New smokes, old smokes

FOLLOWING the announcement of new Havanas at the annual Festival in Cuba last week, it's always an interesting time for cigar lovers.

I nipped into London for a catch up today, firstly stopping in at Tom Tom Cigars and Coffee in Belgravia for a chat to owner Tom Ashheton.

Lovely chap. Over a delicious cup of Nicaraguan filter coffee, he told me how he has built up his business in this hip area of town, and of his plans for the immediate future. The cigar shop is delightful, very boutique in its feel. Once you've made a selection from the fine Havanas that line the walls, you can stroll the few yards up the road and settle yourself under the heated awning of the coffee shop itself.

Order yourself a brew and settle down to people watch, surf the net or chat to the friendly patrons of this much-loved den.

After my talk with Tom, I sauntered peaceably down to Buckingham Palace and along the Mall, finally weaving my way to the well-worn pavements of Jermyn Street. At the excellent Franco's restaurant, I shared lunch and a superb little Bolivar Belicoso LE from 2009 with Davidoff's Eddie Sahakian.

A punchy little number, it came on strong, mellowed for the mid third then powered on to the finish - real old fashioned, meaty Bolivar, described perfectly by Eddie as 'gamey'. Smoking beautifully now.

More news on new releases to follow - including the newly-released Romeo y Julieta Churchill Gran Reserva, which I'll be taste-testing soon. Happy herfing.

M.