In the heart of London, nestled at 19 St James’s Street, lies a true treasure that has not only captured the hearts of cigar enthusiasts but has also secured its place in history as the oldest cigar shop in the world. James J Fox, affectionately known as JJ Fox, is more than just a place to acquire fine tobacco and smoking accessories; it’s a portal into a world where tradition, luxury, and camaraderie converge.
The history:
The store’s roots trace back to 1787, when it was founded by Robert Lewis. The saga continued in 1881 when James J Fox, a prominent cigar dealer, set up shop in Dublin, eventually expanding to London in 1947. The merging of these two venerable brands in 1992 resulted in the rechristening of the Robert Lewis store to James J Fox. Although the name above the door changed, the spirit of the establishment remained intact. They also went ahead and added cigar stores in both Harrods and Selfridges.
The store comprises three levels: the ground floor accommodates a stylish cigar humidor, the first floor features a lounge for sampling cigars. In the store’s basement rests a museum—a sacred space where visitors can sit in Churchill’s chair and fully immerse themselves in the enveloping history, carried by every waft of smoke.
Check out this video tour of the store:
Watch Robert Fox, the managing director of JJ Fox, talking about the store.
Throughout its history, JJ Fox has welcomed a diverse range of individuals, from regular cigar enthusiasts to iconic figures like Oscar Wilde and Sir Winston Churchill.
It’s a place where military personnel shared camaraderie over their pipes, different social classes connected through their love of tobacco, and both local and global influential figures found common ground.
The legacy of JJ Fox underscores the timeless allure of exquisite craftsmanship and the joy found in life’s finer pleasures. Additionally, the magnetic attraction of its address, 19 St. James’s Street, has captured the attention of renowned entertainers—stars from the realms of theatre, cinema, sports, and beyond—who have all been captivated by the enchanting spell this location casts.
Most recently, grime MC rapper Skepta chose the venue as the backdrop for one of his music videos.
My experience:
My very first visit to James J Fox was back in 2010, during a Cuban cigar walk organised by cigar connoisseur Nic Wing, who is sadly no longer with us. As I stepped through the entrance, one of the final stops on our walk, little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey that would forever etch this place in my memory.
Guided by Nic, we traversed the store, and to our surprise, none other than the Scottish comedian Billy Connolly graced us with his presence, infusing an unforeseen blend of humour and camaraderie into the moment. Our interaction led to the sharing of cigars and tales with Connolly—an imprint that has lingered in my memory, underscoring the remarkable ability of a mutual passion to unite.
Even if your visit doesn’t align with meeting a comedy icon, the moment you step inside, your attention will be drawn to the cigar staff and the cash register conveniently positioned to the right. As your gaze drifts towards the rear of the room, you’ll be greeted by a tasteful display of elegantly showcased cigars.
The walk-in humidor greeted me with its enticing scents, beckoning me to explore the world of fine cigars. The cigar staff are fantastic and very helpful in getting you the right cigar for you to enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to ask for their help – and absolutely tell them if you’ve never smoke a cigar before – they’re more than equipped to guide you. Also, remember to grab a cigar cutter and a match or cigar lighter in store. They’re skilled at precisely cutting the cap of the cigars, and if required, they’ll gladly assist in lighting them as well.
After acquiring your cigar, it’s definitely worth heading upstairs to explore the cigar sampling lounge—a haven where both connoisseurs and newcomers can come together, exchange tales, and relish the delights of finely crafted cigars. I’ve been many times, and just enjoyed my own company too – if that’s more you’re thing.
Once you’ve completed your time in the lounge, don’t miss the opportunity to venture downstairs into the store’s basement museum. This step feels like entering a portal to history itself. The walls echo with the stories of its esteemed patrons, with none more prominent than Sir Winston Churchill. With a relationship spanning over six decades, Churchill’s connection with the store originated from an introduction by his mother. His final order, placed on December 23, 1964, carries a poignant weight, given his passing just a month later. The museum in the basement continues to resonate with his presence. Sitting in the very chair that Churchill once occupied, where he savored his cherished cigars, offers an experience that bridges time and binds us to the past.
The basement museum isn’t solely a window into Churchill’s world; it encapsulates the very essence of cigar history. It stands as a treasure trove of moments that have shaped the cigar culture, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in the intricate tapestry of this age-old tradition.
James J Fox also hosts cigar events. Take a look at their schedule on https://www.jjfox.co.uk/events. I’ve attended one already and have another one on my agenda.
You can read all about at Arturo Fuente Book Launch
My rating: 10 out of 10 – For those yet to experience the charm of James J Fox, let me assure you, it is a sanctuary for cigar enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. It easily ranks among the top spots in London to savour a moment of tranquility with a premium cigar in hand. This place may feel slightly pretentious as you walk in, it looks pretty fancy from the oustide, but it’s absolutely not the case, the staff are always very friendly and are used to newbies walking in to help guide you on what cigars to sample. You must pop up to the sampling lounge to relax with a cigar, then visit the museum on your way out. There’s free coffee and tea, plug sockets for your phones and laptops. I always want to sit near the big giant window – but those seats are nearly always occupied whenever I go there. Such a cool place to relax with a fine cigar. And if you’ve got the dosh – buy a box of cigars before leaving the store!
You can visit JJ Fox at:
St James’s Street
19 St James’s Street,
London, SW1A 1ES.
Contact: 020 7930 3787 or freddie@jjfox.co.uk
https://www.jjfox.co.uk/
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Rd,
London SW1X 7XL
Contact: 020 7730 1234
Selfridges
400 Oxford Street,
London, W1A 1AB
Contact: 020 7318 2479 or 020 7318 3945
If you like this review, check out my other cigar venue reviews at – https://londoncigarsmoker.com/cigar-bars-terraces-smoking-lounges/
Leave a Reply