what's the problem with cigars in UK??

[pedro_han]

Well..let's not compare it with Beijing where I come from, if I had smoked one on the streets, I'm sure people would look at me like aliens.

But..when I compare UK with France and Spain, I felt cigar smoking always have got something to do with classes in UK. Whereas it's different in France and Spain.

Came to this country in early 2008, and for a first time I smoked a Jose Piedra on the street with a friend near where I live, and a lady passing by said "boy that really suits you'. well I've quite embarrased and never smoked a cigar outside ever again.

then about 2 months later, I visited Spain, and surprisingly, but expectedly, I could see at least a man smoking a cigar on every street in Andorra, Barcelona, Valencia & Seville, and nobody was looking strangly at me when I lit up one.

So...what is this class thing in UK about cigars??

[pedro_han]

by the way, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Brussels, Paris & Toulouse were all OK with cigars, for that I mean at least nobody would stare at you, and looking funny at you. Im sure it's even better in places like Germany and Switzerland, never been there though

[crslaytor]

I think the cigar smokers are not that much, or even if they are huge number, they just don't smoke outdoors that much ? Hm hm ?
I was smoking the other day arround Kings Cross (not the best area I know), but yeah I've noticed some strange looks at me! (not like I careee)

[pedro_han]

I think the cigar smokers are not that much, or even if they are huge number, they just don't smoke outdoors that much ? Hm hm ?
I was smoking the other day arround Kings Cross (not the best area I know), but yeah I've noticed some strange looks at me! (not like I careee)

haha good that you dont, because I do most of the times.
I live quite near kings cross, let me know next time you're around haha

[Pandyboy]

I think people assume that you are a bit eccentric if you smoke cigars in public or on the streets, at least that is what Mrs Pandyboy says.

I think that British people are a funny bunch and don't like things that do not conform to the norm!

I wish UK was a bit more like the continent for bars etc.

Pandyboy

[crslaytor]

Well, if there were no smoking bans I would really enjoy it on my desk, but I have no other choice..

(Officially I am not supposed to smoke at home either! )

[crslaytor]

I live quite near kings cross, let me know next time you're around haha

I am working just a minute from the station :-) do you The Big Chill house? I am going on their balcony to enjoy nice smoke and dark rum every week now as the weather is .. lets say fair

[larrysputnik]

Just as long as we stereotype the entire population of the United Kingdom. I don't want there to be any confusion in this thread and have people read this and think that some citizens of the UK might condone smoking outdoors. That narrow-minded woman who offended you, and through the transitive property associated me, is indeed a reflection of everyone in the UK.

[crslaytor]

larrysputnik

[eggopp]

I mostly go to Siuthern Germany for my holidays in the summer, the weather is always smashing there. The locals are always friendly and last year when i was there, we sat in a food and drink fest and there was the scent of cigars coming from all directions.. and yep, you got it, i was more than happy to join the many beer swilling, over weight germans with a nice cigar.

As for in the UK.. I walked to the post office yesterday from my office its from one end of Grantham to the other, so you can smoke a good 30 min smoke there and back. The stares are plentiful, but im not bothered, amazes me tho as its always youngsters who mill on the corners with there baseball caps that always comment.. Things like.. Hey look hes got a cigar.. like its something from the movies only, they look on in facination.. AAhhh the chavs of today with no brains, ya gotta love em.

[Robusto]

Dress as a cowboy on UK streets. Ride a big horse.
The cigar is then part of the deal.

Britain can be very conservative about cigars, I think. I've never had a second look in Germany or France when out and about with a big one.

It is our duty to carry on toking fat ones out there and think balls to the lot of them.

[Lee Nub]

I gave a chav a bloody good hiding for breaking into my garden shed, then celebrated on the street with a cigar, does that count lol

[Cigar-aficionado]

I run a new fishing tackle stand at local car boot sales every weekend through the season and I always smoke cigars while I work, usually get through 3 or 4 in a good day. I do get a few odd looks but most people seem to like the smell and tell me they always know where my stand is by just following the cigar smoke

[tippexx]

[QUOTE=Robusto;81978]

Britain can be very conservative about cigars, I think. I've never had a second look in Germany or France when out and about with a big one.

I think a lot of it is a consequence of TIME and WEATHER. In the UK a lunch hour is an hour, and a lot of people these days don't even take that. In France it's two hours, plenty of time for a meal and a leisurely smoke after.

Al Fresco seating is also relatively new in the UK, but even then is really only enjoyable in the warmer months. Or, maybe would be if it wasn't for the habit of too many cafe owners to pack the seating so close that it's difficult to light up without the fear of creating an annoyance with the smoke or burning someone. Last year I was asked to leave a Cafe in Grays in Essex because the smell of my Monte Petite was annoying a bunch of female Boots employees, two of whom were smoking cigarettes. (The cafe owner was very uncomfortable and apologetic about it, but they were regular customers whereas I was just a passer-through).

[daverave999]

I think due to price, it is seen as a somewhat decadent past-time in the UK. Traditionally enjoyed by the upper classes too. When I was in Barcelona, a restaurant owner commented that I looked like a local with my Boli RC after dinner.