Leeds leads the way

In the latest of our city profiles Anwer Bati reports on the thriving northern English city of Leeds, which has shaken off its industrial past and is now an affluent financial centre

Leeds is booming. It is one of Britain’s most important financial and business centres. It has also become chic: Harvey Nichols, after all, opened their first store outside London in the city in 1996. And that combination of bustling business and blooming fashion is good for cigars sales.

Harvey Nicks itself does its bit by selling an extensive selection of cigars in the futuristically designed and dramatically lit Fourth Floor Café and Bar, where both men and footsore fashionistas can relax with their cigars on the comfortable red leather seats – guided by the menu which offers both tasting notes and matching drinks.

But the cigar tradition in the area goes back much further. The tobacconist James Barber in nearby Otley was founded in 1867 by the great grandfather of the current James Barber, who has been in the business for 25 years. The shop’s most famous customer is Sir Jimmy Savile – who buys his Bolivars there.

In 1992, Barber built the first walk-in humidor in Yorkshire and, at the time, only the second one sited outside London.

“We had to knock that down in 1998 as a result of the cigar boom and build a bigger one,” he says.

“Now our humidor takes up 25 per cent of the shop. We’ve also got a second building at the back, where we keep accessories, and we have added another walk-in humidor to meet demand.”

The room was originally opened as a smoking lounge, where customers could sit and smoke.

“It was a nice idea, but it didn’t work, because I couldn’t get on an.....

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 Anwer Bati

Section : City Watch

Page number : 8

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004.

This article is 54 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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	Leeds leads the way In the latest of our city profiles Anwer Bati reports on the thriving northern English city of Leeds, which has shaken off its industrial past and is now an affluent financial centre Leeds is booming. It is one of Britain’s most important financial and business centres. It has also become chic: Harvey Nichols, after all, opened their first store outside London in the city in 1996. And that combination of bustling business and blooming fashion is good for cigars sales. Harvey Nicks itself does its bit by selling an extensive selection of cigars in the futuristically designed and dramatically lit Fourth Floor Café and Bar, where both men and footsore fashionistas can relax with their cigars on the comfortable red leather seats – guided by the menu which offers both tasting notes and matching drinks. But the cigar tradition in the area goes back much further. The tobacconist James Barber in nearby Otley was founded in 1867 by the great grandfather of the current James Barber, who has been in the business for 25 years. The shop’s most famous customer is Sir Jimmy Savile – who buys his Bolivars there. In 1992, Barber built the first walk-in humidor in Yorkshire and, at the time, only the second one sited outside London. “We had to knock that down in 1998 as a result of the cigar boom and build a bigger one,” he says. “Now our humidor takes up 25 per cent of the shop. We’ve also got a second building at the back, where we keep accessories, and we have added another walk-in humidor to meet demand.” The room was originally opened as a smoking lounge, where customers could sit and smoke. “It was a nice idea, but it didn’t work, because I couldn’t get on an..... 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 Anwer Bati Section : City Watch Page number : 8 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 54 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 © 1999-2009. 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.