Ring | 52″ |
| Limited Editions | Regionals |
| Gauge | Thick |
| Country | Cuba |
| Format | Robusto |
Jason cut and lit the cigar, and I went and sat in the sampling lounge, where I smoked in a relaxed setting.
The lounge is super chilled, and cigar memorabilia is in every corner of the room. There aren’t many seats available inside, and the website recommends visitors call ahead to check occupancy levels.
Freshly made coffee is available from the complimentary refreshments bar/kitchen area.
After a lovely smoke, Jason joined us, and it was fascinating hearing all of his stories about how Astoria Cigars came to fruition. And Will, a regular visitor to the lounge, also joined us, making me and my mate feel super welcome! An absolutely smashing afternoon overall. After my cigar, it was time to head back to London – but I would be keen to return here again, especially to check out Astoria Cigars’ outdoor space where folk can also smoke a cigar.
Jason mentioned during our chat that Astoria Cigars will soon be hosting some events, so keep your eyes peeled on their events page. The next one looks like it’s coming this July 2022 –
If you are interested in visiting Astoria Cigars, their details are below:
Astoria Cigars
13A St John’s Road,
Margate, Kent
CT9 1LU, United Kingdom
Telephone
01843 520140
London Cigar Smoker 
Great piece on the Astoria, looking forward to a visit or 3 while I work in the area!
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