Last year, just before Christmas, I set aside a day in London to visit the cigar shops, sampling lounges, and terraces that were still on my bucket list. My goal was to check off as many as I could before the year came to a close—though a few still remain to explore and write about!
Throughout my cigar adventures, I’d heard mentions about an outdoor terrace at The Berkeley where you could enjoy cigars—even your own—despite the limited information available online. Intrigued, I made it a point to visit it on my cigar day out!
Background
The Berkeley is a well-known five-star hotel in London. Room prices start at around £700 per night, depending on the season. The hotel offers a range of high-end amenities, including fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant and a bar and terrace designed by Bryan O’Sullivan.
The Berkeley Bar and Terrace has a small selection of cigars available for purchase, which can be enjoyed on the terrace or taken away. There’s no reservation system for the terrace, but there is a minimum spend of £50 per person.
Located in Knightsbridge, it’s close to Hyde Park, Harrods, and other major London landmarks, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the area.
My experience
The Berkeley is situated close to what I refer to as London’s “second cigar mile” (the first being in St. James). This area, which stretches around Hyde Park Corner, is home to iconic cigar locations such as The Tasting Room at The Peninsula, The Garden Room at The Lanesborough, The Wellesley and The Emory Cigar Merchants.
It’s just a quick 5-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner tube station.
Upon approaching the hotel, I felt a bit intimidated—something I often experience when visiting hotel-style cigar terraces and sampling lounges-especially when I’m not a guest staying at the hotel.
I arrived at the venue, and the hotel was all ready for the festive season.
It was around 6 p.m. when I walked through the revolving doors and was greeted by a porter.
I asked for directions to the cigar terrace, but initially, they seemed uncertain about what I meant—maybe it’s not a usual spot for cigar smokers. I then mentioned the bar and terrace, and that gave me the direction I needed.
I walked into the bar and asked the staff for the outdoor terrace, mentioning I was there to enjoy a cigar. That’s when they mentioned the £50 minimum spend. Yikes 😬, that felt a bit much! I’d heard you could bring your own cigars, but I knew the prices would be higher at a place like this, so I decided to go with it. They showed me to a seat on the terrace outdoors.
I was shown outside, and the venue’s outdoor space looked impressive—well-lit, with cozy heaters, comfy seating, tables, and plenty of coverage from any rain or snow (it was December, after all!).
I was sat in the area closest to the bar, though I wasn’t sure it was the best spot.
A section was rd sectioned off for a private event, and downstairs looked a bit more comfortable and social—ideal for a group. Other cigar smokers were downstairs, and it did have a cozy vibe down there.
Since I was by myself, I didn’t mind staying where I was. A menu was handed to me.
There was a mix of cigars in there, including: Bolivar, Cuaba, Diplomaticos, H. Upmann, Hoyo de Monterrey, Juan Lopez, Partagas, Padrón, Romeo y Julieta, Sancho Panza, Trinidad, Vega Robaina, Quai d’Orsay, and some from the New World like My Father Cigars, Oliva, and Punch.
The staff didn’t seem as knowledgeable about cigars as I’d hoped. It wasn’t quite up to the standard I’ve experienced at places like The Emory, where the cigar sommeliers have completed the Hunters & Frankau training course to become a Master of Habanos. God, I’m turning into a right snob!
After I made my choice—a Ramon Allones Number 3 cigar—the waiter collected the cigar, cut it, and lit it for me. He also laid out some nibbles—mini crackers and nuts—on my table. To save a bit of money, I skipped having an alcoholic drink and opted for a simple Coke instead.
It was time to relax! or so I thought, until I realised I could hear everyone’s conversations around me — including a couple where one person wanted out of the relationship. Some guests had headphones on, and now I could see why 😂. Good for that person for standing their ground, but definitely not what I want to overhear whilst it was cigar time.
The Ramon Allones No. 3 cigar was a bit of a disappointment this time around. It seemed like it hadn’t been stored properly in the humidor, as the wrapper started to unravel. The draw was also unusually tight, which was frustrating for a £65 cigar. I’ve smoked this one before and know it can be a great choice, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark this time.
After a while, it was time to leave. I asked for the bill, made my payment, and then headed to the next cigar venue.
My rating – 5 out of 10
I had high hopes for a venue attached to such a fancy hotel, but it didn’t quite live up to them. The £50 minimum spend to smoke my own cigars felt a bit overpriced, especially given the quality of the cigar, the noise from other guests, and the cold December night. This place could work well for hanging out with friends, though I imagine it’s much more enjoyable in the summer, so that might be the best time to visit if you’re going solo.
If you’re on your own, it’s a good idea to bring headphones as a backup—unless you don’t mind overhearing everyone’s conversations. Or, try sitting as far from others as possible (though that probably makes me sound a little antisocial). I suppose the venue isn’t really geared toward cigar smokers—it’s for everyone, which affects the overall vibe. There’s a certain etiquette in cigar lounges that just doesn’t apply here.
If there’s a next time, I’d definitely ask to sit downstairs—it seemed much cosier on a December night.
Interested in visiting The Berkeley Bar & Terrace?
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace
The Berkeley Hotel
Wilton Place
Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7RL
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