UK Cigar Scene Magazine January Issue 13 | Página 29

The Soho Cigar Club At the Hunters & Frankau 225th Anniversary Party last year, Jemma Freeman, Hunters Managing Director, spoke about the history of her company and of cigars in the UK. She described how, in the early 19th century, cigar divans were important in bringing smokers together; the right environment and the right people. The modern manifestation of those divans is almost certainly the cigar club. Recently across London, a number of clubs have launched, including the impressive Black Wolf Cigar Club. In a time of changing legislation, these clubs can be a guiding light for those new to cigars; introducing new brands and intriguing pairings. The Soho Cigar Club is somewhat different and not necessarily targeted at newcomers, although they will find a welcoming atmosphere. The philosophy is one where members and attendees will not be subject to lengthy speeches or a didactic approach from an expert. Instead, by sitting together and allowing information to permeate naturally in conversation, a broader understanding ensues. It has been set up as a not-for-profit venture and all income goes towards providing the best tasting experience at a reasonable price. Kevin Thomas, a former IT specialist and jazz musician, who acts as club treasurer, has said: “it’s a coming together of like-minded people for fellowship and good cigars”. Thomas, who has smoked cigars for many years and played saxophone on Saturday afternoons at Robert Lewis in the early 1990s, went on to say: “there is nothing else in London like this”. As with many great things in life, the idea was borne over a few good whiskies and a cigar. Malcolm Mullin, owner of the Soho Whisky Club (SWC), found himself in Havana, in February 2015, as winner of The Silver Chaveta- which Hunter and Frankau award to an outstanding retailer each year. It was there that he spoke with Stephan von Schilling, a London-based cigar lover, about the idea of a cigar club; a club that could operate independently of the already established tastings at SWC. After almost a year of refining the idea and getting the right partners on board, the club has opened to a limited number of ‘founder’ members. They pay a reduced rate but are expected to commit to the club and attend as many (reasonably-priced) London tastings as possible. Normally, membership is by invitation only. However, UK Cigar Scene has secured a small number for those who have missed out. Readers who feel they should have received this invitation are invited to email [email protected] quoting ‘UK Cigar Scene’ in the subject line and including a short paragraph or two on why they would like to join the club in the body of the text. By London Cigar Spy Editor’s note. I am sure that this will be another