Where am I smoking today?

[Niela]

Just smoking a nice Ramon Allones. So far so good. However, I decided to try out the smoking lounge at JJ Fox for the first time.

There is 5 of us in a small room with 3 fans and no fresh air. I can't even smell my cigar because the whole place smells like old smoke and ashtrays.

First and last time for me. A waste of a nice cigar... Would have expected more... [emoji40]

[PeeJay]

Just smoking a nice Ramon Allones. So far so good. However, I decided to try out the smoking lounge at JJ Fox for the first time.

There is 5 of us in a small room with 3 fans and no fresh air. I can't even smell my cigar because the whole place smells like old smoke and ashtrays.

First and last time for me. A waste of a nice cigar... Would have expected more... [emoji40]

Out the door, turn left, 100m down the street to Dunhills at 1A where UKCF member Robert747 is the manager. Not such a big range but a whole lot better ambiance, a warm welcome and a Nespresso machine.

[Niela]

Excellent, will try that. Are you sure it is left when you get out? I thought there's a Dunhill when you go right on a corner.

[PeeJay]

Excellent, will try that. Are you sure it is left when you get out? I thought there's a Dunhill when you go right on a corner.

Definitely left, on the corner at the bottom of the road. Right takes you to Davidoff.

[Niela]

Ah, right... Mixed them up... Thanks... :-)

[PeeJay]

Ah, right... Mixed them up... Thanks... :-)

Don't forget to introduce yourself

[Niela]

I have to say I am still shocked at the UK prices of cigars as well. I payed ?18 for a cigar that sells for ?6 in most of the EU. Is it really just taxation that drives prices up here?

[PeeJay]

I have to say I am still shocked at the UK prices of cigars as well. I payed ?18 for a cigar that sells for ?6 in most of the EU. Is it really just taxation that drives prices up here?

Shops in the UK also charge a premium for aging unlike shops in the EU

[nicwing]

Hi Niela
Cigars double in price in the UK the minute they leave bond due to taxation. You also happen to be smoking in the area with the highest ground rent in the country so the cigars are likely to be a little pricey.

Shame you didn't like JJ Fox. I've smoked one of my most memorable cigars ever there in the past (a 18 year old HDM Epicure No 1 from a 50 cabinet) but it does get smokey.

Go back in 6 months and you should see a big change, they have just got everything sorted to make some changes I gather!

[MattKernow]

JJ's is lovely in the summer when the big windows get opened, so more fresh air and much less smokey.

Nic, glad to hear they are finally getting the sampling facilities updated, how long have they been planning that now?

MK

[nicwing]

Hi Matt, it's been years, I first saw plans in the sampling room about three years ago. However, old buildings, distant landlords etc etc these things take time. However they have the patience and it's going to be a doozie when it's done.

[sheppsea]

I would certainly give it another go, I really enjoy JJs, although I must admit it is perhaps not the most well ventilated room!

[MarkLondon]

I would certainly give it another go, I really enjoy JJs, although I must admit it is perhaps not the most well ventilated room!

I'm with Sean...I'd give it another go, maybe when it's less cold outside so the window may be open. JJ's is a magical place for me. I love the whole experience of choosing a cigar to smoke to talking to the staff to sampling it upstairs and have always found interesting people to converse with while smoking. This is all on top of the history of the place.

[Johnny Thunder]

I can't wait to visit JJ's.
I will do it sooner rather than later.

[MarkLondon]

I can't wait to visit JJ's. I will do it sooner rather than later.

when you do Johnny, make sure you mention on here before hand as I'm sure someone will join you!