Welcome to civilisation - Paul Bielby

JJ Fox and Robert Lewis is the oldest cigar shop in London. Rob Allanson chats to shop manager Paul Bielby about its past, present and future

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair once said he was not going to use sound bites during an important speech and promptly came out with “I feel the hand of history on my shoulder…” Cheesy, yes.

But for Paul Beilby, manger at JJ Fox and Robert Lewis shop, never a truer word was spoken.

Not only is the shop the oldest established cigar merchants in London, it first opened for business in London as Robert Lewis in 1787, originally at 14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, but its list of previous and current clients reads like a who’s who list.

Situated in the heart of London’s fabulous St James’s Street, it has long been said that the shop is the refined and beating heart of the capital’s smoking world – as well as the epicentre for all things gentlemanly.

In about 1834, the tobacco firm opened for business in St James's Street, transferring its entire business there a few decades later.

St James’s Street itself came into existence shortly after Henry VIII acquired St James’s Hospital, where he was to build St James’s Palace.

It began to be built up at the beginning of the 17th century and soon became celebrated for its coffee and chocolate houses and clubs.

Famous residents down the centuries include Sir Christopher Wren and Lord Byron; and everybody who is anybody has shopped here.

It is the home of eight retailers within 100 paces of each other, who have a combined total of more than 1,700 years of traditional service.

The 36 year old Yorkshireman said in his 10 years worki.....

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 Rob Allanson

Section : Cigar Interviews

Page number : 10

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 9 on 18/09/2006.

This article is 70 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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	Welcome to civilisation - Paul Bielby JJ Fox and Robert Lewis is the oldest cigar shop in London. Rob Allanson chats to shop manager Paul Bielby about its past, present and future The British Prime Minister Tony Blair once said he was not going to use sound bites during an important speech and promptly came out with “I feel the hand of history on my shoulder…” Cheesy, yes. But for Paul Beilby, manger at JJ Fox and Robert Lewis shop, never a truer word was spoken. Not only is the shop the oldest established cigar merchants in London, it first opened for business in London as Robert Lewis in 1787, originally at 14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, but its list of previous and current clients reads like a who’s who list. Situated in the heart of London’s fabulous St James’s Street, it has long been said that the shop is the refined and beating heart of the capital’s smoking world – as well as the epicentre for all things gentlemanly. In about 1834, the tobacco firm opened for business in St James's Street, transferring its entire business there a few decades later. St James’s Street itself came into existence shortly after Henry VIII acquired St James’s Hospital, where he was to build St James’s Palace. It began to be built up at the beginning of the 17th century and soon became celebrated for its coffee and chocolate houses and clubs. Famous residents down the centuries include Sir Christopher Wren and Lord Byron; and everybody who is anybody has shopped here. It is the home of eight retailers within 100 paces of each other, who have a combined total of more than 1,700 years of traditional service. The 36 year old Yorkshireman said in his 10 years worki..... 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 Rob Allanson Section : Cigar Interviews Page number : 10 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 9 on 18/09/2006. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 70 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 © 1999-2012. 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.