It’s been a while since I last wrote about Havana House – The Cigar Emporium in Windsor, and after spending another weekend there following a crazy mad fun week of cigar events, it felt like the perfect time for an update.
My visit coincided with Havana House’s excellent annual Cigar Cruise, with the Friday evening dedicated to Arturo Fuente 👏.
Rather than rushing home afterwards, I stayed overnight at the nearby Harte & Garter Hotel, making the most of a relaxed cigar weekend in Windsor and giving me the chance to spend more time to visit the cigar shop and lounge.
Since my last visit, The Cigar Emporium has undergone a complete refurbishment. An updated walk-in humidor and a cigar sampling lounge that is super inviting to relax, light up and sample a cigar.
Background
For those unfamiliar with Havana House, the business has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent premium cigar and tobacco retailers under the ownership of CEO Paresh Patel.
Since taking over the business around 1999/2000, Paresh has expanded Havana House from a single shop in Windsor into a network of ten stores across England and Wales. Today you’ll find Havana House in:
- Windsor Royal Station (Flagship Store)
- The Cigar Emporium, Windsor
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Hove
- Oxford
- Reading
- Southampton
- Stratford-upon-Avon
I also heard rumours that a new store is opening soon, but the exact location hasn’t come to light as yet! 👀 Their online offering is pretty top notch too, especially with the discounts they offer.
My experience
Friday
The annual Havana House Cigar Cruise was the perfect excuse for another trip to Windsor.
It was my third time aboard The Georgian, and this year’s weather couldn’t have been better 😎.
The evening was spent celebrating Arturo Fuente cigars while cruising along the Thames, making for another memorable Havana House event.
If you’re curious about what the cruise is like, you can also read my report from my first cigar cruise a couple of years ago.
Rather than rushing home afterwards, I stayed overnight to make the most of the weekend.
Saturday
After checking out of my hotel on Saturday morning, I treated myself to a cheeky Full English breakfast at The King and Castle, the Wetherspoons opposite Windsor Castle. From there, there was only one place to go – The Cigar Emporium.
Many visitors don’t realise that Havana House actually operates two stores in Windsor. The original shop is located inside Windsor Royal Station, while The Cigar Emporium sits just a few minutes’ walk away on Thames Street and is home to the company’s impressive sampling lounge. Both stores are only a short stroll from Windsor Castle, making them an ideal stop whether you’re visiting Windsor for the day or spending the weekend exploring the town.
Walking through the entrance, you’ll find a fantastic selection of cigar accessories, premium spirits and whiskies before reaching the recently refurbished humidor.
Well presented, it’s stocked with an extensive range of Cuban cigars, New World cigars and, of course, the Havana House Cortesano house blend.
I couldn’t leave without picking up two Cortasano. I’ve reviewed this cigar before and it remains one of the best-value house blend cigars available in the UK. At under £20 each, the two came to just £37 – a complete no-brainer.
With my purchases made, it was time to sample in the newly refurbished sampling lounge. With seating for around fifteen people, deep navy-blue walls, subtle lighting and comfortable leather armchairs, it provides a calm, welcoming atmosphere that’s a world away from the busy streets outside.
The lounge also offers complimentary water, coffee and soft drinks, which is a really nice touch and helps make you feel at home. During my visit, several fans were running to keep everyone cool.
During the warmer months, the outdoor seating area at the rear of the shop offers another excellent option. You can grab a coffee from a nearby café, pair it with your favourite cigar and enjoy one of the most relaxing spots in Windsor.
Interested in visiting?
If you’re travelling from London, getting there couldn’t be easier. Simply take the Elizabeth Line to Slough before changing for the short train to Windsor & Eton Central. In under an hour, you can swap the bustle of London for one of Britain’s most historic towns — and a super ace cigar shop and sampling lounge.
Havana House: The Cigar Emporium
44 Thames Street
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 1PR
Havana House Windsor
52 Windsor Royal Station
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 1PJ
More details here: havanahouse.co.uk
If you interested in great cigar events, grab your ticket for next month’s The Summertime Smoke: thecigarfestival.co.uk
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