Havana Cigar Exchange - Knightsbridge

"Absolutely fabulous cigars, they have a shop in the 5 star, Park Tower hotel, and also separate shop premises not too far from the ritz hotel. First the cigars are always well kept in perfect condition. The prices are competitive. The staff are very friendly and well informed and always give top advice on what’s smoking well at any time of the year. I also recently visited the independent new cigar shop and indoor lounge they have near the ritz and smoked a cigar on the front terrace. Stunning location, Top selection of the best Cuban cigars going. Friendly service. Competitive prices. Drinks available, what’s not to like? They also have a superb indoor cigar lounge which I did not try as I prefer to smoke cigars outside in nicer weather. I’ll be back again in winter and definitely try a cigar in the lounge, which I’m sure is fantastic. Always a pleasurable experience. Definitely gets my top recommendation and I will definitely be back again soon."

"Having just walked into this establishment surprised by the change of ownership, a rude and sharply abrupt gentleman greets you as you walk in with a warning- “£50 minimum spend to smoke indoors”. Shocked by this I asked to see the humidor and as I walked over towards what used to be a very busy and bustling smoking lounge full of customers was entirely dead. Not a single customer in the lounge. The gentleman gave his second red flag at the door of the empty lounge, “we only sell Cubans here”, which if you know anything about cigars, one would be aware that new world cigars are just as fantastic as Cubans, if not arguably better in quality and consistency. As a former loyal customer of 1A with a locker and visited nearly twice a week, I will never visit this place again. Rude staff, extortionate pricing and an empty atmosphere. I cannot fathom for the life of me why anyone would ever go here apart from tourists visiting St.James Palace, and even then £50 is steep for a non-existent atmosphere and from the other reviews say- poorly maintained cigars. Save your £50 and go to the Bulgari, Francos or Boisdales or just anyone of the fantastic array of hotels that also offer heated smoking terraces- you’ll get more for your money and what’s more is you won’t be paying for tacky decor and rude staff. I would honestly be surprised if this establishment lasts longer than 2 years. And as a salesman myself, I feel the “greeting” one is given, dosn’t fill any new customers with welcome or warmth. I came away from that place leaving a bitter taste in my mouth with no idea of why I should pay £50, no benefits sold- why pay £50 in a shop where no other customers are? I am still none-the-wiser. Steer well clear of this place, you will do no favours for yourself going here."

"I have ordered one cigar partagas D5 only online to try their standard. Worst quality ever the cigar was only smelling cedar, and tasting dry wood empty from all quality inside of a partagas.. waste of money for a very bad quality ( not genuine)"

"I been there few time and I've bought couple box cigars and the most of their cigars are not UK market selection cigars. They sell there counterfeit cuban cigars even their hand roll cigars is not real. The Slovakian lady and his ex boyfriend now current business partner of the shop is very rude and very dodgy. Mr Paval Kabina He says he's been everywhere and done everything, but I think he's a fraud."

"This is the most helpful tobacconist I have visited in London. It has very rare collection of vintage cigars. My boyfriend is very particular of what he smokes, they managed to get me every single cigar from my list. Very good customer service, I would definitely recommend"