The Emory Cigar Merchants, London
For cigar smokers, London is synonymous with one of the world’s most revered cigar smokers, Sir Winston Churchill. The charismatic, cigar-loving figure rose to global prominence during World War II through his courageous leadership, largely conducted from an underground bunker. Those below-the-surface headquarters, known as the Churchill War Rooms, are open to the public today. But just a mile away, in the ritzy neighborhood of Belgravia, a new spot opened its doors to the public in 2024, and it offers the proper way to honor the symbolic leader. The Emory Cigar Merchants, located on the rooftop of a five-star hotel, is a high-end cigar bar and one of the newest additions to London’s classy cigar scene.
The cigar bar is located in The Emory, a lavish, modernist hotel made up entirely of suites. The hotel was designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of the British architectural firm RSHP. It’s part of the Maybourne portfolio, which also owns the ultra-luxurious Claridge’s in London and The Maybourne Beverly Hills, among others. The Emory is in a central location that’s advantageous for any visitors, but especially those who've never visited Britain’s capital. Guests are situated just below London’s massive Hyde Park and are within walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and many of the city’s biggest tourist attractions.
Consider taking in the sights first, as a beginning in the luxurious cigar bar may fail to see an ending. The Emory Cigar Merchants is located on the tenth floor, offering panoramic views of Hyde Park and London’s skyline as you puff. The interior of the cigar bar befits one located in a five-star hotel, with a striking, elegant look created by acclaimed designer Rémi Tessier. The burl wood centerpiece and tables are supplemented by matching leather chairs, gold accents, a circular halo light fixture and plenty of natural light. The ambiance is subdued yet opulent in this intimate space.
Smoke filtration shouldn’t be much of an issue, as The Emory has a state-of-the-art, concealed Airkel extraction system. The establishment says it’s just one of only three such systems in all of London, which is helpful considering The Emory Rooftop Bar sits just next door. This non-smoking portion is still of benefit, however, as it supplies drinks and spirits for cigar bar patrons. Guests at The Emory Cigar Merchants can enjoy the selection from the neighboring bar, including alluring cocktails from Argentinian bartender Renato 'Tato' Giovannoni and plenty of high-end spirits to satisfy any desired pairing.
While the beverages are certainly a nice touch, the cigars are the true reason to visit. The collection includes nearly 200 different smokes, most of which are available to buy by the stick and the box, barring some of the rarer pieces. In this regard, The Emory Cigar Merchants functions as both cigar bar and retailer, in some respects. For example, if a customer requests a rare box of cigars not currently in stock, Blue Curran, the curator of the cigar collection, will reach out to his network of traders and collectors to try and procure the requested sticks. Curran’s network is likely vast, as he’s earned the title “Master of Havana Cigars," which is a distinction reserved for a select group who’ve gone through a certification program led by Hunters and Frankau, the importer of Cuban cigars into the United Kingdom.
Unsurprisingly, the collection of cigars is predominantly Cuban, with just a small selection of New World smokes available. Most Cuban brands are in-stock at the cigar bar, from big names like Cohiba, Partagás and Montecristo, to more niche brands such as El Rey del Mundo and Sancho Panza. The Emory Cigar Merchants also has tons of rare finds on-hand, from Pre-Castro cigars, Regional Editions, Gran Reservas and special releases. Some of the highlights include limited-edition Millennium Reserve Jars from 1999 of Cohiba Pirámides, Cuaba Distinguidos and Montecristo Robustos, and special release humidors like the San Cristóbal 1519 and the Romeo y Julieta Romeos.
Despite the exclusivity the cigar collection embodies, the cigar bar is fully open to the public, with no membership packages currently in place. Guests must purchase a cigar on-site to smoke, no outside cigars are allowed. Food is also not available, which, along with the purchasing requirements, is in-line with local regulations.
The Emory Cigar Merchants
The Emory
Old Barrack Yard, London SW1X 7NP
+44 (0)20 7862 5200
https://www.the-emory.co.uk/restaurants-bars/the-emory-cigar-merchants/
Monday to Saturday: 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. (last seating 11:30 p.m.)
Sunday: 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. (last seating 10:30 p.m.)
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