London’s calling

Each issue we’ll look at a major city’s best cigar bars. In this issue Anwer Bati looks at a selection of London’s finest hotels

Business in cigar bars, it seems, is booming. Just take a quick snapshot from some of the more famous ones. Yvonne Collins of Claridge’s Fumoir: “It gets very busy. Some nights we have to turn people away, because it’s too full.” But it isn’t enough just having a bar in which you sell cigars. As so often in the catering business, it’s the quality of the whole experience that counts.

Take service, for instance – and the training to provide it.

“All our staff are trained to cut and light cigars – and we always offer to cut and
light,” says Robert Scholes of the Chukka Bar at the Langham, whilst conceding that most customers prefer to light their own. Staff at the most successful bars are also trained to advise less experienced smokers on what to smoke, and how long it will take.

“We all know how big each cigar is, how strong it is and how spicy it is. And we can suggest what to drink with each cigar,” says Scholes. “There are always going to be people who know more than you, but it’s very important to know your stock.”

Or, as Salvatore Calabrese puts it, “if you sell anything, you have to have knowledge about it. To be a great bar tender, it’s not enough to be a great host: you also have to know all about the different drinks. The same applies to cigars.” Presentation is another key element not only in providing a good experience for the customer, but also in helping sales. Several leading hotels have invested in impressive, strategically placed humidors.

At the Lanesborou.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Damian Riley-Smith

Section : City Watch

Page number : 8

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 1 on 01/06/2004.

This article is 58 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	London’s calling Each issue we’ll look at a major city’s best cigar bars. In this issue Anwer Bati looks at a selection of London’s finest hotels Business in cigar bars, it seems, is booming. Just take a quick snapshot from some of the more famous ones. Yvonne Collins of Claridge’s Fumoir: “It gets very busy. Some nights we have to turn people away, because it’s too full.” But it isn’t enough just having a bar in which you sell cigars. As so often in the catering business, it’s the quality of the whole experience that counts. Take service, for instance – and the training to provide it. “All our staff are trained to cut and light cigars – and we always offer to cut and light,” says Robert Scholes of the Chukka Bar at the Langham, whilst conceding that most customers prefer to light their own. Staff at the most successful bars are also trained to advise less experienced smokers on what to smoke, and how long it will take. “We all know how big each cigar is, how strong it is and how spicy it is. And we can suggest what to drink with each cigar,” says Scholes. “There are always going to be people who know more than you, but it’s very important to know your stock.” Or, as Salvatore Calabrese puts it, “if you sell anything, you have to have knowledge about it. To be a great bar tender, it’s not enough to be a great host: you also have to know all about the different drinks. The same applies to cigars.” Presentation is another key element not only in providing a good experience for the customer, but also in helping sales. Several leading hotels have invested in impressive, strategically placed humidors. At the Lanesborou..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Damian Riley-Smith Section : City Watch Page number : 8 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 1 on 01/06/2004. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 58 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2008. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.