City’s cigar terraces are heating up
GOING OUT
WITH the inconsistencies of a British summer it’s very important for cigar aficionados to be able to take shelter in high style while enjoying Cuba’s finest. The newest addition to London’s most lauded and exclusive cigar terraces offers just that and is at one of London’s most famous nightspots, Tramp on Jermyn Street. Built in celebration of the club’s fortieth birthday, the Smoking Terrace has been constructed for the princely sum of £1.8 million and employs a sexy black and gold design with gilded mirrors, plush seating, retractable roof and a state of the art heating system that warms the body directly without pumping energy into the air. There’s a swish new bar upstairs too as part of the expansion.
The other new terrace is at Hef’s latest haven, the recently opened Playboy Club in Mayfair. Here the semi-enclosed balcony space features a glossy airbrushed ceiling; sleek, comfortable armchairs and a stylish fireplace. During special events, you can order a bespoke cigar at Playboy Club to be hand-rolled by a torcedore bunny.
For old school exclusivity, Mark’s Club has also recently refurbished its first floor smoking terrace with awnings and heating system so that its members can even enjoy a postprandial cigar in inclement weather. Another beautifully traditional choice would be private casino Aspinall’s – its leafy roof terrace with gaming tables will satisfy your gambler’s needs. For a heady mix of the contemporary and genteel, Portman Square’s Home House semi-enclosed smoking room is the perfect choice for well-heeled smokers and leads into a wonderfully secluded garden.
For a boisterous clubbing experience, the renowned celeb hot spot Maddox also has a foliage-filled courtyard hidden at the back of the club. Other establishments with longstanding smoking pedigrees include Boisdale of Belgravia and Canary Wharf, as well as the Lanesborough, which has become synonymous with cigars in London. Number 10 Manchester Street and Dukes Cigar and Cognac Garden are also destinations for those in the know. The Langham’s pop-up Terrace Garden is easy on the eye and there’s even a nice courtyard and great humidor at Alfred Dunhill’s Bourdon House just off Berkeley Square. Finally, one of the most hush hush of secret members clubs: the Beauchamp Club’s private terrace is a must for the discerning Knightsbridge smoker. Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s leading providers of VIP entertainment, including film premieres, fashion shows, launch parties and members club access. www.innerplace.co.uk