
As I learned on my last two trips to the
United Kingdom, there aren't many places where you can light up a
cigar. Had I known about
The Montague on the Gardens, I probably would have altered my travel plans a bit. The
hotel bar has a dedicated
outdoor cigar terrace, which for puffers, amounts to a bit of tranquility in an otherwise hostile world.
Toward the back of the hotel, like-minded guests can gather in the bar for a drink before stepping outside to a blissful smoking location with a great view of the Bedford Estate's private gardens. I tend to bring my own cigars when I travel, but sometimes like to sample the locally available fare and The Montague on the Gardens offers plenty of incentive. The bar has more than 20 brands on hand, including the coveted
Cohiba Siglo VI. Smoke it gently while sipping a glass of
Remy Martin Louis XIII, and you'll struggle to find a more enjoyable situation.
The hotel itself is designed to impress. It's a Georgian townhouse hotel with 101 rooms and suites – not to mention a two-bedroom apartment. This four-star establishment is within walking distance of the
West End and
The British Museum, and the "Type A" crowd will be happy to know it isn't far from
London's Financial District.
Whatever the day's distraction is, though, return to The Montague on the Gardens and settle down for the evening with the cigar of your choice. Savor each draw, and punctuate it with your preferred spirit. Perfect.