Hotel Xenia: Smokes and Tipples

Cigar and spirit pairings for those who like the finer things in life

Wine and food pairing, a familiar feature at an increasing number of restaurants, is a concept that Kensington’s Hotel Xenia is taking and adapting for cigar aficionados. Its new Smokes and Tipples evenings present a similar offering – but match luxury Cuban cigars from Hunters & Frankau, the long-established and sole official UK importer of Cuban cigars, with au point drinks.  

Kicking off on Friday January 30 and taking place every two months at the indoor Living Wall Bar and heated outdoor Herb Garden Terrace, the evenings will see guests guided through the tasting and smoking sessions by cigar experts from Hunters & Frankau. For connoisseurs, “their knowledge and standing in the smoking community makes for great conversation”, says Giacomo Battafarano, general manager of Hotel Xenia, but it’s also “a perfect introduction for novice cigar smokers”.

While individual guests tickets (£30) are available, the session can also be purchased for a private group dinner (£75 per person), including a three-course meal with wine in addition to the two-hour cigar and drinks master class.

The inaugural event will feature a selection of the world’s finest whiskies – with cognac, rum, tequila and other whisky evenings later in the year. The chosen cigar of the evening will only be revealed, however, once guests are in situ. For, as enthusiasts like to say, cigar smoking is a hobby, not a habit; and how better to grow and enhance one’s tastes than with a dash of surprise and experimentation.