*UPDATE: Jan 14, 2025 – readers have recently informed me that Leaf and Cane has stopped allowing customers to purchase cigars and no longer permits customers to smoke their own cigars on the premises. No idea how long this will be. *
Since starting this blog, I have visited many cigar shops, sampling lounges, and terraces in London. I’ve also begun exploring locations throughout the UK, Europe, and the US, writing blog posts about each place I visit. Check out some of those posts here. It’s turned into a bit of a mad hobby and its probably cost me a bleeding fortune – but its been a lot of fun so far and I’ve met some incredible folk along the way!
A common question I often get asked about the places I have visited is, “Where can I smoke my own?”.
This is always a challenging question to answer – and I’ll explain why.
Background
Believe it or not, there was a time in the UK when you could ‘smoke your own’ cigar almost anywhere. However, in July 2007, the UK Smoking Ban took effect, making it illegal to smoke in any pub, restaurant, nightclub, and most workplaces. So, you can’t just walk into places and smoke your own cigar anymore.
From what I understand, Simon Chase (of Hunters & Frankau), who was a key figure in the cigar industry and sadly is no longer with us, played a pivotal role in securing exemptions from the legislation. These exemptions allow a specialist tobacconist’s shop to permit smoking by individuals sampling cigars and pipe tobacco, provided the shop:
- Has a ceiling and is completely enclosed on all sides by solid, floor-to-ceiling walls, except for doors and windows.
- Does not have a ventilation system that vents into any smoke-free premises.
- Has no door that opens onto smoke-free premises unless it is mechanically closed immediately after use.
- Is clearly marked as premises where smoking is permitted.
Simon was also instrumental in helping develop H&F’s strategy to encourage the development of COSAs (Comfortable Outdoor Smoking Areas) and the consumer events programme that ensued. This was developed based on a belief that consumers wanted to learn about cigars and that, despite the ban on smoking indoors, the cigar smoking community needed to be bought together more than ever.
Through my research on various cigar listing websites, I have discovered that London boasts a variety of these sampling lounges and terraces.
- There are approximately 44 sampling lounges, such as James J Fox, which offer comfortable indoor spaces to sample cigars before purchase.
- Additionally, the capital features 42 cigar terraces, like Boisdales of Belgravia, that provide outdoor smoking areas and stock a variety of cigars. In some contexts, these “terraces” are referred to as “comfortable outdoor smoking areas” (COSA).
Furthermore, there are 135 other terraces that offer outdoor smoking areas but do not stock cigars.
Some of these terraces charge service fees, have minimum spends, or require a fee to sample a cigar there. The most recent venue I discovered that I think fits into the category “where you can smoke your own” cigars is The Leaf & Cane.
The venue
The Leaf and Cane, located in the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars, invites guests to enjoy their selection of cigars to sample. Guests may also bring their own cigars with the purchase of a drink.
Formerly known as the Voltaire Bar & Cigar Terrace during its time under Crown Plaza ownership, this establishment has been rebranded and redesigned as a Latin American bar under Hyatt Regency. It celebrated its one-year anniversary in June.
The Leaf and Cane offers cocktails, rums, live entertainment, and a selection of Havana cigars, including Romeo y Julieta Churchills, Montecristo No.4 and No.2, Cohiba Siglo IV, and Trinidad Vigia.
Situated across from Blackfriars train station, the bar features a menu inspired by Latin American cuisine, live music, and secret stone vaults transformed into nine private cellars with heated seating.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-2am.
For the history buffs
The Leaf and Cane / Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars stands on the historic site that was once occupied by King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace from 1515-1523. It was at this palace that the King famously divorced Katherine of Aragon. Edward VI later gifted the palace to the City of London, and by the 18th century, it had become a renowned women’s prison.
My experience
I heard about this place from fellow cigar enthusiasts at a cigar event a few years back. They recommended it because you could “bring your own cigars”.
It was under different ownership back then, and I later found out it had closed. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see it reappear on my social media feed last year when The Leaf and Cane reopened.
While familiar with Blackfriars, I wondered where this specific venue was. It’s just a three-minute walk from Blackfriars train station, on the City of London side of the River Thames.
As I approached the venue, I noticed it was owned by or part of the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars Hotel.
I walked past the main hotel entrance and the black railings on my left, and that’s where I found the entrance to the “Leaf & Cane – Bar, Cigar Terrace & Cellars” on the street corner between New Bridge Street and Tudor Street.
A staircase with black railings led down to the hotel’s basement, where the bar area was located. Descending the black wooden staircase, the first thing that struck me was the quiet atmosphere. There was some background music playing at the bar, but not many people around, which suited me because I was meeting a fellow cigar enthusiast, Razvan, and I was hoping for a good conversation without too much background noise.
Before my visit, I reserved a spot in the cigar terrace, which is situated in stone vaults in the basement that have been converted into nine private cellars or “prison cells.” There are about nine cells available for reservation. When booking online, make sure to select “Prison Cells – Outdoor” to secure the appropriate spot for cigars.
When I arrived it was a bit unclear whom I should speak to about my reservation, possibly because I entered through the side street rather than through the main hotel reception. So, I immediately turned right…
and walked into the bar to inform the staff about my reservation.
The bartender acknowledged my arrival. It was then I noticed a large Hunter’s and Frankau cigar humidor in the bar area and requested to take a quick look inside. There was only a very small selection of cigars available.
At that point, I was escorted back to the smoking area outside, and the staff let me choose which cell I wanted to smoke in. The first thing that strikes you as you walk into a cell is the cigar imagery on the ceiling, which is a homage to Cuba and it’s Cuban cigars.
The cell itself was impressive, the decor was predominantly green, brown, and white, there were large wooden tables with comfortable heated seats that could be controlled from the tabletop, along with the option to adjust the music volume and lighting. There were also plugs available, so you can charge your phone or laptop.
I was presented with the menus—including a cigar menu and a drinks menu that had some nibbles at the back.
The cells are great in cold weather but might feel a bit warm during the summer months.
Once my guest Razvan arrived, we ordered drinks and some snacks. It was great to finally enjoy a cigar together.
So, what cigar did we bring along? Razvan brought a delightful, unbanded Punch Punch Double Coronas Vintage cigar from 2002. It was amazing to try this; a lovely smoke and one of the very few vintage cigars I’ve ever smoked.
Razvan also generously gave me this wonderful leather cigar holder.
This Connoisseur’s Blend leather cigar holder is truly one of a kind and the cream of the crop!
Razvan explained that this British-crafted cigar case is a contemporary design, made from premium, eco-friendly Italian-Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather.
It includes a durable metal guardian that can hold up to six standard or four large-ring cigars, with additional pockets for accessories like cutters and lighters. The case features modern conveniences such as an Apple Tag compartment for tracking and a humidity control system with space for a Boveda pack. Sized at 9x6x3 inches for easy transport, it comes with a stylish, detachable crossbody strap. Presented in a luxurious gift box and certified by The Italian Genuine Leather Consortium, it’s perfect for the discerning cigar enthusiast.
For more information about this wonderful cigar accessory, check out the article on the Britannia Nexus collection that I posted earlier this year, or visit The Cigar Holder website directly.
My rating: 8 out of 10
This venue is perfect for a cigar herf, especially if you’re meeting up with friends. One of its best features is that you can bring your own cigars.
If you’re interested in trying one of their cigars, the staff may not be connoisseurs, but the prices are not too eye watering. The place operates from 5pm to at least 1am, making it more of an evening spot. While it might feel a bit odd to go solo, it’s a fantastic place to hang out with others. If it were open during the day, I’d seriously consider working from home at The Leaf and Cane!
It can get quite warm in the summer, so it’s probably better suited for winter visits. However, with our rainy summer, it’s been ideal.
The decor is quite modern and the music is quite dance-oriented, so it might not suit the traditional cigar connoisseur.
The ventilation isn’t perfect, so it can get quite smoky inside the cells. The food offerings are mainly small bites and nibbles rather than full meals. The service is excellent, with bar staff frequently checking in to offer drinks. The heated seating is a fun touch, and the ability to charge your mobile devices and laptops is very convenient.
It’s definitely a place I’d recommend visiting. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve already been back since! Plus, it’s in a great location, just opposite the train station.
Special thanks to Razvan for the awesome company! 🙏
Keen to visit?
*UPDATE: Jan 14, 2025 – readers have recently informed me that Leaf and Cane has stopped allowing customers to purchase cigars and no longer permits customers to smoke their own cigars on the premises. No idea how long this will be. *
You can make a reservation at:
https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/leaf-and-cane-bar-london
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
Leaf & Cane,
19 New Bridge St, London EC4V 6DB, UK
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If you like this review, check out my other reviews of cigar bars, terraces and smoking lounges.
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