The UK cigar community honestly never fails to amaze me. The deeper I get involved, the more I discover these fantastic groups of cigar folk at all different stages of their cigar journeys — and it’s always a genuine pleasure to share a herf with them. I’ve had the chance to hang out with Cigar Club LDN and the Halifax Herf crowd before, but this weekend I spent some time with the Ash Hole Cigar Club UK chapter — and what an amazing group they are!

I’d known about this group online for a couple of years — you’ve probably spotted their distinctive logo on various cigar-related social media pages — but I never really knew much about who they were.

Then I met Dan at a cigar event at Farrants. He has been part of the group for some time and filled me in on what they’re all about, even encouraging me to join.

It turns out, joining the club isn’t as simple as just signing up. To make it through the first stage, you’ll need to stay active — posting regularly, earning points through their system, and completing a cigar trade with an experienced member. It takes a bit of effort, but once you’re in, it’s well worth it. Full members gain access to private chats, exclusive merchandise, and special discounts from partner brands.

They host two virtual cigar herfs each week — one on Thursday nights and another on Sundays. It’s a genuine, close-knit community that’s great for anyone who enjoys cigars but doesn’t have many fellow smokers nearby. It’s also a good option for those without local cigar spots who’d like to share the experience and conversation with others.

I’ll admit, I sometimes struggle to keep up with the chat on Discord, which is their main hub for communication. For anyone unfamiliar, Discord is a free platform that lets communities connect through text, voice, and video. It started out popular with gamers but has since become a go-to space for all sorts of groups — from hobbyists to professional networks.

Background

The Ash Hole Cigar Club (AHCC) was founded in Arizona, USA, on 15 October 2015, when thirteen friends gathered to enjoy cigars and good conversation. What began as a small group has since grown into a global network of cigar enthusiasts known for their warmth, mentorship, and shared values.

Today, the club boasts more than 36 chapters worldwide. It has a strong presence across the United States — with groups in California, Texas, New York, Georgia, and many other states — and continues to expand internationally. Chapters can be found in countries including Bulgaria, Germany, France, Belgium, Mexico, Canada, Dubai, Indonesia, and of course the United Kingdom. Each local group has its own character, but all share the same spirit: celebrating cigars, promoting education, and fostering mutual respect.

The club values

• Loyalty: Members come first, and egos are left at the door.
• Respect: Individuals are valued over labels. The club believes that cigars bring people together, so discussions on politics, religion, or racism are discouraged.
• Discretion: The privacy of members and the sanctity of community spaces are respected and upheld.
• Family: Members share cigar experiences, support one another, and give back to their communities. Whether someone is new to cigars or a seasoned aficionado, the Ash Hole Cigar Club offers a welcoming environment to connect, learn, and grow. 

Whether someone is new to cigars or a seasoned aficionado, the Ash Hole Cigar Club offers a welcoming space to connect, learn, and grow. Members enjoy private meetups, mentorship opportunities, and access to a worldwide network of passionate cigar lovers.

The UK Chapter

The UK Chapter of the Ash Hole Cigar Club was founded around 2018–2019 by ‘Chef Ali’, marking the club’s expansion into the United Kingdom. It has since developed into a close-knit community of cigar enthusiasts who come together as family.

The UK Chapter prides itself on maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. Discrimination, harassment, or hate speech are not tolerated. While members are asked to use inclusive language, the group recognises that informal terms like “guys” are often used casually to address everyone. The community continues to evolve with inclusivity at its core.

Any member who violates these principles will be removed from the UK Chapter, and other chapters will be notified.

My experience at the in person regional gathering

I’d known about this event for nearly six months—ever since the organisers, Dan and his wife Lee, reached out to see if I could attend. That alone spoke volumes about the meticulous planning behind these regional gatherings: people flew in from across the UK, many from areas where cigar shops and sampling lounges are few and far between. Everyone stayed at a conveniently located, affordable hotel nearby. They had arranged an impressive three-day itinerary, including a visit to Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate—London’s highest free public viewing gallery—hearty fry-ups for breakfast, and relaxed evening pub meals at cigar-friendly spots.

I joined the visit to a London cigar establishment, one of the highlights of the trip. The original venue, confirmed well in advance, was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute. Thanks to quick thinking—and the brilliance of David, another member of the group—a fantastic new location was secured just in time.

The day began in Knightsbridge. I worried I’d be late, but ended up arriving early and ran into several fellow attendees at the tube station. The event took place at the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge in the Bvlgari Hotel, a stunning venue I’d visited before for the Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC). The rare opportunity to sample a cigar in such a prestigious setting meant a great deal to everyone in the group. I suppose I take it for granted, being a Londoner with access to so many remarkable cigar spots.

Around 18 people attended, including some familiar faces. It was heartening to see such a friendly, down-to-earth group of enthusiasts. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and full of shared passion.

I settled in with a Bolivar Belicosos Finos (£54) paired with an Old Fashioned (£20)—a flawless combination. Yes, it was pricey, but expected for a London hotel, and part of the experience includes the venue and its hospitality.

The brilliant John Higgins 🙏 served as our cigar sommelier and cigar shop and sampling lounge manager.

Midway through, Dan and Lee gave a brief speech thanking everyone for attending and handed out thoughtful gifts: a commemorative London badge, a cigar rest, and a few other surprises. It was a lovely touch that instantly made everyone feel at home.

I stayed for the first half of the day, before some of the group headed to JJ Fox for those who hadn’t visited before, followed by an afterparty at The Castle in Tooting—a highly recommended cigar-friendly spot (outdoor) where you can bring your own cigars.

Overall, I had an amazing time. I finally got to put faces to usernames and even met ‘Chef Ali’, the club’s current president 🫡. Spending the afternoon with the Ash Hole Cigar Club UK reminded me why I love this hobby so much: it’s not just about cigars, but the people, the shared stories, and the friendships formed over a perfect smoke. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned aficionado, the UK chapter welcomes you to join in, share in the camaraderie, and enjoy the craft in good company. A huge thank you to Dan, Lee, and all the members for making me feel at home.

If you’re interested in joining the UK chapter, reach out via their social media: Ashhole Cigar Club UK.

Or check out the official international website at ashholecigarclubs.com