At a recent cigar sampling event at Ten Trinity Square, a private members’ cigar lounge in London, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow cigar enthusiasts who had travelled from various parts of the UK to sample Number 11 cigars.

Among the attendees was Liam, who recommended I visit his favourite local cigar lounge, Cask 23 up in Leicester, England.

For those of you who’ve been following my journey on this blog, you know I’ve made it my mission to check out as many cigar shops and lounges as possible, both in London and beyond. So, it was only a matter of time before I found my way to this highly praised spot.

Fast forward a couple of weeks to yesterday, just a few days before Christmas. During a trip to Leicester, I visited Cask 23. Although Liam couldn’t join me, it was amazing to experience firsthand what he had described so vividly!

Background

Cask 23, formerly known as 23 Wine & Whiskey, proudly stands as Leicester’s first dedicated cigar sampling lounge.

Originally established as an off-licence in 2008, the business transformed in 2016 into an independent specialist in fine wines, spirits, and cigars. Following an extensive refurbishment between 2023 and 2024, Cask 23 now boasts a modern aesthetic, featuring a fully stocked walk-in humidor…

… and a welcoming basement lounge designed for cigar sampling.

Owned by Nilesh Vadoliya, Cask 23 has long been a favourite destination for wine and whiskey enthusiasts. Recognising an opportunity to serve cigar aficionados, Nilesh expanded the space to create a welcoming environment for both seasoned smokers and newcomers.

The humidor boasts a curated selection of premium Havana cigars, including renowned brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta, alongside rare and vintage options, all carefully preserved.

In addition to its exceptional offerings, Cask 23 hosts cigar and whiskey tasting events, making it a go-to spot for connoisseurs and beginners alike.

Reservations for the lounge can be made on their website, and it is highly recommended to do so. A booking fee of £35 will be credited toward your final bill.

My Experience

Leicester is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from London by train. I made the trip during Christmas week, anticipating a bustling city filled with last-minute shoppers. To my surprise, it was remarkably calm—perhaps most people don’t leave their Christmas shopping to the very last minute like I do! 😄

After booking my slot at the sampling lounge, I did some research and found a budget hotel nearby. Leicester itself has a few attractions worth exploring, including the Richard III Visitor Centre and the National Space Centre. The shop and lounge, located on 64 – 66 Granby Street, is about a 15-20 minute walk from Leicester’s main train station.

From the outside, Cask 23 appears to be a regular drinks shop.

Stepping inside, however, unveils a hidden gem. The upstairs area is dedicated to wines and whiskeys, and it was there that I met Nilesh, who greeted me warmly. After confirming my booking, he led me to a door at the back of the shop, which opened onto a backroom maze of shelves and a staircase leading downstairs.

Beyond a second discreet door at the end of the maze, I entered the cigar lounge, complete with a walk-in humidor and seating for up to eight guests.

The humidor is a cigar lover’s dream, offering a mix of Cuban and New World cigars.

I was drawn to the Partagás Serie E No. 2, a rich and full-bodied Cuban cigar I had been thinking about ever since someone messaged me about it the night before. It did not disappoint, offering complex flavours that paired beautifully with the relaxing ambiance of the lounge. Although they are quite pricey now for a single stick in the UK.

Nilesh guided me to one of the leather armchairs arranged in one of the two small seating areas.

He offered drinks from the shop upstairs, and I settled in with my cigar cutter and lighter. Soft jazz Christmas music played in the background, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere. For the next hour and a half, I enjoyed the serene environment, punctuated by the occasional hum of the ventilation system. The lounge’s intimate setting made it easy to unwind, with a view of the humidor adding to the ambiance.

A few other customers stopped by, including a gentleman picking up a cigar for a friend and a group of younger visitors.

Once I finished, I headed upstairs to find the toilets (worth noting, they’re located outside the lounge area). My final bill was reduced by the £35 booking fee, making my cigar cost just £14.65—a nice touch and it was time to head home back to London.

My rating: 7 out of 10

If you’re a Leicester local, Cask 23 is an absolute gem, offering a unique space to enjoy premium cigars in comfort. For those based in London, while it’s probably not worth traveling specifically for this lounge, it’s a fantastic option if you’re already in the area.

The lounge’s speakeasy vibe, friendly service, and thoughtfully curated cigar selection make it a standout. It’s heartening to see cigar lounges like this popping up outside London, and I hope more cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow follow suit.

If you’re planning to visit Leicester, I highly recommend checking out Cask 23—you won’t regret it.

Interested in visiting?

Cask 23
64-66 Granby Street
Leicester
LE1 1DH

View on Google Maps

There are a few rules, see below:

• The maximum stay within the sampling lounge is 2 hours (subject to bookings at the time).

• Individual bookings £35pp Minimum Spend.

• Group bookings of 3 or more poeple – Minimum Spend £50pp + Service Charge

• Dress Code Smart Casual.

Book your spot online: Visit Cask 23