US music producer DJ Khaled has visited London, sharing footage of himself enjoying rare cigars with cigar specialist Manu Harit at The Tasting Room at The Peninsula London.
Khaled arrived in the capital last night ahead of a busy weekend that includes attending Jay-Z’s concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The producer, whose real name is Khaled Mohamed Khaled, has been a prominent figure in hip-hop for more than two decades and is also known for his interest in luxury watches, cars, food and cigars.
In videos shared after his arrival, Khaled told followers that it was his first visit to London, repeatedly declaring: “London, I’m here.”
A cigar welcome
Khaled was met by Manu Harit, Master of Cigars at The Peninsula London and the man behind its dedicated cigar experience.
The pair have been seen together previously discussing and smoking cigars, and Khaled said in his latest footage that Harit has been helping to curate his growing personal collection.
During the visit, Khaled was given a selection of rare and premium cigars and appeared particularly impressed by a Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edición Limitada – on the runaway straight after he landed.
The Cohiba 55 was created to mark the Cuban brand’s 55th anniversary. Habanos launched an initial “Premier” batch in 10,000 numbered luxury cases, each containing five cigars.
Khaled was also filmed examining a Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013.
The cigar was first presented at the 2019 Habanos Festival and was produced using tobacco from the 2013 harvest that had undergone five years of ageing. It was limited to 5,000 numbered boxes.
At one point in the footage, Khaled joked about handing over his credit card and taking whatever he wanted, before Harit showed him cigars that appeared to have been prepared for him in advance.
Inside The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room forms part of the cigar offering at The Peninsula London in Belgravia and is hosted by Harit.
Harit is the Master of Cigars and his team provide personalised recommendations covering cigars from Cuba as well as the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The space also hosts cigar masterclasses and pairing experiences.
The Tasting Room features dark-stained walnut panelling, leather-lined walls and a specialist extraction and air-purification system designed to prevent cigar smoke travelling into the adjoining restaurant and bar.
The adjoining humidor displays more than 2,000 cigars, while the hotel also houses a climate-controlled cigar vault containing 280 private lockers. There is also an outdoor roof terrace.
During Khaled’s visit, Harit described London as the “world capital of cigars”, while the producer enthusiastically examined the collection.
Khaled hinted that he and Manu have further plans together, telling followers: “We’ve got some special things planned.”
Khaled also picked up a Cohiba Siglo de Oro Year of the Rabbit, saying it was one of Justin Bieber’s favourite cigars.
In London for Jay-Z
Khaled’s visit comes as Jay-Z returns to London for two concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September.
The first show was originally announced in July, with the second date added later following demand. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium says the concerts are Jay-Z’s only UK stop of 2026 and form part of celebrations marking his 30-year career.
The milestone comes 30 years after the release of Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996.
In his videos, Khaled repeatedly referred to Jay-Z as his “brother” and said he had travelled to London to support him.
Footage shared by Khaled also appeared to show cigar boxes bearing Jay-Z’s name, suggesting that personalised cigars may have been prepared for the occasion, although no further details have been confirmed.
Khaled’s growing interest in cigars
For cigar fans, Khaled’s trip to The Peninsula offers another glimpse into what appears to be a growing interest in collecting rare and premium cigars.
It also highlights his developing relationship with Harit, who appears to be playing an increasingly important role in helping the producer build and curate his collection.
For Khaled’s first visit to London, there could hardly have been a more appropriate introduction to the capital’s cigar scene.
Visit The Tasting Room
For more information about The Tasting Room at The Peninsula read my review here or visit directly:
The Peninsula London
Address: 8/F, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ
Phone: 020 3959 2888
Website: peninsula.com/en/london
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