Dukes Cognac and cigars

For those looking to get around the smoking ban in comfort and style, look no further than the Dukes Hotel, which has opened its Cognac & Cigar Garden in time for the summer.

The outside area, attached to the bar, can seat 20 and offers an array of Cognac and Cognac-themed cocktails as well as cigars supplied by Hunters and Frankau.

The courtyard area has been completely refurbished with wooden decking and lantern lighting. Heaters will be provided on cooler evenings, as the garden is open all year round.

Alongside the Hoya, Bolivar, Montecristo and Cohiba cigars, guests can choose from 15 Cognacs and Armagnacs starting with Martell Cordon Bleu to Hermitage 1945 and finally Napoleon Grande Fine Champagne Impèriale 1811.

Alessandro Palazzi, the Dukes’ bar manager, has created a special cocktail, Ruby Windsor, for the outdoor area, which includes Champagne, angostura bitters, Martell XO cognac and a cube of brown sugar.

Prices for 50ml of Cognac start at £12 for the Martell Cordon Bleu and rise to £375 for the 1811 Impèriale. Cigar prices begin at £16 and go to £36 per cigar.

The Ruby Windsor is priced at £16.50. The garden is open everyday from 8pm until midnight.

Dukes
St James’s Place
London
SW1A 1NY
+44 (0) 207 491 4840

Rupert Millar, 22.06.2010