# Why London is the best city in the world for cigar smokers

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/why-london-is-the-best-city-in-the-world-for-cigar-smokers/
- Published: 2026-11-10T16:52:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T18:09:10+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/london-best-city-world-cigar-smokers/
- Topics: Business

## Key points

- London’s cigar trade dates back more than two centuries.
- Hand-rolled cigars are a small share by volume, but nearly a third of market value.
- Specialist cigar shops can offer indoor tasting rooms under a legal exception.

## Summary

London’s long history in the cigar trade, deep stocks of hand-rolled cigars and specialist lounges make it a leading city for cigar smokers. The article argues that this heritage has endured despite restrictions on smoking, with dedicated cigar shops able to offer indoor tasting rooms under a specific legal exception.

Cigar trading in London dates back to 1814, while its first cigar manufacturer opened in 1870; historic retailers include Robert Lewis, founded in 1787, and names such as Dunhill and Davidoff. Hand-rolled cigars account for about 4 per cent of the global market by volume but nearly a third of its value. A typical Robusto is around five inches long, and carefully stored cigars can last for decades.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.