Wimbledon fortnight is one of the biggest events in the British sporting calendar, and every year Lady Wimbledon ensures the Championships get off to a spectacular start with her iconic opening party.

This year I was invited by Surrey Cigars to attend the exclusive launch event at 601 Queen’s Road, just a stone’s throw from Wimbledon Station. Dubbed “The Social Highlight of Wimbledon Fortnight”, the event welcomed a carefully curated guest list of around 250 guests for an evening celebrating tennis, summer and everything that makes Wimbledon so special.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average cigar event. Guests entered via a red carpet where photographers from Side Track London captured arrivals as celebrities, reality TV personalities, influencers and local personalities made their entrance.

Familiar faces from shows including Love Island and Married at First Sight UK mingled with Wimbledon regulars, while those of us attending with Surrey Cigars were there to enjoy a premium cigar in elegant surroundings.

After exchanging our tickets for wristbands, we headed upstairs into the stunning venue beneath 601’s impressive dome.

The atmosphere was buzzing from the outset, with a DJ providing the soundtrack while guests enjoyed the first of three complimentary premium drinks included with the ticket. The options included classic Pimm’s, signature Wimbledon-inspired cocktails and refreshing summer drinks. I opted for a mojito, which couldn’t have been more perfect on one of the hottest evenings of the summer.

The rooftop terrace was undoubtedly one of the highlights. Beautifully transformed for the occasion, it properly captured the spirit of Wimbledon with crisp whites, flowing Pimm’s, strawberries and cream, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Tucked away in one corner of the terrace was Surrey Cigars, who added a touch of timeless class to the evening.

Their stand featured an excellent selection of premium Cuban and New World cigars, all available at very fair prices.

It was refreshing to see so many people trying a quality cigar who perhaps wouldn’t normally smoke one. Many admitted they’d only ever enjoyed a cigar at occasions such as Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta or milestone birthdays, so this was an ideal introduction to the hobby.

James Quantrell, the owner of Surrey Cigars, was impossible to miss in his trademark Union Jack jacket — a look that has become his signature look. Throughout the evening he was introducing guests to different cigars while chatting with both regular customers and first-time smokers alike.

As the evening gathered pace, the rooftop became livelier and livelier. Gourmet canapés circulated throughout the venue while guests networked, socialised and soaked up one of the best summer parties in London.

The headline entertainment came from legendary DJ Fat Tony, whose energetic set kept the dance floor packed until the very end. Fat Tony has played everywhere from Ibiza to Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding and recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning, where he clarified the widely reported story surrounding Brooklyn Beckham and Victoria Beckham’s wedding dance.

Once Fat Tony took to the decks, the party moved up another level. The dance floor filled instantly and, before we knew it, the evening had flown by. Cigars were being enjoyed on the terrace, cocktails continued to flow, and everyone seemed to embrace the unmistakable buzz that only Wimbledon week can bring.

What stood out most was how different this event felt compared with the traditional cigar evenings I’m used to attending around London. Rather than being solely cigar-focused, this was a stylish lifestyle event where cigars complemented the experience rather than dominated it. It introduced premium cigars to a whole new audience while blending them seamlessly into one of the capital’s most fashionable summer parties.

Lady Wimbledon certainly knows how to host an event!

Combining glamour, entertainment, networking and a true celebration of Wimbledon, it’s easy to see why the evening has become such a sought-after ticket each year.

For anyone interested in premium cigars, Surrey Cigars are based in Guildford, Surrey, with an excellent retail shop (above an estate agent), a welcoming cigar sampling lounge and an online store offering one of the UK’s best selection of cigars. Don’t miss the exciting cigar events they have coming up soon. See what’s on here.

Overall a fantastic evening and the perfect way to toast the arrival of Wimbledon fortnight! 🎾