I often get messages from people asking where they can sample a cigar in Birmingham. Despite being the UK’s second-largest city and home to well over a million people, I’ve always found it surprisingly difficult to recommend dedicated cigar venues.
Years ago, behind The Prince of Wales pub in Moseley, there was a small ‘cigar shed’ known as La Choza (which looked bloody brilliant!). Overseen by a guy called Keith Marsden, it appeared to be one of the few places in Birmingham where cigar enthusiasts could gather and smoke a cigar in a dedicated setting.
As the pub changed hands and evolved over the years, La Choza gradually disappeared. I recently contacted the pub via Instagram and was told that “the cigar shed is no longer there”.
Since then, very little has appeared on my radar. A couple of years ago, however, I read an article about the Baloci Hotel opening a dedicated Cigar Garden. Since then, it has been the place I usually mention whenever people ask for recommendations.
The funny thing is, I’d never actually visited it myself. I’d heard plenty about it over the years, but for one reason or another, I’d never got around to checking it out.
So, when I saw there was a cigar tasting event planned at the venue in collaboration with Havana House Birmingham, I decided it was finally time to pay a visit.
Unfortunately, the event didn’t go ahead. However, as I was already spending a few days in Birmingham, I chose to keep my plans and visit the Baloci Hotel anyway.
Background
Located in Birmingham’s Edgbaston district, Baloci is a boutique hotel and restaurant inspired by the ancient Silk Road, the historic trade network that connected Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The venue takes its name from the Baloch people and reflects the cultural influences associated with these routes.
Housed within a restored Georgian property, the adults-only hotel features six individually themed rooms, each inspired by a different culture, destination or historical figure linked to the Silk Road.
Alongside its restaurant, Baloci is home to the Zoroaster cocktail bar…
…. and the Cigar Garden, an exclusive lounge offering a curated selection of premium cigars in an elegant setting.
My experience
The venue is quite a distance from Birmingham city centre, so I took an Uber to get there – there’s plenty of them about.
From the outside, it’s an impressive white building.
Inside the décor is dominated by deep shades of red — dark red, royal red and everything in between.
The overall feel is luxurious and stylish. I wasn’t entirely sure whether the design was inspired by Italian or Indian influences, but it certainly makes an impression.
When I arrived and asked about sampling a cigar, one of the staff members kindly showed me to their Cigar Garden – essentially an outdoor cigar terrace. We walked through the restaurant and bar to get to it.
The terrace has around 30 to 40 seats spread across several sections. The decking area is modern and futuristic, with heaters surrounded by comfortable seating.
Everything feels well thought out, sleek and high-end.
I can easily see why cigar events are held here. The terrace is the perfect setting, with plenty of space for groups and what appears to be a small outdoor bar area.
The cigar selection
A small tower humidor on the indoor bar contains the lounge’s cigar selection, which appears to be sourced through Hunters & Frankau, the UK’s Cuban cigar distributor. The selection itself is quite small and somewhat limited. I’m not sure whether guests are allowed to bring and sample their own cigars, but there is both a cigar menu and a drinks menu available.
One thing that stood out was the pricing. The cigars are noticeably expensive and, given the relatively small selection available, there isn’t a huge amount of choice.
The cigar
For my cigar I opted for a Romeo y Julieta No. 3 that cost £34. I had considered the Short Churchill, but at £62 it felt a bit too expensive for what I wanted that day.
The venue provides cigar cutters, lighters and ashtrays. Saying that I’d brought along my own cutter and lighter.
I visited on a relaxed — if slightly rainy — afternoon and was pleasantly surprised to hear birdsong in the background while enjoying my cigar. That’s not something I often experience amid the hustle and bustle of London 😁.
The atmosphere was calm, comfortable, and refined without ever feeling pretentious, making it an excellent spot to relax, perfect whilst away on an afternoon or evening, particularly during the summer months.
I also checked in advance whether there was a dress code. This is what is stated on their website: “Although there is no formal dress code, we expect most guests to adhere to smart casual attire. Sportswear, shorts, flip-flops, and sliders are not permitted.”
My rating: 7.5 out of 10
Overall, I was impressed by the Oud Garden Cigar Lounge at the Baloci Hotel. Although the cigar selection is relatively limited and prices are on the higher side, the venue itself is excellent. The outdoor terrace is modern, comfortable and provides a fantastic setting for enjoying a cigar.
For cigar enthusiasts visiting Birmingham, it’s well worth a visit, especially during the warmer months. Havana House also appears to host occasional cigar events at the venue, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for future gatherings.
Interestingly, despite being one of the only dedicated cigar terraces in the UK’s second-largest city, it wasn’t particularly busy during my visit. It may become livelier during dining hours or when events are taking place, but the quieter atmosphere certainly added to the sense of relaxation.
If you’re looking to buy cigars in Birmingham, John Hollingsworth & Son – Havana House in the Great Western Arcade remains the city’s cigar retailer but sadly no sampling lounge.
Interested in visiting Baloci Hotel?
18 Highfield Road,
Birmingham,
B15 3DU
Website: https://baloci.co.uk & https://baloci.co.uk/cigar-garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaloci
Leave a Reply