London, are you ready? It’s that time again when I get to shout out about a brand-new cigar shop and sampling lounge that’s just opened in our city. This time, we’re heading to South West London—Nine Elms, right by Battersea—say hello to One Thames Cigars.
I first caught wind of this place a few months back, and it’s been on my radar ever since. This blog has turned me into something of a detective, always hunting for new cigar shops and sampling lounges . I remember spotting a photo online and wondering where it was, then realising it was the work of none other than Matthew Mason — the man behind some of London’s sleekest humidors, including JJ Fox Selfridges and Edmundos.
Soon after, I saw a fellow cigar smoker, Alex, tag the spot on social media. That sealed it for me: I knew I had to check it out!
Background
One Thames Cigars is tucked away at 10–12 Carnation Way, SW8 5GZ, part of the Thames City development in Nine Elms.
It’s about a five-minute walk from Nine Elms tube station.
The Thames City development is a massive riverside regeneration turning the old New Covent Garden Flower Market into luxury towers, retail spaces, and landscaped gardens—around 1,500 homes in total.
Designed by SOM with Gillespies, the development features high-end amenities like a 30m pool, spa, cinema, and podium gardens, plus a new “Linear Park” linking Vauxhall to Battersea Power Station. And now, of course, it also has a cigar shop and sampling lounge.
Interestingly, it looks like the development is owned by CC Land, with Cheung Chung-kiu as chairman. Could he also be the cigar aficionado who pushed for this addition?
My experience
I first tried visiting on a bank holiday in August, but it was closed. I returned this past Saturday evening around 8 p.m., determined to finally get inside.
Finding it isn’t straightforward. Head toward Thames City from Nine Elms tube station, and look to the left of the fountain.
The signage is discreet, and from the outside, it’s hard to tell if it’s open. White curtains conceal much of the interior—only a faint light gives it away.
Pull open the double doors, and you’re in.
When I arrived, a small group of young Chinese customers was purchasing cigars but didn’t stick around.
That left me alone in the lounge, greeted warmly by their cigar sommelier, who ran the show that evening.
The lounge itself is quite small and narrow (the photos make it look bigger) — with seating for about 16 people. The green and red décor gives it a relaxed vibe, and Cuban-style music plays softly in the background.
A large TV dominates one wall, though it was switched off during my visit. Apparently, karaoke is possible — an interesting option for a private event or birthday takeover.
Menus for cigars and drinks are clearly displayed, but of course, I headed straight for the humidor.
The humidor is modest but respectable, with a Cuban-only selection. You’ll find all the classics — Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, Trinidad, Cohiba. Prices are at London standards: my Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill cost £45.
The humidors, crafted by Matthew Mason, feature solid cedar throughout, subtle LED lighting, and oak-finished doors designed to complement the hotel’s interiors.
They even include internal lockers for added convenience.
The priciest option was the Cohiba 55th Aniversario Cigar (2021 Limited Edition) at £600.
Drinks are limited to wine, whisky, rum, champagne, and soft drinks—no full bar here though.
Each table comes with cigar cutters, lighters, and ashtrays ready to go.
I settled in with my Wide Churchill and a rum and coke. The pairing worked beautifully, and the atmosphere was calm — almost eerily so for a Saturday night. Some may find it too quiet, but others will appreciate the peace.
This isn’t St James’s or Knightsbridge — and it doesn’t pretend to be. It doesn’t seem as though they’re positioning themselves to compete with London’s other cigar shops and sampling lounges. One Thames Cigars is more of a private hideaway, catering to the owner, their circle, and local residents of the Nine Elms towers. If it’s buzz and bustle you’re after, you won’t find it here. But for a relaxed, unhurried smoke, it’s spot on.
The sommelier was excellent company — knowledgeable and friendly, which made the solo experience less awkward. Still, I’d recommend going with friends or a group. Privacy is limited, so it’s not ideal for confidential conversations. Outdoor seating would be a welcome addition, especially in summer.
My rating: 7 out of 10
I’m glad I visited One Thames Cigars. The cigar was great, the atmosphere relaxed, and the humidor well-stocked. It’s not a sampling lounge I’d spend hours in solo, but as a local option, it’s a solid addition to London’s cigar scene.
The lounge is discreetly tucked away and doesn’t have on-site toilets—you’ll need to use the hotel next door. Ventilation seemed good during my visit, though it’s hard to say how it holds up when the room is full of cigar smokers.
If you’re in Battersea, Vauxhall, or Nine Elms and fancy sampling a cigar, it’s worth a stop. For cigar lovers keen to explore new corners of the city, One Thames Cigars is definitely worth a visit.
Want to visit One Thames Cigars?
Address: One Thames Cigar, 10–12 Carnation Way, Nine Elms, London SW8 5GZ
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 12 noon – 10pm (Tue – Sat), 4 – 10pm (Sun – Mon)
Instagram: instagram.com/onethamescigars
Website: onethamescigar.com
If you like this review, check out my other reviews of cigar shops, terraces and sampling lounges.
Leave a Reply