Before the pandemic struck and the world came to a stand still, November would usher in cold winds, longer nights, big overcoats and the menswear event season. Hopping from store to store, shop floors were converted into makeshift event spaces with a seemingly endless supply of sponsored champagne, people rubbed shoulders with acquaintances and condensation would blur all the ongoings from outside passers by. It was a regular occurrence to cover most of Mayfair in the space of one evening before getting a few hours’ sleep and doing it all over again. Although we’re not quite back in full swing, events are beginning to take place once again in London, with a smaller — but just as lively — clientele.
Due to the nature of these events happening in winter, most attendees will likely rock up in several layers, scarves and big winter coats, only to find the shops chock full and stiflingly hot within a couple minutes of entering. The plus side of these scenarios, however, is that it justifies smoke breaks in the cold. It’s always worth having a few short and spicy Cuban cigars on hand, tucked neatly into your cigar pocket or case. We highlight some wonderful options fitting for such occasions.
Jason Jules with his book, Black Ivy; André and Jun of Drake's
Drake’s very rarely do things by half measures, so when they host an event at their Savile Row premises, you’re almost certainly guaranteed a who’s who of the menswear scene in attendance. This year’s event was in celebration of Jason Jules’ newly launched book, Black Ivy: A Revolt In Style, which charts a period in American history when black men across the country adopted the clothing of a privileged elite, and made it their own. From the most avant-garde jazz musicians and poets to architects, philosophers and more, the book looks at how a generation of men took Ivy style and made it cool — as well as unpredictable — in ways that continue to influence today’s modern menswear. So what better place to host it than Drake’s? With all physical copies of the book sold out within the first hour of doors opening, it was a thoroughly enjoyable event that more than lived up to its billing.
Jason Jules with Moteen of Drake's
And that was just the beginning, as Cad & The Dandy continued to showcase their brand new location on 7 Savile Row — quite literally next door — hosting the launch of another fantastic publication: Issue 3 of Valet Magazine. A quarterly offering dedicated to long form copy, film photography and available only in print, Valet focuses on long-form explorations of classic menswear and style, harking back to a golden age of men’s literature when the reader was not told what to wear, but shown how to decide for himself.
The launch of Issue no. 3 of Valet Magazine at Cad & The Dandy
As the evening went on, both events would eventually spill out onto the festive Savile Row, decked out in Christmas lights. There’s just something special about London at this time of the year. Naturally, it proved the perfect moment to showcase some of our favourite Cuban cigars to smoke — albeit quickly — in the icy cold. The Cohiba Panetelas will always be on my person as the ideal travel-sized companion. Its super short size means you can get the most out of it within half an hour: which makes its strength all the more impressive. Having had a pack of 5 on my hands, it was a good party number for friends, all of whom were surprised at how much flavour such a small cigar could have.
Browsing Issue No. 3 of Valet Magazine outside Cad & The Dandy
Such was the praise cigar aficionado Shaun Gordon gave the Quintero during my last conversation with him, it was a simple choice for menswear writer, Chris Cotonou. Noting the flavour and creaminess, it certainly won’t be the last time he has one. Mike Hughes, General Manager of Richard Gelding, is no stranger to a quality cigar and went for the punchy Rafael González Petit Corona. One of my all-time favourite cigars is the Trinidad Vigia. With a Torres vitola (54 ring gauge and 110mm length), it’s a half hour incredibly well spent — no matter how cold it may get outside.
Luke, Mike and Rikesh smoke a Cohiba Panetelas, Rafael González Petit Corona and Trinidad Vigia on Savile Row
Usually, events like these end one of two ways: with drinks, or food. This time around, a few of us opted for both and popped down to nearby Soho for pizzas and a glass (rather, several glasses) of red. There’s something beautiful about the high-low culture transcending clothing, and in a more subtle manner, gastronomy.
Post event pizza and wine in Soho — an unexpected pairing with some of our small and spicy cigars
Beautiful cigars and wine should always be enjoyed alongside hold-in-your-hands-and-go-for-it slices of margarita. For this culinary camaraderie, the crew enjoyed a selection of cigars including the Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas, Montecristo Edmundo, and the Serie D No. 4 from Partagas. It’s an entirely different experience. So the next time you visit your favourite local pizza joint, get a table outside, break out one of our cigars and thank us later.