DE LUXE SMOKING DEN IN MAYFAIR

When the draconian ban on smoking in enclosed public places came into being just five year ago, its architects could hardly have envisaged one development to germinate from this action, in the law of unintended consequence  – the blossoming nationwide of beautiful smoking dens.

From humble pubs to mega hotels, the urgent desire to cater for smoking-fan customers has lead to the creation of attractive and often original facilities where smokers may be protected from the elements and still enjoy the weed.

London’s most salubrious clubs and hotels especially have gone to considerable expense to provide sanctuaries for their cigar-loving customers. And the latest of these is in the heart of Mayfair, cocooned at the very centre of the Mayfair Hotel.

Part Bedouin-style tent, part sailing-ship fo’c’s’le, it is a haven of  style and elegance where men – and women – may enjoy a fine Cuban cigar safe from the rain and the wind, and with fine wines, cocktails and canapés at hand.

At first sight seeming to be an enclosed space, it in fact has a layered glass roof, chain mail and slatted sides, which means it is within the letter of the law, yet still providing a warm and comfortable setting for its smokers.

“It has replaced what was a meeting spot for pigeons,” explains the hotel’s manager, Anthony Lee. Tucked away in what was a well within the hotel’s eight stories on three sides and another high building on the fourth, the Mayfair’s Cigar Club Room is a testament to the talent of designer Graham Cox and Lee is absolutely delighted with it.

“There is a growing trend for smoking cigars,” he reports, “both here and in the U.S., where there is a big increase. I’ve done a lot of research and really, I think we have created quite one of the best facilities here.”

And it isn’t just the pleasant setting that is provided. His research confirmed that American visitors in particular will appreciate a club facility.

“They are still not allowed to import Cuban cigars into America,” he explains, “and for the cigar aficionado it has to be Cuban. So when they get to London, the first thing they want to enjoy is a Cuban cigar.

“By joining the Mayfair’s cigar club, they are provided with a locker where their own supply of cigars may be stored, in the required conditions to ensure that their flavour and moisture is maintained. Another locker may store their personal liquor. So they know when they come to London, they have their favourite cigars and drinks waiting for them.”

At just £500 per annum, this neat club idea is not restricted to those staying at The Mayfair – though Lee clearly hopes it will encourage them to do so.

“People are looking for a more authentic experience,” he says. “We’ve all stayed at the top hotels around the world, which give a first class service but really, you could be anywhere when staying in them.

“The Mayfair is an individual, privately owned hotel, not part of a chain. It has 400 rooms, but also has the intimacy and warmth of a small hotel. It is in the best part of Mayfair and there is everything here, including 5 bars, a casino, a private cinema that seats 200, and 11 meeting rooms. Its an urban resort!”

The Cigar Room is but the latest move in a transformation of the hotel that has gone on since there was a change of ownership in 2002.  Opened in 1927 by King George V, it was the hub of fashionable London then and is again now, sponsoring London Fashion Week, as well as British Film Institute events and various music industry occasions.

“We attract a  good mixture, from young locals who come to our bars and restaurants up to international CEOs. No, there’s no dress code but there is style.  It provides a London experience, its a landmark," he says.