tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66074827198010884232024-03-14T11:22:15.049-07:00Sound Advice - Nic's BlogI've been studying the London Cigar Scene a good few years and my new App - The London Cigar Guide will help you find the best cigar stores and terraces in town.
This Blog contains odd bit's and pieces I have found in London and in the other cities where my Cities in Sound Audio Guides are located.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-3604685700922900692012-11-13T02:25:00.000-08:002012-11-13T02:35:39.542-08:00Iconic Churchill statue goes under the hammer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRElxt-jgllnOEJ9mauosUZdZtdNqFpwcFBApwYtww8veH7TQ1INXnaGoCdR1fLeFqWWpJhUGH_85iwx5Vguj4919e_rZ2ySkFqDAsM_N1C9ERxAy3mxO6U7UqJXe_K3Uje9Id4D8vwk/s1600/Churchill+crop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sir Winston Churchill Statue in Bond Street" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRElxt-jgllnOEJ9mauosUZdZtdNqFpwcFBApwYtww8veH7TQ1INXnaGoCdR1fLeFqWWpJhUGH_85iwx5Vguj4919e_rZ2ySkFqDAsM_N1C9ERxAy3mxO6U7UqJXe_K3Uje9Id4D8vwk/s320/Churchill+crop1.jpg" title="" width="305" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Iconic Churchill statue goes under the hammer</span></b><br />
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Do you every have one of those chilling moments when you see an item in the newspaper and it makes your heart stop for a moment? I'm being slightly over dramatic here but the picture of the famous Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt statue "Allies" with text that said the famous statue was up for auction made me stop in my tracks. <a href="http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20025/lot/41/">Bonhams</a> will auction the famous statue in London tomorrow and it is expected to reach a price around £200,000. <br />
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Four years ago when I set too to create the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London </a> I wanted a suitable starting point and after many hours researching Mayfair and St James's and planning a suitable route I decided that the junction of old and new Bond street and the iconic statue at this junction was the ideal meeting point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr4v3FAwo9Hr_4hKEcD6AkV5SXlOrcOwWDs9MZ-_LsNfuAJb9-WVoqnEjGVE60GO3s18vgJluaEqv45bljI1z21a_UwDx2Yu-FEer5wcKK-UxLtqaULnPVnTdIJTDEUB6-l0Hrb41oio/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr4v3FAwo9Hr_4hKEcD6AkV5SXlOrcOwWDs9MZ-_LsNfuAJb9-WVoqnEjGVE60GO3s18vgJluaEqv45bljI1z21a_UwDx2Yu-FEer5wcKK-UxLtqaULnPVnTdIJTDEUB6-l0Hrb41oio/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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More recently I have created the <a href="http://www.londoncigarguide.com/" target="_blank">London Cigar Guide App</a> which also includes the Cigar Walk and the statue is a key land mark for cigar lovers and tourists alike. It has a polished look due to the number of tourists who sit between the great men to have their pictures taken and is a major Bond Street land mark.<br />
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The statue in Bond street was unveiled on 2nd May 1995 by Her Royal Highness the Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon and it commemorates 50 Years of Peace after the Second World War. <br />
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The British nation loved Churchill and as a man who is reputed to have smoked up to 200,000 cigars in his 90 year life you will not be surprised to find that he features frequently in both the cigar walk and the London Cigar Guide App which features many of his London homes.</div>
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The thought that I was going to have to re-record the whole of the first stage of the walk and find a new meeting point was not good news. Only when I called the Auction house directly did I discover that the statue remains in place in Bond Street and the version that is up for auction is one of seven impressions taken. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3koywgRE6YFh6l5n2-61Zhfq6v6a1ZdwH4l-g3F7NDJ_5kJyuv9SjUKefpMHKty7uDrAvlKpd0KOxS5Pfs8b5PoVJxTuZSKrfmQwSwJ6LcsZfMxWzUxc0i59-7ETE4D7n2eTTJ_ZhcvY/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sir Winston Churchill Statue in Bond Street" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3koywgRE6YFh6l5n2-61Zhfq6v6a1ZdwH4l-g3F7NDJ_5kJyuv9SjUKefpMHKty7uDrAvlKpd0KOxS5Pfs8b5PoVJxTuZSKrfmQwSwJ6LcsZfMxWzUxc0i59-7ETE4D7n2eTTJ_ZhcvY/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Churchill was a great leader and is fondly remembered on both sides of the Atlantic. His energy and oratory kept Britain motivated through the war and his relationship with Roosevelt was very special and i for one am delighted that this great statue is staying where it belongs in Bond street.<br />
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Laurence Holofcener, the sculptor was born in Baltimore Maryland and has exhibited all over the US and UK. He is know for his statues of famous people including Lawrence Olivier at the Chichester Festival Theatre.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-90965796522848335972012-09-26T13:40:00.001-07:002012-09-26T13:41:50.030-07:00Auction of Sir Winston Churchill's suit<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people spend a lifetime collecting items relating to their heroes and there must be many people who collect items in the memory of the greatest Englishman of the 20th century.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On the 28th of September there will be an auction of the huge collection of Churchill </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">memorabilia collected by one man and remarkably the auction will include one of the Sir Winston's suits together with an amazing array of letters press cuttings and other items over a total of thirty lots.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Churchill collection to be auctioned includes one of the Prime
Minister's three-piece suits and hundreds of other items.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The suit is a 1950's grey pinstripe double breasted suit which comprises of a pair of trousers and two jackets each jacket is inscribed by Austin reed in the pocket with the name of sir Winston Churchill and a date.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The suit is also accompanied by a two page letter of provenance stating that the suit was given by Lady Churchill in the 1960s. There is also a letter from Austin Reed dated 1975 stating that in their opinion the labels in the suit are authentic; together with a book titled Churchill The Walk With Destiny published in 1959 in which Churchill is photographed wearing the suit whilst shaking hands with President Eisenhower at the White House on the 28th June 1954<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">The auction of 'Tom' Thomas's collection of Churchilliana will take place at Stride & Son, Southdown House, St John's Street, Chichester on Friday 28th September 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">For full details of all the lots </span><a href="http://www.stridesauctions.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Visit Stride & Son Auctions</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and search on Churchill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Details were published on Stride & Son's website on Friday 21st September and viewing dates are Monday 24th - Friday 28th September.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-78225424836399206902012-09-10T08:35:00.002-07:002012-09-10T08:38:16.401-07:00The advantages of a Hidden Humidor<br />
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I find that the best place to put your humidor is somewhere you
don’t visit too often as you forget about the bounty of cigars that it
contains.<br />
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As I visit a lot of the London Cigar stores and terraces
while researching updates for the London Cigar Guide I am often tempted to add
a few sticks to my stash. I have also been lucky enough to visit Havana a few
times in the last couple of years and as a cigar lover it is almost criminal
not to bring your minimum allowance of 50 cigars back.</div>
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The cigar stores in London tend to hold far more aged stock
than the Havana cigar stores. This is mainly because of the turnover of the stores due to the high volume of tourists and cigar lovers. You really have to know where to look and be
prepared to smoke the less popular sizes of cigars to find something
interesting and with some serious age on it in Havana.</div>
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In Havana many of the stores have their own rollers and each
roller has his or her own blend and specialty. With access to the finest Cuban leaf and usually with huge experience, a job as a roller in a Havana Cigar store is an extremely good job for a roller, the cigars they produce are exceptional. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZrP-mDTl_j1JBP8sjBLdA84xlACrM9ldixyr2BviP0ifK60nCWBsva3gSiyjddsNcMxnT_tNJuaxNL_13kMKMi5aBlEI8D-34TPtpzXZn7YdeQaEwg4Uy64BLi3QkaP7y_IytEbdXuo/s1600/IMG_7061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZrP-mDTl_j1JBP8sjBLdA84xlACrM9ldixyr2BviP0ifK60nCWBsva3gSiyjddsNcMxnT_tNJuaxNL_13kMKMi5aBlEI8D-34TPtpzXZn7YdeQaEwg4Uy64BLi3QkaP7y_IytEbdXuo/s320/IMG_7061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santos hard at work in Havana</td></tr>
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For me Santos has the blend
that suits my taste. It’s smooth and mild to medium and that suits my taste
perfectly.</div>
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On my last trip to Havana I popped in to see Santos on my
first day and ordered up 25 lanceros and they have been sitting in my humidor
ever since. I have a friend who gets a bundle or two every trip and has been
aging these cigars for years, smoking them with 4 or 5 years age. For me I had
totally forgotten about my Lanceros, the best way I think, so I was unhappy to
be reminded about them by a Facebook post and now they are calling me from my hidden
humidor.</div>
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I fear that an evening of ‘quality control’ smoking is beckoning me and once I have started work on my meager bundle of custom rolled lanceros I worry that I won't be able to stop my self finishing them off. The one advantage is that a lancero demands some time to smoke and it would be just plain wrong to leave one half smoked.</div>
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If you are heading for London and
you want to find London’s cigar stores and cigar terraces the <a href="http://www.londoncigarguide.com/">London Cigar Guide app</a> will help
you in your quest for quality Cuban cigars. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-69442821816488497202012-07-30T04:45:00.001-07:002012-09-10T08:39:12.574-07:00An Original Cigar Cutter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQDZ7g6qxd4glTZcD3YiuYwU5xA-35yMRHUj9VSP-_g_rBgSIonVo2IP-L5UrA5a5tWb-BG6YdUW664sxjJIXAp8Tlf7AdPvfTMSHoriUAOB7t4hnkcZgzShlECNIqpb_9Im79rruf-0/s1600/Guards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQDZ7g6qxd4glTZcD3YiuYwU5xA-35yMRHUj9VSP-_g_rBgSIonVo2IP-L5UrA5a5tWb-BG6YdUW664sxjJIXAp8Tlf7AdPvfTMSHoriUAOB7t4hnkcZgzShlECNIqpb_9Im79rruf-0/s400/Guards.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some people have the most stylish cigar cutters!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you are a cigar lover you will have your favourite cigar cutter. If you are like me it's one that you have had for ages and which you are terrified of losing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The London cigar stores are full of wonderful technology to ensure that you cut the cap from your cigar perfectly every time however, some people just have to go that little bit further.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My picture shows Edward Sahakian the owner of the Davidoff Cigar store in London with, o<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">n the
right of the picture Major James Fox on the left 2nd
Lieutenant Rupert Budge. Both are from the Grenadier Guards. Edward is a General in the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Royal Cigar Guards (Trinidad Battalion)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Store had helped Major Fox select some cigars for a mess dinner at the Officers Mess at St James's palace. It is a little known fact that when the smoking ban came into effect in the UK all royal palaces were excluded. This includes the 'Palace of Westminster' which means that MP's are free to smoke a cigar. Sir Winston Churchill would have been delighted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">St James's Palace and the Davidoff London cigar store are included in the Cuban Cigar walk which is part of the <a href="http://www.londoncigarguide.com/" target="_blank">London Cigar Guide App</a> the iPhone/iPad/iPod app which will guide you around the finest cigar stores and cigar terraces in London. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-london-cigar-guide/id531786603?mt=8" target="_blank">It is available from the App Store.</a></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-20071401548292025732012-07-27T05:56:00.000-07:002012-07-27T05:56:36.868-07:00A light goes out in Vinales, Pinar del Rio, Cuba<b id="internal-source-marker_0.34745617024600506" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes a light goes out on the other side of the world and you feel that the whole world just got a little bit darker. On the 21st of June in Vinales , Pinar del Rio province about 2 hours drive from La Habana a light went out.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vinales is a beautiful little village surrounded by many fields where hardworking tobacco farmers toil tending fields of domestic tobacco. The village is in a stunning valley which comes straight from central casting; think 'The Land Time Forgot' or 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. If it wasn't for the "little local difficulty" I am sure Hollywood would flock there.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe7r9nCuAhNsHsAkEA8srYYewOaaHUrOy08Dibz-TCBpXxSGa5vN9VrN7m1ZKEif_O0rEIMnzj9kGXiK9Q12yiOm_TqSv2Cdsd_Jy5eyK-He3on4SNPBmHYRx1pUPfzR5kEwsyrpiB00/s1600/IMG_4851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe7r9nCuAhNsHsAkEA8srYYewOaaHUrOy08Dibz-TCBpXxSGa5vN9VrN7m1ZKEif_O0rEIMnzj9kGXiK9Q12yiOm_TqSv2Cdsd_Jy5eyK-He3on4SNPBmHYRx1pUPfzR5kEwsyrpiB00/s400/IMG_4851.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn over the Vinales valley</td></tr>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the centre of town is Casa Dago with half an imposing portico, a hang over from a divorce where each party got half the premises. Out back the ever smiling proprietor would dispense drinks, manage food orders and pick up his guitar at the every possible opportunity to entertain the clientele with sad ballads or Cuban sing alongs all the while dispensing mojitos and happiness.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I probably only spent three or four evenings in this crazy Cuban back room bar but they're all memorable.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took my whole family there 18 months ago and Dago sensed my wife's concern at the cage rabbit by the door, disappeared. for two minutes and then called her over to see the ' dish of the day' sign he had rapidly run up. Just as quickly the rabbit was hidden away, joke over, move on.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp0MHaWXS-YVDKKVXB4G-F3kw1pURha3W7FWsHnwzeJ72o6Kt4_h0-srAxb8cGoWSfgT08-FEoe6SA0m78blyDM2Zo48BC4ovDyaMfYH41haj1cAIg5sCbmCfxuDmd00bWak_rfXVxWY/s1600/Dago+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp0MHaWXS-YVDKKVXB4G-F3kw1pURha3W7FWsHnwzeJ72o6Kt4_h0-srAxb8cGoWSfgT08-FEoe6SA0m78blyDM2Zo48BC4ovDyaMfYH41haj1cAIg5sCbmCfxuDmd00bWak_rfXVxWY/s400/Dago+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next day we spent on the beach with Dago in fine form and I have great memories of singing and dancing as the sun went down. Some locals wanted to know if he was Grandfather to my kids, they had grown so close to this happy, charming ray of sunshine even though neither spoke the others language. He noted my son's ability on the drums and early the next morning organised a young local drummer to come over to give him a lesson in Cuban rhythms. Life isn't easy in Cuba but you never saw that, a sight of the real world for my kids and one that left a lasting impression in the world of pap tv and Facebook.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dago was a young heart and a bright light. My kids have lost their 'Cuban Grandfather', who had "great hair!" and the world is a darker place for his passing. It will be hard to light up the nights (and days) in Vinales in the same way again. </span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc31STlFcDRCskmAdc5boH2-n01cEfLUgDRBJKKtRjuSjOgTEz9Wval4EQYL6ndImSgu08rSrLZIeZ4rbULRiSDSidxU6TX4jfNVvwevbbxST_ullAdalMyq6twIZ0lJ8n7KUwkFUYL0k/s1600/Dago+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc31STlFcDRCskmAdc5boH2-n01cEfLUgDRBJKKtRjuSjOgTEz9Wval4EQYL6ndImSgu08rSrLZIeZ4rbULRiSDSidxU6TX4jfNVvwevbbxST_ullAdalMyq6twIZ0lJ8n7KUwkFUYL0k/s640/Dago+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.34745617024600506" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Pictures 2 & 3 - Toby Brocklehurst, pinched from his Facebook page without permission but I’m sure he won’t mind)</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-27832103194636506552012-06-09T03:14:00.001-07:002012-06-09T03:17:16.244-07:00250 years since the English landed in CubaOn the 6th June 1762 an English expeditionary force started landing troops in Cuba. The force under the command of the Earl of Albermarle had left Portsmouth in March with the aim of capturing Havana which had been held by the Spanish for over 200 years and was their main 'hub' for transport and treasures from South America. Havana was considered to be impregnable.<br />
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The English force was made up of five warships and thirty transport ships carrying some 4,000 battle hardened troops. The first group of English forces set foot on Cuban soil on the 6th June at the mouth of the Cojimar river five miles to the east of Havana.<br />
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To read the full account of the English Campaign in Cuba and the history of the Island of Wonder from that day to the revolution I recommend you read Cuba a History by Hugh Thomas published by Penguin.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-72537729582075324442012-06-05T11:57:00.000-07:002012-06-05T11:57:17.537-07:00What do you do with your old cigar boxes?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco4MIHVPAY9Ei-MLuKCPTnRZdK-grX6mvPWzIQ0sRdocibmjX4S6YlXjhqx9piyENRuH2ySBgLk4DJfGZdrWRwy-CJfzRIshYDBy8Hj-jsGuoxWZCRT_TuMpGN073z3-OLpQ5LwOpF38/s1600/IMG_6549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco4MIHVPAY9Ei-MLuKCPTnRZdK-grX6mvPWzIQ0sRdocibmjX4S6YlXjhqx9piyENRuH2ySBgLk4DJfGZdrWRwy-CJfzRIshYDBy8Hj-jsGuoxWZCRT_TuMpGN073z3-OLpQ5LwOpF38/s320/IMG_6549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are a regular cigar smoker you will have the problem of what to do with your empty cigar boxes. Once you have filled your shed and offices with boxes what else can you do?<br />
Imagine if you were a cigar retailer selling huge quantities of cigars every year, then you would have a real challenge.<br />
Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London has teamed up with a woodworking craftsman to produce some amazing electric cigar box guitars. Edwards son Eddie loved the guitars so much he bought one and is currently learning to play. The guitar that Edward is holding is made from a classic old Partagas box. In the window of Edward's London store I have recently seen some fantastic guitars made from Cohiba Behike boxed. The black varnished boxes look amazing. Pop in and see his latest guitars. Visit Davidoff London on the <b><a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a>.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-57362825714235939302010-08-07T04:15:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:34:05.063-07:00Saturday 4th September - Jermyn Street London.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday the 4th September you need to be in Jermyn street London to share this view and so much more!!<br />
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The Art of being British is a new event happening on Jermyn Street on saturday 4 September, between 12pm and 5pm. Supported by the Crown Estate, the event is designed to raise the profile of the Jermyn Street and St James's area, by focussing on the quintessentially British heritage of this part of London and highlighting it as a specialist shopping destination for bespoke clothing, wine, food speciality produce.<br />
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For the day Jermyn Street will become a traffic-free zone, with a display of vintage cars and a catwalk fashion show.<br />
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It is going to be a fantastic event, with loads of the retailers and restaurants doing some great things. Participants include Fortnum & Mason, who will host a tea making demonstration and then a high tea, Church's, who will be having bespoke shoemaking demonstrations out on the street, Paxton & Whitfield who will have cheesemakers on the street in front of their store, and be selling take-away cheese platters.<br />
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The Cavendish Hotel will be offering a complimentary hog roast, with proceeds going to the St James's Church and Links of London will raffle off some of their sterling silver pieces, whilst serving homemade lemonade and tea cakes.<br />
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The Ritz will have one of their chefs out on the street, giving cooking demonstrations, and Franco's will offer a value added champagne tea.<br />
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Other participants include Wilton's, Green's, Favourbrook, St James' Hotel & Club, TM Lewin, Thomas Pink, Alfred Dunhill, and Hackett.<br />
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Davidoff's contribution to the day will be to have the latest roller in the store:<br />
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Hamlet Jaime Paredes is classified as a 9th grade roller – the highest achievable grade and is able to roll every vitola (size and shape) within the Habanos SA portfolio. His career a torcedor began nearly twenty years ago at the legendary Partagas Factory in the heart of Havana. During his time there he rose to the position of Second Chief of the Rolling Room before moving on to a high profile role in various Tobacconists in Havana.<br />
In 2000 he was selected to conduct promotional tours around the world for Habanos SA and since this time he has visited Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Japan, China, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Canada.<br />
When he is not travelling he is based in the world famous Romeo y Julieta factory in Havana.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-108801227140412312010-07-29T05:27:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:10:51.222-07:00Entire Churchill archive to be published on line.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The BBC is reporting today that the entire archive will be available on line in 2012.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The archive includes over 1,000,000 pages of documents and private letters from the archive of the greatest Englishman of the 20th Century.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See the full story at the BBC Web site</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10800829"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10800829</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-76063371233237342322010-06-21T04:23:00.000-07:002010-06-21T05:22:18.666-07:00Rare Meerschaum pipes in London antiques market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until recently I had not fully appreciated just how many people treasured and collected old pipes. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then I met Michael Clements who runs a regular stall on one of London's best known antique markets and he explained to me how old pipes are so prized by collectors and in particular the fantastic carved Meerschaum pipes made from the rare fine clay. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_7993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_7993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The highest quality Meerschaum (from the German - sea spray) is only found in sufficient quantities in two places in the world. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Craftsmen have long prized this fantastic material and carved the most incredible and ornate pipes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over many years, as the pipes are smoked they take on a beautiful colour as the tars from the tobacco infuse the fine clay. For this reason older pipes are much prized by collectors. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_7999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_7999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Michael explained to me that in many cases the pipes are waxed when they have been finished so that different parts of the pipe colour at different rates.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This can be clearly seen on this magnificent example where the hat and clothes of this figure have been waxed and the face has coloured as the pipe has been smoked to create the most wonderful contrast.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8002.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Many of the very finest examples of Meerschaum pipes come in their own beautiful shaped wooden boxes, covered in leather and lined with velvet to ensure these masterpieces have a long life.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The craftsmen who made these pipes produced many weird and wonderful creations and I like to think that if Keith Richards were ever in the market for a pipe he would beat a path to Michael's door for this particularly wonderful example. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8004crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/IMG_8004crop.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Michael is one of London's foremost pipe experts and his stall includes many old and collectable pipes. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">His stall is only open on a Saturday but if you would like more details on his regular stall please contact Nic Wing via this blog</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-73430746641108400642010-06-17T04:58:00.000-07:002011-02-09T00:52:48.169-08:00Opening of another wonderful new smoking spot in London -The Terrace Garden, at the Langham, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8022.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I was lucky to be invited to attend the opening evening of what could well be one of my favourite London summer haunts. </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The compact and surprisingly peaceful <a href="http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/restaurants/terrace_garden.htm">Terrace Garden at the Langham </a>in Portland place. The hotel is right opposite the BBC and a very short walk from Oxford Circus and the hustle and bustle of Regents street and Oxford street.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This great old Hotel is coming to the end of a major refurbishment and one of the final pieces in the jigsaw is the stunning flower lined terrace at basement level. As you head out to the terrace you will pass the compact Champagne bar and cocktail bar on the left.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Either inside or out this is going to be a great place to relax and take the weight off your feet after a prolonged shopping trip in the west end or after walking the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It will also become one of London's favourite spots for a fine Cuban cigar and to top it all it's the ideal destination for all major sporting events. Thinking about it I may well just move in!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Outside on the Terrace there are rattan tables and chairs which nestle under huge umbrellas to shade you from the sun or possible a light English summer shower. </span></span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8032.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The whole area is surrounded by greenery; shrubs, trees and planters giving it an almost colonial feel and a great place to take time over a cigar from the well stocked humidor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Inside and the Champagne bar is replete with an excellent selection of Laurent Perrier Champagne. It also serves a wide range of cocktails and that cooling and moreish staple of every British summer event; a jug of Pimms.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To top all of that it has large comfortable leather chesterfield chairs and settees surrounding a large plasma screen television which will show major sporting events while you make yourself comfortable.</span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8020.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t think of a more civilised spot to watch the World Cup and they serve a fantastic meze platter which will keep you happy until full time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Hotel and cigar team have done some research to bring you a recommended quick half time cigar and something more substantial to smoke with a glass champagne to celebrate that all important victory. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The sales team at Hunter & Frankau (the UK's importer of Cuban Cigars) have recently undertaken a rigorous few days of champagne and cigar tasting in order to provide us champagne and cigar lovers with the perfect match.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The results of their labours reveal that for a short break between sets or at half time the perfect cigar is a tubed H.Upmann Junior which you can just get through during half time if you put your mind to it. It combines beautifully with Laurent Perrier NV Champagne.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww24/Humbert_bucket/Langham%20Cigar%20Terrace/IMG_8028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Assuming your team or favourite achieves a famous victory and you are heading out to the terrace for a celebration and with a little more time the recommended combinations are a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Romeo y Julieta short Churchill with Laurent Perrier Rose champagne or a Cohiba Siglo VI with Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle champagne. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">To</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">celebrate the opening of The Terrace Garden</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> The Langham, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">are giving you the chance to win an evening on The Terrace but you will need to be quick as the competition closes on Friday 18th June. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-21153147342161212952010-03-17T08:36:00.000-07:002010-03-17T08:36:36.686-07:00Spring at last?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDl1s_yTuGvw90qbSYqs1XYZUufQXKufZtPSyMuq_IZ3xW7F8mMWYYbyAGLH8vuQM3yBqTDuhboXR7nw_3BpT0v4kpU2yimFeqOmJloK5fU4FkHX2KZ6GiV5cbhIANVaLmhMOvZVS3ecE/s1600-h/IMG_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDl1s_yTuGvw90qbSYqs1XYZUufQXKufZtPSyMuq_IZ3xW7F8mMWYYbyAGLH8vuQM3yBqTDuhboXR7nw_3BpT0v4kpU2yimFeqOmJloK5fU4FkHX2KZ6GiV5cbhIANVaLmhMOvZVS3ecE/s200/IMG_3272.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>I am delighted to report the first sighting of the first outside cigar of the Spring at the fantastic Bourdon House, the new home of Dunhill in London yesterday.<br />
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I sat beneath the brazier with my jacket off and no jumper and enjoyed the fantastic and almost forgotten experience of an out door cigar.<br />
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A Trinidad Reyes combined with a beautiful Cappuccino and as ever the most wonderful company.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrFzM20IkQYVXY47vMIFE89t0vuMWrN3HzFyMega9_H97nzs4ETj21XOAo6GRQV8E8FR1tftQmvOoJWaHNSmlVXuKeaZH-TZrH2Ruy9Up5KM0nMgE0DaryLK3mcJEYdsBh5tJUun8bEI/s1600-h/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrFzM20IkQYVXY47vMIFE89t0vuMWrN3HzFyMega9_H97nzs4ETj21XOAo6GRQV8E8FR1tftQmvOoJWaHNSmlVXuKeaZH-TZrH2Ruy9Up5KM0nMgE0DaryLK3mcJEYdsBh5tJUun8bEI/s200/IMG_3273.JPG" width="200" /></a>Cigar smokers are almost exclusively great company and yesterday was no exception. I chatted for half an hour about classic cars and cigars with a guy who I only met because I sat down at his table.<br />
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If you are in London and it's warm there is no more charming spot for an out door cigar.<br />
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Hold on a few days and the staff may even be out of their body warmers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-5621602626536364262010-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:002011-02-09T00:54:57.442-08:00Design your Own CigarI have just come across a wonderful 'backwater' of the La Casa del Habanos web site which allows you to design your own Cuban Cigar.<br />
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So here's mine, 220mm long, 40 ring gauge, straight with a traditional tail, colorado colour, medium strength and a classic band.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yHb_F9849-T5XiFB-o6lHZViZfhW1Hpm3OT3lQRGEuefJlJIqZfUaBNEcH5Osc_CuX_ImM0Xk7iA1YQ2d3jm6e95t9F2vU8k3wXIPubTuJ0PrUGhd28MK2vJhd7qRJ2fjPmRLKzVLWI/s1600-h/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yHb_F9849-T5XiFB-o6lHZViZfhW1Hpm3OT3lQRGEuefJlJIqZfUaBNEcH5Osc_CuX_ImM0Xk7iA1YQ2d3jm6e95t9F2vU8k3wXIPubTuJ0PrUGhd28MK2vJhd7qRJ2fjPmRLKzVLWI/s640/download.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
If you want to design your own cigar give it a try at <a href="http://www.lacasadelhabano.cu/site/content/view/32/63/lang,english/">http://www.lacasadelhabano.cu/site/content/view/32/63/lang,english/</a><br />
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Your suggestions will be gathered together and used as part of the process to decide on new cigars so who knows, in a few years you could be buying your design in one of the great cigar stores on <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">The Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-4977646287171862102009-11-23T04:48:00.000-08:002012-06-05T10:47:29.023-07:00G Smith & Sons - One of the oldest purveyors of cigars and snuff in London<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please note, unfortunately this store has now closed. It's a shame but like many London Cigar stores; it's history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">When we put the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> together we focussed on St James's and Mayfair but there are some really excellent stores in other areas of town, I feel a Cuban Cigar Walk 2 coming on!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you are searching London for some well kept cigars, a pipe of tobacco or a pinch of snuff you may well miss the unique old Tobacconist in Charring Cross road if you didn’t know it was there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I suspect there was a time in London when many of London’s gentlemen would take a pinch of snuff, but today I find it amazing that such a huge range is still available from a store in London.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">G. Smith & sons in the Charring Cross road is a totally unreconstructed snuff store and tobacconist which was established in 1869 and it looks as though it hasn’t has a major refit since that day, Fantastic!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The taking of Snuff is first documented from the second visit of Christopher Columbus to the Americas where he found the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Taino-Indians on Haiti taking this form of ground up tobacco in 1497.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was first brought to Europe in 1561 when Catherine de Medici is first reported to have taken it and she was followed by other famous French snuff takers including Napolean and King Louis XIII.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Snuff became more common through the 20<sup>th</sup> century until it was gradually replaced by cigarettes. However snuff taking did still remain popular in certain communities such as Ireland, Western Scotland, Iceland and Southern Germany and it also appears there must be a rump of users in London judging by the wide range available here.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">G Smith & sons blend their own snuffs and although I have taken it I can’t pretend to be an expert. Those who are recommend the George IV and Café Royale blends. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So if you want to try something that your great grandfather probably did then the knowledgeable young men at G Smith & sons will be able to help you select the blend to suit you and I will almost guarantee that you will be the only person in the pub gently teasing a small pile of snuff onto the back of your hand tonight! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayJk1yVmb2tpBR-awFNh2ZumqL3zX6HGMuFDxNXh70eOxCMXJyOO_FM_pVWEKcpzwpLLxtr1z0vGiuNuHlDnxfLgkTza09NB3mPNOojLqMRlseueflCwGHR6k8ThxXWmY-L8cQTItej0/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayJk1yVmb2tpBR-awFNh2ZumqL3zX6HGMuFDxNXh70eOxCMXJyOO_FM_pVWEKcpzwpLLxtr1z0vGiuNuHlDnxfLgkTza09NB3mPNOojLqMRlseueflCwGHR6k8ThxXWmY-L8cQTItej0/s320/IMG_2168.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The store also sells pipes and cigars.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">You may well miss the humidor which is in a room through a door on the right of the shop. It obviously used to be a back room and it must be the only humidor in the world with a fireplace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The shelves are stocked with a few Cuban cigars but my advice is to take a good look at the Non Cuban cigars here including a number of Rocky Patel cigars.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The full address of the store is 74 Charring Cross Road, WC2H 0BG but if you have an iPhone you should download a great new iPhone app called <b>Topsee</b> and it will guide you to Smith as well as showing you over 270 other Top things to eat, drink, do, see and buy in London. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-82824894170980540452009-11-22T15:08:00.000-08:002011-02-09T00:58:28.482-08:00Auction of Cuban Cigars in London including Pre Revolution Cuban CigarsYou will need some where to rest when you have completed the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> and we include a <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/infoPage.php?page=20">list of recommended places to eat, drink and smoke</a> on our web site which are useful during and after the walk.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">One of our favourite spots if Boisdale of Belgravia and if you pop along there on the 1<sup>st</sup> of December at 7.00pm there is a fantastic auction of some 142 lots including some exceptional Cuban cigars. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are some great Pre Revolution/Pre Castro Cuban Cigars and a number humidors in the early lots including a Cubatobacco 1492 original humidor with 15 original cigars with an estimate of between £3,500 to £6,000. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To find a link to the full catalogue of the lots for sale <a href="http://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/cigar-auction-lots-c-422.html?page=1&sort=5a">follow this link</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
If you wish to attend the auction you will need to register. If you are unable to attend the auction you can still bid by email up to 24 hours before the event. If you are not an existing client you will need to register by emailing your details with details of which Lots you wish to bid for as well as your maximum bids.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">Looks like a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas presents for the Cigar lover.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-37893666782866939442009-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:04:08.107-08:00Nero's rotating dining room discovered in RomeArchaeologists in Rome have unearthed what they think are the remains of a circular rotating dining room that belonged to the Emperor Nero.<br />
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They say it was probably his banqueting hall that imitated the earth's movement so he could impress his guests.<br />
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Cities in Sound has three wonderful Audio Guides around Rome: <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/Rome_Audio_Walks/The_Forum_Audio_Walk,b.html">From the Forum to the Colosseum</a>, <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/Rome_Audio_Walks/Spanish_Steps_Audio_Walk,b.html">The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain</a> and <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/Rome_Audio_Walks/Heart_of_Rome_Audio_Walk,b.html">The Award winning Heart of Rome Walk</a><br />
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More details and Video report on the latest discovery click <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8282007.stm">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-41812367566899867692009-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:05:08.345-08:00Smoking Cigars in the rain in London?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjyPigy0OqmNC7AVSF24OH5sijbbQ7OwMPqJaIjyuW2HwlglF8qzQRBqc-Gf5zD0rYbcSfKlmAff6ceU3Q7X-Ucg6DteeS3mIsFVUDr2FCVlu0ncrCM1yyB0WzJ8IvQpGR8y5nqjwKto/s1600-h/IMG_1732+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjyPigy0OqmNC7AVSF24OH5sijbbQ7OwMPqJaIjyuW2HwlglF8qzQRBqc-Gf5zD0rYbcSfKlmAff6ceU3Q7X-Ucg6DteeS3mIsFVUDr2FCVlu0ncrCM1yyB0WzJ8IvQpGR8y5nqjwKto/s400/IMG_1732+edit.jpg" /></a></div>Sautter of Mount street is a charming little traditional Cigar store in Fashionable Mount Street Mayfair.<br />
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It has been selling Cigars since Desmond Sautter started his business 50 years ago and developed a world wide reputation as a the pre eminent supplier of pre Revolution Cuban cigars in London.<br />
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It is the second cigar store on <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">The Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> and as part of the celebrations for their 50th year Johnny Burman has produced a range of umbrellas so that you can smoke your cigars even in the most inclement London weather.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmLY4Yg_JMWhyN8sLN3mGnJW7HpbXVDuXeX1qCyv4ZKmtV1fZ2XuqW1uCdvQm8ZxaLtwE2ljcLBjrvuqcKMwXCDai9qBAj-InRlja7Yxa8R9Ry2ih7Z746y80p0-bYLM6ByMKLM1qAg0/s1600-h/IMG_1730+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmLY4Yg_JMWhyN8sLN3mGnJW7HpbXVDuXeX1qCyv4ZKmtV1fZ2XuqW1uCdvQm8ZxaLtwE2ljcLBjrvuqcKMwXCDai9qBAj-InRlja7Yxa8R9Ry2ih7Z746y80p0-bYLM6ByMKLM1qAg0/s400/IMG_1730+edit.jpg" /></a>There is a choice of three umbrellas but this one caught our attention because it has a hollow handle with a spring loaded mechanism which is designed to accommodate one of your finest cigars so you need never be without a cigar what ever the weather.<br />
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For more details please visit the <a href="http://www.sauttercigars.com/accesesories/misc/sautter-umbrella.html">Sautter web site</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbVJjZ4aHqUzPQmf_kdJ1xbcj5o6Yx6PTyMIGXK12hvxsbPTmdhmG_aI7W_8hCekl-p807yDjF_6N-Cd7uw3QrDM5QoBdkc9cpLrBnoAB4GaiPp_qoFCdy4QYDWuYxPFHWO0v5X0myQg/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbVJjZ4aHqUzPQmf_kdJ1xbcj5o6Yx6PTyMIGXK12hvxsbPTmdhmG_aI7W_8hCekl-p807yDjF_6N-Cd7uw3QrDM5QoBdkc9cpLrBnoAB4GaiPp_qoFCdy4QYDWuYxPFHWO0v5X0myQg/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-25356140976659307292009-09-27T14:07:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:05:52.882-08:00A great home for your Cigars in London - The Ultimate Humidors - Part TwoWhile I tramp the streets of London in search of cigars and stories and likely locations to include in my <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/">Audio Guides</a> I frequently make extra ordinary discoveries. I recently visited the Tom Tom shop in London where four of the Hunters and Frankau / Linley limited edition humidors are currently on display. They looked great in the pictures but they look totally stunning in the flesh. <br />
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They are due to move on soon and I will try to keep track of them and let you know where they are but I thought you might like to see some pictures. To see part 1 of this Blog item and more details on these amazing humidors follow this <b><a href="http://nicwingsblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/ultimate-humidor.html">LINK</a></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi2Q1gVwJ8wjQyVk2L0lZgs-2Ip9nyqtTAzyWe1ViWOnT5kRHVptM3mkeOiSnPPDNufXjR0S92YHNkUUF8kNj98kkCSrd8dJdZiOwimxgCSn_HbmhoXdlVHaHjOFPmlADPh-QI9Xcgt4/s1600-h/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi2Q1gVwJ8wjQyVk2L0lZgs-2Ip9nyqtTAzyWe1ViWOnT5kRHVptM3mkeOiSnPPDNufXjR0S92YHNkUUF8kNj98kkCSrd8dJdZiOwimxgCSn_HbmhoXdlVHaHjOFPmlADPh-QI9Xcgt4/s400/IMG_2090.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-45282579083104527332009-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:06:39.883-08:00Cigars over London - Huge cloud of Havana smoke spotted over London<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6DLDqXMyP8yRFX87wYFpv-wQF2R_2pca1aTeFKL2Kwo3thaBwxVznSi7lRirOoiHQ_2V7R3S6i-CzBIPzVrC43yIduN73JFS-OPoVk7f7wLCjhfKc0z1QDsDB2iFqayaBK1Y3CLChOc/s1600-h/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6DLDqXMyP8yRFX87wYFpv-wQF2R_2pca1aTeFKL2Kwo3thaBwxVznSi7lRirOoiHQ_2V7R3S6i-CzBIPzVrC43yIduN73JFS-OPoVk7f7wLCjhfKc0z1QDsDB2iFqayaBK1Y3CLChOc/s200/IMG_1952.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Recently a group of Cigar smokers who first met on the UK Cigar Forum on the internet got together to walk the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> and then in the evening smoking cigars by London's river Thames to celebrate one year of the forum's existence. <br />
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A group of 20 completed the Audio Guide and for the first time we used radio head sets which ensure that everyone hears the guide simultaneously.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsIhUnkMXi8sGEUYkAE-WgM-Df2MXUG3Cvb2kABQ6OganCuhFk4CZFsr8XoqAoPuqQAumxVLKEQ0QqkGss6nVIJfXtl5h4P2buYqkdZx8WgFJrQCBvns2TxwmDwYfFaRB-uBknXU6wMk/s1600-h/IMG_1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsIhUnkMXi8sGEUYkAE-WgM-Df2MXUG3Cvb2kABQ6OganCuhFk4CZFsr8XoqAoPuqQAumxVLKEQ0QqkGss6nVIJfXtl5h4P2buYqkdZx8WgFJrQCBvns2TxwmDwYfFaRB-uBknXU6wMk/s320/IMG_1962.JPG" /></a>We lunched at the wonderful Red Lion pub in crown passage and many bemused passers by could not understand why the old gas lit alleyway was filled with vast clouds of cigar smoke on a quiet September Saturday afternoon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We ended the walk at the Churchill Museum Cabinet War rooms and a group of 14 of us made our way into the museum where you can see Sir Winston Churchill's war time head quarters and the remains of one of his exceptionally well chewed cigars.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20M7t6Hpybo8EvrWlCRhEccyQvo80nrTNfC3RDafWAyfWXv-LaBPSc1jN7PZjOOwEbj5EY-OupGBx8qeEyMnsPQuKFcSzZWDgm6oZl_zD6cG-b4HuWxzpfxUreQM7geiP5sT0BUO9kM0/s1600-h/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20M7t6Hpybo8EvrWlCRhEccyQvo80nrTNfC3RDafWAyfWXv-LaBPSc1jN7PZjOOwEbj5EY-OupGBx8qeEyMnsPQuKFcSzZWDgm6oZl_zD6cG-b4HuWxzpfxUreQM7geiP5sT0BUO9kM0/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the evening we met up with a larger party at a great pub calledhe Doggetts Coat and Badge on the South bank of the Thames overlooking Blackfriars Bridge and proceeded to produce huge clouds of Havana smoke. </div><br />
One of the advantages of smoking cigars with a group from an internet forum is that everyone posts a note to tell you what they smoked and of the 12 that smoked here are the details:<br />
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</div>They smoked a total of 54 cigars <br />
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The most cigars smoked by one person was 8 (Lascau) <br />
20 different brands and 44 different types of cigars were smoked of which over 98% were Cubans<br />
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I did a quick check and the most popular brand was Hoya de Monterrey with the most popular cigar being the R&J short Churchill<br />
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The full list of cigars smoked was:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFscCettctjLKQ669f2Atx6qQQnMysDtDxh0aNIMPDt8-dkIAb74FwNd4pyayCGwn7XZykuMvo3NwpnTRnis6BUwLLey3fAFpJNWkEYR5FVFJs28Pr8OHeXFIy8yPSsFaL5175hOjm5Y/s1600-h/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFscCettctjLKQ669f2Atx6qQQnMysDtDxh0aNIMPDt8-dkIAb74FwNd4pyayCGwn7XZykuMvo3NwpnTRnis6BUwLLey3fAFpJNWkEYR5FVFJs28Pr8OHeXFIy8yPSsFaL5175hOjm5Y/s320/IMG_2064.JPG" /></a></div><strong>Hoyo De Monterrey -</strong>Petit Robusto, Epicure Especial, Regalos, Depute, Epicure No 2, Double Corona<br />
<strong>San Cristobel -</strong>Moralles<br />
<strong>Juan Lopez - </strong>No 2, Petit Corona<br />
<strong>Cohiba - </strong>Sublimes, Esplendidos, Robusto, Siglo IV, Siglo V, Genios<br />
<strong>Cuaba - </strong>Distinguidos<br />
<strong>Ramon Allones - </strong>Corona, Small Club Corona<br />
<strong>Montecristo - </strong>No 2, No 4, Sublime, Edmundo, Open Regata<br />
<strong>Bolivar - </strong>Royal Corona, Petit Corona, Belicosos Finos<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycKWAlKFBpcasiKOa3sKqmElVUzBbr_U22e6c66XQJXpQtfuZ4SRTti2ObAhCyFakrnegyQEMivM_RS8TIrLBLh5m5PseCWTlhtZ_0R7aFKeeoHqIzM_fL3ETvCf3i5QViNPvECJkdoU/s1600-h/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycKWAlKFBpcasiKOa3sKqmElVUzBbr_U22e6c66XQJXpQtfuZ4SRTti2ObAhCyFakrnegyQEMivM_RS8TIrLBLh5m5PseCWTlhtZ_0R7aFKeeoHqIzM_fL3ETvCf3i5QViNPvECJkdoU/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" /></a><strong>El Rey Del Mundo - </strong>Demi Tasse</div><strong>La Auro</strong> - Leoninos<br />
<strong>Partagas- </strong>Charlotte (1998), P2, D4, Lusitanias<br />
<strong>Por Larranaga- </strong>Belicoso Extra<br />
<strong>Punch - </strong>Petit Corona, Double Corona<br />
<strong>Romeo & Julietta - </strong>Short Churchill, Dukes<br />
<strong>Trinidad - </strong>Fundadores<br />
<strong>Upmann - </strong>Magnum 48<br />
<strong>Vegas Robaina - </strong>Famosos<br />
<strong>Non Cuban - </strong>OPUS X, Placeres Reserva, Dunhill Petit Corona<br />
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As you can imagine the smell on that terrace was wonderful and the few drops of rain didn't spoil a great evening. <br />
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Same time next year everyone?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-62777371798010927222009-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:07:25.413-08:00Trinidad Robusto T launch seminar at BoisdaleA short while ago I wrote here that I had seen the new Trinidad Robusto T cigars at Davidoff in London which is one of the stores on the route of the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a>, and today I got to sample one in illustrious company on the wonderful cigar terrace at Boisdale <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpB2oLaLED-njJUa1aroCue0jSIOwVM20aPxEtVF_04qmcN1fP-o794UttTBtcRY0JYLGqzhC85AIVjhaGw2Yscv3DadPRhVOnKqWXaOe9v40Cl8697uP12dKIIllBH4dvHS1_zmOA4A/s1600-h/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpB2oLaLED-njJUa1aroCue0jSIOwVM20aPxEtVF_04qmcN1fP-o794UttTBtcRY0JYLGqzhC85AIVjhaGw2Yscv3DadPRhVOnKqWXaOe9v40Cl8697uP12dKIIllBH4dvHS1_zmOA4A/s320/IMG_2099.JPG" /></a>And what a great evening, when you consider that these cigars retail for £21 each, we got a cigar a glass of the new house no 4 claret and an extremely instructive introduction on this great new cigar from Simon Chase of Hunter and Frankau for just £25. </div><br />
There were only 10 lovers of fine cigars at this inaugural Monday evening event and Simon started the evening by giving us a potted history of the Trinidad brand, which is named after the beautiful 16th century city of La Santisima Trinidad which is on the south coast of Cuba and is a Unesco World Heritage site. <br />
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Simon explained that Trinidad cigars were first released to the public at the beginning of 1998 but long before that they had been Havana’s mystery cigars having been first produced at El Laguito, the Cohiba factory , but in very small quantities for distribution by the Cuban Council of State.<br />
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Cigar Aficianado confirmed their existence in it’s first issue. Trinidads became the holy grail of cigar enthusiasts, mainly because they were almost impossible to obtain. Prices rocketed and it did not take the cigar industry long to decide to fully launch the brand. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvFDJarlC4TCsiV8cMVz1tYkO0WlEQAb3Myse-KFygok-ADw4zyuthtFS6knHhBSWoKKvwlOZuem0P-KPzUq64luaiI33TM_3Pm0Y-c7QU2SRyCKIhAs9L4eO4D8emSnb4mNb-ba9Rmw/s1600-h/IMG_1824+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvFDJarlC4TCsiV8cMVz1tYkO0WlEQAb3Myse-KFygok-ADw4zyuthtFS6knHhBSWoKKvwlOZuem0P-KPzUq64luaiI33TM_3Pm0Y-c7QU2SRyCKIhAs9L4eO4D8emSnb4mNb-ba9Rmw/s320/IMG_1824+crop.jpg" /></a>The essence of the original cigars was taken by Raul Valladares who is a Master blender of tobacco, known as the ‘Maestro de Maestros’ (Master of Masters), he softened the flavour to produce an aromatic fragrance with a medium flavour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The new Trinidad Robusto T was announced at the Festival del Habano in February 2009 and has just landed in England. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>The Trinidad Reyes has been one of my favourite cigars for a while now, I find it extremely complex and tasty without being too strong and overbearing. <br />
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It’s big brother the Robusto T has the same complexity but is more muscular. Simon took time to explain to us the way the cigars are constructed and why we should anticipate different strengths and we worked through each third of the cigar due to the construction of the cigar and it’s filler.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVkPpFB95vC7dBmgKkayRpL4uu-bpw1_T2ana6uwnMlePWQoDtHN5MwYdIKI3Y5BZfFn-uiRV91bfi8x0BDWdqg7wqZo84lQz-hm-FCElhRX6jQd4HPASAbhIqm6pbkqpTahJpB-spYs/s1600-h/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVkPpFB95vC7dBmgKkayRpL4uu-bpw1_T2ana6uwnMlePWQoDtHN5MwYdIKI3Y5BZfFn-uiRV91bfi8x0BDWdqg7wqZo84lQz-hm-FCElhRX6jQd4HPASAbhIqm6pbkqpTahJpB-spYs/s320/IMG_2101.JPG" /></a>I always learn something when I smoke a cigar with Simon and it’s not surprising with the years he has spent in the business but what also helps is that he is such a charming host.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are in the London area I suggest you quickly get the details of a future event and try it for yourself.</div><br />
The next event is on the 26th October between 6pm and 7pm at Boisdale and will include the Bolivar Petit Belicoso (5’’ 52 RG) and a large glass of Hennessy 1982 Grand Champagne Cognac to drink as you smoke.<br />
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With the masterful Simon Chase to host the event, talk you through the background and history of the brand and the new cigar, I can't imagine a better place to be on a cool Monday evening in October than on the Terrace of Boisdale under the heaters with some good friends and a warming drink.<br />
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For more details and to get tickets go to the <a href="http://www.boisdale.co.uk/members/Events2/event_detail.aspx?id=155">Boisdale web site</a> You can also register here for updates on future events.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-14040729053747635492009-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:002011-02-09T01:08:09.998-08:00Every office should have a Cigar Park?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhEtWpihsiKWoOBgng4j9LYJLG_FKpovW9UMrP_l193fx3qjwsUwj1N7vOuCnkCQJjVvb6wjVqFq0qrEyYnuhunhddYjk-1Hv78v2_ucWRx06u3gc9d7ii-YnyrE1UKCo96E56cSsbKc/s1600-h/IMG_1727+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhEtWpihsiKWoOBgng4j9LYJLG_FKpovW9UMrP_l193fx3qjwsUwj1N7vOuCnkCQJjVvb6wjVqFq0qrEyYnuhunhddYjk-1Hv78v2_ucWRx06u3gc9d7ii-YnyrE1UKCo96E56cSsbKc/s200/IMG_1727+crop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's not an uncommon site to see people standing outside an office having a quick cigarette. But if you are a cigar smoker you normally make your pleasure last a little longer than a 5 minute break.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While I was visiting the office of Hunters and Frankau recently I spotted a wonderful device in their 'Out Door Smoking area.<br />
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If you smoke cigars you might like to consider getting one of these your office.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho8bYPEE2UiGofdFIgRY1x2el6iGC351XGc_1845G3r9gjL1m4hQf-Pr_PJCrMa9IwsEF28J1p46NLKX12soEayQJ6XYNA5uLetrqLueC6tRkkM4fTMknC7Zf4tXkzTOTH3cFFipKaf4/s1600-h/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho8bYPEE2UiGofdFIgRY1x2el6iGC351XGc_1845G3r9gjL1m4hQf-Pr_PJCrMa9IwsEF28J1p46NLKX12soEayQJ6XYNA5uLetrqLueC6tRkkM4fTMknC7Zf4tXkzTOTH3cFFipKaf4/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" /></a>Each of the cigars is held on it's own little numbered 'shelf' and there is a small roof to keep the rain off.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So you can enjoy a cigar break throughout your working day.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What a great idea, every good office needs a 'cigar park'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/category/London_Audio_Walks_and_Guides/Cuban_Cigar_Audio_Tours_or_Accompanied_Walks,b.html">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-30534689376342136562009-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:002009-09-15T14:27:39.523-07:00Beautiful little now you see me, now you don’t Humidor<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXrb3X-NMpfzR2tRYV3WnVvsn7bc9kHDVS7jQ9qKW9dU2OTiqMBvtIRwlicaZ5Mhiu9LE5SJM6hQX3nE6A4-5y5BmIH_TnpM2nKoVLv-yHaFucTrogFV820KgsikGvv3Lxk4pyWljYo0/s1600-h/IMG_1828+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXrb3X-NMpfzR2tRYV3WnVvsn7bc9kHDVS7jQ9qKW9dU2OTiqMBvtIRwlicaZ5Mhiu9LE5SJM6hQX3nE6A4-5y5BmIH_TnpM2nKoVLv-yHaFucTrogFV820KgsikGvv3Lxk4pyWljYo0/s200/IMG_1828+crop.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT3DPTvcrOgiSP9ByXSQCvXRXRXbd3Hhv8_2atUb3DkMG30nyo1SJRg-ueCq7fRxPpe9thw7kZ4Jajlm0uda1keUIzPmwY-wKMILWbhdaK1HVoX44MKZm_aKV7F7h1WkR32fyymnzdiM/s1600-h/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT3DPTvcrOgiSP9ByXSQCvXRXRXbd3Hhv8_2atUb3DkMG30nyo1SJRg-ueCq7fRxPpe9thw7kZ4Jajlm0uda1keUIzPmwY-wKMILWbhdaK1HVoX44MKZm_aKV7F7h1WkR32fyymnzdiM/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" /></a>Walking around London, smoking great cigars and meeting wonderful people, what could be better? And it’s what I do for a job. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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I am currently getting ready to do a group audio walk of the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> where we will be taking a group of about 20 around the four cigar stores in Mayfair and St James. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I popped in the oldest store on the walk, JJ Fox and Robert Lewis. This store first opened it’s doors in 1787 and it has so much history they have even opened up the ‘Cigar Museum’ downstairs. It has lots of great history including what are reputed to be the oldest cigars in the world. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihMgfV3z32AL24Y6aWmM2eeBKr0VHktTn3fnNgkABnTPB0mAYbkADPE0HetNORyTAnfddHJQOOIc30e6GY5AozpdKois-NoOCIyp4ZrB5z18edTmW5EWuu-u0O6fwEF-hki4qpSxD0AQ/s1600-h/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihMgfV3z32AL24Y6aWmM2eeBKr0VHktTn3fnNgkABnTPB0mAYbkADPE0HetNORyTAnfddHJQOOIc30e6GY5AozpdKois-NoOCIyp4ZrB5z18edTmW5EWuu-u0O6fwEF-hki4qpSxD0AQ/s320/IMG_1827.JPG" /></a>The first cigars were shipped to London in about 1830 and in a case at the far end of the museum you will find two glass cabinet containing cigars of the La Cabanas brand and these are some of the first cigars shipped to the UK and it is believed that these are probably the oldest cigars in the world.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Having supplied cigars to England’s Royal Family for many years the list of past customers is long and distinguished and includes Tsars of Russia, Lord Salisbury, Bing Crosby and the Bengal Lancers Regiment.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJzDt6GcGcxBLfjet59eNmT1RzpccJbIuCty6QZobM2TBDONKP0Palz4_LvpTwgWvaIsmNBJeO99bRYQ37ZxqUram0XqakowFqde8FOBdbfPDhoJJsYULEnH9G25inGiPNCHKf95SyFk/s1600-h/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJzDt6GcGcxBLfjet59eNmT1RzpccJbIuCty6QZobM2TBDONKP0Palz4_LvpTwgWvaIsmNBJeO99bRYQ37ZxqUram0XqakowFqde8FOBdbfPDhoJJsYULEnH9G25inGiPNCHKf95SyFk/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" /></a>As I entered the store the staff were demonstrating the most exquisite Humidor or cigar case, to me it looked like something out of a Harry Potter film. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As you will see from my pictures it has a small knob on the top which when turned rotates each individual face of the case to reveal holders for three cigars.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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I was quite captivated by this wonderful little treasure. You can see many more fascinating objects like this at the Cigar Museum at JJ Fox and Robert Lewis which is on the route of the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13">Cuban Cigar Walk London.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-62434094856113195642009-09-14T09:24:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:29:51.929-07:00Venice opening times!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBVCg99v_FAh8nQOJDUjo1hitOkny-Ko5SEfgrTcT0ma0W3eS0NCj-SHzT3M0-i1oJOZ83u93wDI95OEiEhVZ9PVHV8_nF2o5B7MwP6YQyBRzlXGk7foa7RtS6Zesbho46w5HXIAhQsQ/s1600-h/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBVCg99v_FAh8nQOJDUjo1hitOkny-Ko5SEfgrTcT0ma0W3eS0NCj-SHzT3M0-i1oJOZ83u93wDI95OEiEhVZ9PVHV8_nF2o5B7MwP6YQyBRzlXGk7foa7RtS6Zesbho46w5HXIAhQsQ/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" /></a></div>I visited Venice this summer and saw this great sign in a shop window which captures a very relaxed Italian attitude to commerce.<br />
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Although we do not have Audio guides for Venice yet, if you are visiting Italy we have three wonderful Audio guides for Rome including the award winning “Heart of Rome” Audio guide where you will discover the best ice cream in the world.<br />
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To hear samples and to find maps of the three rome audio guides follow this link: <br />
<a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/browseCategory.php?cat=4">Cities in Sound Rome Audio Guides.</a><br />
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I tested them all recently and have some snippets of information to give if you are heading for the eternal city so keep watching my blog for new posts in the near future.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-16458924367808585302009-09-14T08:03:00.000-07:002009-09-14T12:59:19.307-07:00Alfred Dunhill's little devil - The Tweenie Devil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycCTyCcGKaBHOI8ifXp5cqIVAi5cmHNZhw3hqaKDH1KCbfJZ-a52BmTwcdn3zH86IlUDgk9sPh7K7RZNVu7UDRDCCrosMCcG66_7xyV8hMcUeSim3AlC6cJEKh1iTjMuTjKXWcJy28GY/s1600-h/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycCTyCcGKaBHOI8ifXp5cqIVAi5cmHNZhw3hqaKDH1KCbfJZ-a52BmTwcdn3zH86IlUDgk9sPh7K7RZNVu7UDRDCCrosMCcG66_7xyV8hMcUeSim3AlC6cJEKh1iTjMuTjKXWcJy28GY/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13">The Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> visits four of the finest retailers of Cigars in London including the new home of Alfred Dunhill at Bourdon House. <br />
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Built between 1723 and 1725 Bourdon House is the former home of the Duke of Westminster, the Grade 2 listed Bourdon House is an oasis of Luxury and calm in the hustle and bustle of London’s Mayfair. <br />
If the weather is fine there is a court yard where you can have a coffee and enjoy your cigars purchased from the wonderful humidor in the basement.<br />
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On the wall of Alfred Dunhill’s stylish London home, outside the exclusive Alfred’s Club you will see a polished brass plaque bearing a strange looking mystical figure. This is the Tweenie Devil, a sign of Alfred’s devilish sense of humour.<br />
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In 1893 the young Alfred Dunhill took over control of his fathers business making all of the accessories that the carriage owning Gentleman of the time required.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgo8AwbSjOYbHBciGm_B2JWWNHiI6_7CY3j9UTCG2eQaGdaCmbQnL9Sl5U4bkJ_0uZXUngwD2WS-HTC2FDy359LVQUCnSxVvjjuQwplo-G3NFhV-7dHto4QoLElgz7SQokaoBr48qRzc/s1600-h/IMG_0580+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgo8AwbSjOYbHBciGm_B2JWWNHiI6_7CY3j9UTCG2eQaGdaCmbQnL9Sl5U4bkJ_0uZXUngwD2WS-HTC2FDy359LVQUCnSxVvjjuQwplo-G3NFhV-7dHto4QoLElgz7SQokaoBr48qRzc/s200/IMG_0580+crop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But although he was only 21 years old, Alfred quickly realised that the invention of the motor car posed a serious threat to business. <br />
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He changed the name of the business to Dunhill Motorities and started to produce a wide range of luggage, waterproof coats, in fact all of the accessories required to make the motor car luxurious and exclusive. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKMPdyOJKrCIP9m0MUKS99xAMfOs46FY3LBUjxu-UfwRL0lbh2NkIrgMuGDYTnCp7QEdLw3rC9b-n-K6U5t5u0fp7CHncTGDbuuqIJ_rzZCe9Jo12oL1Rq-DSfjRPke4GAqh7Tx_1fRE/s1600-h/DUJFB8261_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKMPdyOJKrCIP9m0MUKS99xAMfOs46FY3LBUjxu-UfwRL0lbh2NkIrgMuGDYTnCp7QEdLw3rC9b-n-K6U5t5u0fp7CHncTGDbuuqIJ_rzZCe9Jo12oL1Rq-DSfjRPke4GAqh7Tx_1fRE/s200/DUJFB8261_300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On the boot of Alfred’s own car was the Tweenie Devil, a grinning figure thumbing it’s nose at all those left in it’s wake.<br />
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Today it is possible to get a pair of Tweenie Devil cuff links from Alfred Dunhill stores. I have a pair and they never fail to start a conversation.<br />
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To hear a sample of the Cuban Cigar Walk London go to <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13">The Cities in Sound Web Site</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6607482719801088423.post-44617897376572517912009-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:002009-08-29T15:58:56.325-07:00Partagas Culebras – the twisted cigar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JVtodU-LfFDnHAIQx-2oCTLYEwBAvNOLs9NAtbiJBQkP2Eowx8qI7ntcwN_L1kaRRcktSgnAPWMAvcxbeMv_0e5ch_khQrKH1K6sMFhajSTZQhtVaAQpLZIOhSaChde4cZwAesOkQH4/s1600-h/Culebras+label+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JVtodU-LfFDnHAIQx-2oCTLYEwBAvNOLs9NAtbiJBQkP2Eowx8qI7ntcwN_L1kaRRcktSgnAPWMAvcxbeMv_0e5ch_khQrKH1K6sMFhajSTZQhtVaAQpLZIOhSaChde4cZwAesOkQH4/s400/Culebras+label+crop.jpg" /></a>I was recently given a Patagas Culebras which is the wonderful twisted three cigars in one. </div><br />
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On Friday I was in London visiting the cigar stores featured on the <a href="http://www.citiesinsound.com/shopWebSite/php/showProducts.php?plu=13">Cuban Cigar Walk London</a> and I spent some time at Davidoff where Armando, who is in the UK on a break from his usual job as a roller at the Partagas factory in Havana.<br />
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I spoke to Armando and Edward Sahakian about the Culebras and got some really interesting details.<br />
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I asked Armando about rolling the Culebras and he told me that in order to achieve the twist it was necessary to roll the very loosely and also with very moist tobacco.<br />
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Edward told me that he had been told the history of the Culebras by one of the old Cigar importers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXhMO2YgQuO6FAfOy2vMJvIbHSgZYI1r5NZNVKm3rNK2I70AZ8VUl5nsSBv4FfxviJHguegFIPHRUP17KTCnELjBTF_ZtfolpbXGbSuidoQElQXlzsoutT6mt7pYcVx6hQFJKnj8GNQQ/s1600-h/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXhMO2YgQuO6FAfOy2vMJvIbHSgZYI1r5NZNVKm3rNK2I70AZ8VUl5nsSBv4FfxviJHguegFIPHRUP17KTCnELjBTF_ZtfolpbXGbSuidoQElQXlzsoutT6mt7pYcVx6hQFJKnj8GNQQ/s400/IMG_1807.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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The rollers are apparently allowed to smoke any number of cigars while they are rolling but are only allowed to take 3 cigars home every evening. <br />
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In order to discourage them from selling them the three cigars were twisted together. <br />
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However as they were for their own consumption the rollers made sure they always used the very best tobacco.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK48rxCMinZoGFKCf-kHYzn_hga_qe0OtuB0ZJZCehFJJdOT2VlFxz0YoZX_ZV2xiAaxURcYCiRXRb_P8Qkpa_QnmZiEbz2ImFpCTjmZV66NpX2Rcc754OZZN1-YCQ6F11asi3n4Hnlfk/s1600-h/Culebras+label+crop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK48rxCMinZoGFKCf-kHYzn_hga_qe0OtuB0ZJZCehFJJdOT2VlFxz0YoZX_ZV2xiAaxURcYCiRXRb_P8Qkpa_QnmZiEbz2ImFpCTjmZV66NpX2Rcc754OZZN1-YCQ6F11asi3n4Hnlfk/s320/Culebras+label+crop+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I told Edward and Armando that I intended to smoke mine with a couple of my friends who love cigars. Remember said Edward "that you are smoking the tobacco not the shape".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15209951240015275119noreply@blogger.com3