Cigar Lounges: Puff your Preference at these Sophisticated Gentlemen’s Venues
There’s just something old-worldly about a venue with a cigar lounge. The scents that linger in the air tell story upon story, like red wine. Or whiskey. While cigar lounges are often associated with upscale and mysterious gentlemen’s clubs, it also boasts an intriguing, historic flair and plush interiors fit for anyone who enjoy the finer things in life.
We’ve gone out in search of South Africa’s most sought-after cigar lounges, fit for a gentleman’s get-together on a wintery eve, be it the perfect venue for classy bachelor’s parties, or intimate corporate meetings.
Cape Town & Surrounds
The Whisky Library
Puff on timeless luxury at The Whisky Library as you pair your cigar with a whisky and a charcuterie board. The moody speakeasy with its dark leather couches is based at the Rust en Vrede Art Gallery in Durbanville and was founded by whisky enthusiast, Jacques Radyn. While whisky is the main man at The Whisky Library (they stock over 1200 different whiskies for you to taste), they have a great selection of cigars on offer too. Book a tasting experience for you and your mates, or entertain business partners and clients here.
Blix Tavern, Caffé & Purveyors
Inspired by the memoir turned film, Out of Africa, written by Karen Blixen, Blix is probably the smallest bar venue in Stellenbosch. Karen described her love and appreciation of Africa as: “Here I am where I ought to be.” Perhaps, Blix is where you ought to be, come the next get-together with the guys. Ultimately, this where old-world meets a modern charm, boasting a wide variety of whiskies, wines and cocktails in addition to their Signature Cigar Alley’s selection of Cuban and non-Cuban cigars. Kick off your morning with an elegant black coffee and cigar or have your late-afternoon business meeting curb side as you indulge in a locally brewed beer coupled with a Cuban puro. Founded by two beermakers, Ivan and Hannes, Blix brings together beer and cigar lovers, as well as those with an appreciation for vintage cars.
Cigar Lounges in Johannesburg
Pedro Portia
Indulge in era-defining cocktails and forgotten champagne classics as you revisit your passion for cigars at Pedro Portia’s new location. They recently moved to The Gantry Lifestyle Centre and the venue now boasts a stunning space for cigar afficionados to have their leisurely afternoon business meetings, pre-dinner aperitifs with visiting clients or nightcaps and cigars with friends. Pedro Portia has a variety of cigar brands on offer and their drinks menu won’t disappoint either.
Tonino Cucina & Griglia
Located at the Benoni Country Club, this cigar lounge offers a carefully curated range of cigars from all over the world. Since the theme is Italian, it also includes premium Italian cigars made from some of the finest tobaccos. They come in various sizes and are stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to ensure that the quality is maintained.
The Tonino Cigar Lounge is luxurious and sophisticated and offers a space for cigar lovers to gather – whether it’s friends getting together or businessmen taking a break from a strat session. The restaurant recently launched its events venue too, which means you wouldn’t even have to go far.
Vintage cigar memorabilia and art adds to the ambiance of the cigar lounge and a selection of premium spirits and wines, as well as gourmet meals make for the perfect experience. Reservations are recommended.
Pretoria Cigar Lounges
Priva
The Waterkloof-based Priva Restaurant offers guests the opportunity to select their fine cigars from a special humidity controlled walk-in humidor, constructed from the finest Spanish cedar wood. VIP clients even have the option of renting their own private cedar wood rack – which is temperature controlled and locked – on an annual basis. The Priva Cigar Lounge boasts original leather Chesterfield couches and a luxurious environment for cigar afficionados to enjoy their selected sticks from a wide range of options.
In addition, the restaurant offers two private dining areas: One exclusively available for small groups of up to twenty people; the other semi-private, curtained off for up to 24 guests.
Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, Priva is a popular winter venue with live music, drinks and your cigar of choice. They are open every Tuesday to Saturday, with live Jazz music from Wednesdays through to Saturdays.
The Goat Bar
Located at the new Village Walk in Hazelwood, The Goat Bar is a unique bar offering a cigar lounge upstairs. While the space is rather small, it’s perfect for after-work drinks and a puff, allowing you to smooth things over with a business partner, or for a best man to calm the groom’s wedding nerves. Run by hospitality entrepreneur, Ramon Gouws, who also owns Alēia Restaurant, you can be sure of meticulously prepared cocktails and peerless bar snacks to accompany your cigar. To gain access upstairs you need to book and no under 21s are allowed after 19:00.
The Globe Bar
Now under the ownership of Rockets, The Globe Bar – based at Sun International’s Time Square – lures those keen on Pretoria views, Prosecco and a puff to its glamourous interiors. They assist with private events all day, Monday to Thursday, or you can book the space for daytime events on Fridays to Sundays until 13:00. The drinks and cigar lounge has recently been renovated and offers a trendy, sophisticated space for intimate meetings and discussions to take place over a classy drink and a Cuban cigar.
Durban and surrounds
Zai Restaurant
If you’re looking for a restaurant space where you can host your next gentlemen’s eve, but one that is coupled with cigars and sophistication, Zai Restaurant might be your answer. Serving as an elegant venue for any group – whether it’s men on a mission or guys galivanting – the menu boasts a mixture of Argentinian and Durban cuisine, coupled with delightful cocktails and more. The Argentinian Woodfire Grillhouse and Bar is located on Campbell Avenue in Durban and brings with it the Zai Presidential Lounge and Premium Cigar Bar – an exclusive, premium lounge with classy interiors, available by reservation only.
Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
The charm of Granny Mouse Country House’s more than 30 years’ heritage is engrained in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ existence. Based on Old Main Road near Howick, the country house offers an array of accommodation and restaurant options, as well as its very own Single Malt & Cigar Bar and a wine cellar. Combine your conference with dinners at Eaves Restaurant or the destination’s Bistro, after which you and your crew can retire to the whiskey and cigar bar for a tipple and a puff. Since it is also a popular wedding venue, the space boasts the perfect escape from pre-wedding jitters.
