If you’re really into cigars and find yourself in London, chances are you’ve heard about Sautters – it’s like a household name among cigar enthusiasts. But if you’re new to the world of cigars, you might not have stumbled upon it yet. Let me tell you, Sautters is a place you’ll definitely want to check out whenever you can.
A glimpse into Sautters legacy
This famous London cigar shop has been around for over 60 years, right smack in the middle of Mayfair. People from all walks of life know about Sautter because of their stellar reputation in the cigar community, especially when it comes to those wonderfully aged and vintage Cuban cigars.
Sautter’s isn’t just about cigars; they sell some seriously cool ashtrays and humidors. But, what really sets them apart, is how they treat their customers. They’re not your typical store; they’re more like a tight-knit club. They send out newsletters, offer cigar training, and they’ve even organised trips to Cuba (though I’m not sure if that’s been happening recently).
The whole Sautter journey started when Desmond Sautter, a huge Cuban cigar fan, decided to set up shop right in the heart of Mayfair. Time flew by, and after he decided to take a step back, Laurence Davis took the reins as the big boss.
Source: Cigar Aficionado
Laurence Davis scored the Hunters & Frankau’s Silver Chaveta for Habanos Retailer of the Year back in 2015. Basically, it’s a big award they give out to folks who’ve made remarkable contributions to the UK cigar scene. So, yeah, when it comes to cigars in London, he’s a bit of a ledge!
Numerous well-known individuals have made appearances in their stores, with the most recent being a visit fromBill Clinton, former U.S. president.
My experience:
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Sautters. It was during one of Nic Wing‘s relaxing cigar walks back in the 2010s. I love chatting about this particular walk on my blog because it had a huge impact on my own cigar journey. During that stroll, we popped into the Mount Street store. I popped back in there earlier this year, but have still yet not had the chance to sample a cigar in those special seats – those that know, know what I’m talking about.
Visit to Sautters, Mount Street, Mayfair, London (2023)
In 2014, Sautters set up a second shop in Knightsbridge, just a hop away from the tube station and the iconic Harrods department store. What got me curious about visiting this newer venue was catching Laurence Davis and Nick Hammond (the guy who wrote ‘Around the World in 80 Cigars‘) talking about it on their weekly Instagram live sessions.
Visit to Sautters, Knightsbridge, London (2023)
Earlier this year I gathered up my courage and decided to just go for it – I headed over to the Sautter’s store in Knightsbridge to see what it was all about. You know, every time I step into a cigar shop, this weird mix of excitement and nervousness hits me. And as I got closer to Sautter’s in Knightsbridge, that same jumble of feelings was still right there with me.
So, there I was, about 5-10 minutes away from Knightsbridge tube station, and I spotted the Sautters logo right on the front of the store.
As you approach from the outside, you’ll immediately pick up on that industrial vibe. But the moment you walk in, it’s like entering a whole new world.
Once you step inside, your eyes are greeted by the warm embrace of wooden oak furnishings. Over to the right, you’ll find cozy seats arranged to face each other, creating this perfect little space that just calls out for people to sit down, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
And if you glance to the left, you’ll spot the cigar sommelier all ready to share their wisdom and recommendations. And right there, up ahead, the humidor takes centre stage, intriguingly tucked away behind its own little door.
On their Instagram ‘live’, Laurence and Nick keep talking with this guy named Tomasz. I think he is the one in charge of the Knightsbridge store. But when I actually went there, turns out Tomasz was in Cuba. So, I went ahead and introduced myself to the cigar sommelier in his place. I mentioned how I’ve been keen to check out this cigar store for quite some time, and we had a good chat about it.
With eagerness, I ventured into the humidor, where a harmonious blend of Cuban and non-Cuban offerings awaited. The experience of standing within a humidor never ceases to captivate me.
Tatuaje Sautters Exclusive Cigars
The highlight of this visit was the chance to indulge in something unique. The cigar sommelier drew my attention to the Tatuaje Sautters Exclusive Cigars, a creation by Laurence Davis & legendary US producer, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje cigars.
You won’t find them on the website – a shop purchase only, but Mr Davis swears they’re the closest thing to a Cuban cigar outside Cuba he’s ever laid hand or palate on. The range of cigars in this collaboration include:”
| Cigar | Ring | Length |
| Tatuaje Sautter Exclusive No.1 Mount St | 56 | 4 3/8 |
| Tatuaje Sautter Exclusive No.2 Bond St | 60 | 4 3/4 |
| Tatuaje Sautter Exclusive No.3 Piccadilly St | 56 | 5 3/8 |
| Tatuaje Sautter Exclusive No.4 Regent St | 60 | 5 3/4 |
I opted for the No. 4 variant, boasting a 60-ring gauge. The cigar’s cap was expertly cut and ignited, and I embarked on a journey of flavours. The initial spice gave way to a more nuanced profile, and as I savoured the fully Nicaraguan blend, notes of wood and oak became distinct on my palate. The smoking experience, a leisurely 35-minute affair (probably a bit too fast!), left me thoroughly satisfied.
Retiring to the comfortable seating, I found myself immersed in the store’s ambiance. The cigar sommelier extended hospitality, offering coffee, popcorn, and even a mobile phone charger—an unexpected touch that underscores the store’s commitment to a holistic experience. I couldn’t help but imagine the vibrant conversations that must unfold among fellow cigar enthusiasts in this haven. The prospect of returning for one of their cigar evenings ignited my excitement further.
My rating: 7 out of 10
As I reflect on my visit, this venue is ideal for sharing a smoke with friends or joining a larger gathering of cigar enthusiasts. For those seeking solitude, early visits might provide the tranquility you desire. I got there fairly early after doors opened.
If you would like to visit any of the Sautter stores, see the details below –
Sautters – Knightsbridge Store
8 Raphael Street, London, SW7 1DL, UK
+44 (0)20 7581 5898
View location on Google maps
Sautters – Mayfair Store
106 Mount Street, London, W1K 2TW, UK
+44 (0)20 7499 4866
View location on Google maps
Check out their website and social media pages below:
https://www.sauttercigars.com/
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/sauttercigars
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@sauttercigars
🎥 Vimeo: vimeo.com/sauttercigars
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/sautter_cigars
And if you like this review and want to read more of these reviews see Cigar bars, terraces, smoking lounges.
London Cigar Smoker 
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