As I continue to explore London’s cigar scene and mark off visiting cigar bars, terraces and sampling lounges from my list, I sometimes notice the emergence of new cigar venues. Last year, I heard on social media that the renowned Connaught Hotel, was on the brink of revealing its latest treasure, The Connaught Cigar Merchants in the heart of Mayfair, London.

Judging from the photos, the lounge appears incredibly sophisticated and seems like the kind of place one would typically visit for special occasions, where guests would typically dress in smart attire.

This lounge is headed up by Adam Lajca, one of the esteemed Masters of Havana Cigars. Familiarity struck as I recognised his name from the Hunter & Frankau website, where certified cigar sommeliers, who have honed their expertise through diligent study and rigorous examinations, are listed. With Adam’s careful stewardship, whether it’s assisting in building your personal cigar collection or fulfilling bespoke cigar requests for special occasions, he and his team provide invaluable insights into the hotel’s humidor.

My experience:

When it comes to celebrating my birthday, I have a desire to do so in the utmost style. It was no exception this year as I carefully curated a series of activities for the day, including a visit to The Connaught Cigar Merchants in my plans.

Situated on Carlos Place/Mount Street in the vibrant district of Mayfair, I embarked on a leisurely walk from Piccadilly Circus. Although Bond Street tube station offered convenience, I couldn’t resist the allure and captivating charm of Mayfair by taking a stroll through its streets. The grand Georgian townhouses, upscale boutiques, and bustling atmosphere made me feel dead posh and proper classy – not my normal day to day! 🙂

As I reached the destination peering through the window, I caught a glimpse of Adam, but the entrance wasn’t immediately apparent. Seeking clarity, I ventured into the neighbouring patisserie and discovered that the actual entrance is through the main doors of The Connaught Hotel itself. The helpful lobby staff graciously directed me to the coveted cigar lounge. It became evident that finding the way on your own would be a challenging feat, making it imperative to seek guidance and assistance from the staff.

While walking through different sections of the hotel, passing a splendid bar and other enticing spaces, you eventually find yourself in the inviting wooden ambiance of the cigar lounge.

Upon entering the lounge, one cannot help but be captivated by its unique dimensions. The space is both small and tall, instantly invoking a sense of intrigue and wonder. It definitely has a ‘wow’ factor. A remarkable feature that catches your eye is the expansive bookcase-like humidor, prominently displayed behind glass. Within its confines, an exquisite collection of cigars is showcased, inviting admiration. Notably, a mobile ladder stands ready, enabling the knowledgeable cigar sommeliers to access the carefully arranged cigars positioned at higher tiers within the humidor.

Within the room, you will find seven plush leather seats, accompanied by three or four tables adorned with cigar ashtrays, inviting guests to indulge in the pleasure of cigar smoking. Positioned at the heart of the space, a cashier desk takes its place, where the expert cigar sommelier stands, ready to assist and guide patrons in their selection and enjoyment of fine cigars.

One cannot overlook the tantalising glimpse of the outdoor terrace, although it remains closed for the time being. It appears that the venue has plans to arrange outdoor seating for guests to savour their cigars. However, it seems that this delightful experience may not be feasible, at least for this year.

Eager to indulge in the pleasure of a fine cigar, I expressed my desire, and without delay, I was guided to a comfortable chair. As I settled in, a well-presented menu was placed in my hands, revealing an extensive selection of Cuban cigars, the menu offered a tantalising array of options to suit every palate. In addition to the cigar menu, I was also presented with a separate menu dedicated to drinks, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all aficionados. Check out the drinks menu here.

I took a leisurely moment to carefully examine the cigar list, which featured a range of exquisite options, including some remarkably high-priced selections. I soon realised that it exceeded my intended budget. Undeterred, I proceeded to inquire if I could have a closer look at the cigars themselves, hoping to find an alternative that would suit both my taste and budget.

I was immediately captivated by the mysterious charm of the 2000 Habanos Millenium Reserve cigars; I’ve not come across these before! However, a subtle sense told me that these cigars might surpass my intended price range.

After careful consideration, I ultimately settled on the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 2. With its appealing ring gauge and my growing fondness for this particular brand, it seemed like the perfect choice for me at that moment.

Adam kindly offered to assist me in preparing my chosen cigar for enjoyment, initially planning to perform a straight cut. However, I expressed my preference for a punch cut instead. For those unfamiliar with the various methods of cutting a cigar, I recommend exploring this informative article that delves deeper into the subject, providing valuable insights and knowledge.

With my cigar expertly punch cut and skillfully lit, I settled back into my leather chair. As I took a few initial puffs, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The cigar I had chosen, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 2, proved to be an excellent selection, providing a delightful smoking experience that was everything I had hoped for and more.

To complement my cigar, I decided to indulge in a classic Negroni, a drink often associated with the world of cigars, despite it not being everyone’s initial preference. While many people opt for whiskey as their go-to cigar pairing, I wanted to explore the intriguing combination of flavours that a Negroni offers.

While savoring my cigar, I couldn’t help but notice the legendary Sautters cigar store situated across the street. It was a delight to observe fellow cigar enthusiasts gathering their cigar supplies.

Although the cigar lounge itself boasted adequate ventilation and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect if you get the place to yourself, I couldn’t ignore the fact that once other guests or visitors entered, the space quickly began to feel slightly cramped. After spending approximately an hour and a half there, enjoying my cigar and warm hospitality, I settled my bill and continued my birthday celebrations with dinner at Rules restaurant in Covent Garden.

My rating: 7 out of 10

For individuals who, much like myself, revel in the opportunity to immerse themselves in the multitude of experiences London’s cigar scene has to offer, The Connaught Cigar Merchants is certainly worth a visit. However, having experienced it once, I find myself uncertain about revisiting, not because of any negative aspects but because I’ve simply ticket it off the list.

If you would like to visit this venue, check out the details below:

The Connaught Cigar Merchants
Carlos Place
London
W1K 2AL

Website: the-connaught.co.uk/restaurants-bars/the-connaught-cigar-merchants/
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7314 3405
Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/NmMyHXEA7HbK5bPo6

Opening hours: Daily 11am – 1am
Cigar Merchants operates a no reservation policy.

Note: The cigar lounge is small, get there as early as you can, especially on busy nights such as a Saturday night, as space gets full quite quickly. I have heard instances where the cigar sommelier may take your number and call you when there’s a free spot – but it’s not guaranteed.

Do also check out my other reviews of cigar bars, terraces and smoking lounges!