St James's: where London learned to smoke a cigar
Two of London's great cigar houses stand a few doors apart on one street. A short guide to the district and where to light up.
James J. Fox
At 19 St James's Street, James J. Fox has sold cigars since 1787. Its walk-in humidor is one of the largest in London, and there is a smoking room upstairs.
Davidoff of London
A few doors away at number 35, the Davidoff shop opened in 1980 and is known for limited editions and knowledgeable staff.
Where to smoke
Indoor smoking is banned in most enclosed public places in England, which is why the city's best cigar experiences are terraces. Boisdale of Belgravia has a purpose-built cigar terrace, and The Wellesley's heated terrace near Hyde Park Corner is open all year.
A perfect evening
Choose your cigar at James J. Fox in the late afternoon, walk to Belgravia for dinner at Boisdale, and finish on the terrace with a whisky.