A PAST WHICH SHAPES THE FUTURE. EXCEPTIONAL DETAILS. UNRIVALLED HOSPITALITY.

We are pleased to re-introduce our spotlight series, Where To Smoke, following the Covid-19 pandemic. We aim to provide an insider’s guide to some of the most famed and sought-after cigar lounges, rooms and terraces to enjoy Cuban Cigars. Opened in 2019, we recently visited Oscuro at The Arts Club in London to speak to, and share a cigar with, none other than Giuliano Santilli. Others from this series include: Annabel’s, Corinthia Hotel’s Garden Lounge, The Hari Bar & Garden Terrace, The Lanesborough, and The Ritz Cigar Lounge.

Considering just how primely located Oscuro is, you’d be forgiven for never having yet visited. The cigar lounge — located on the second floor of The Arts Club — opened in 2019 and was hampered by Covid-19 which subsequently closed the city down for the better part of a year. Whilst firmly on our list of places to visit, the pandemic meant that it was only towards the tail end of 2021 were we finally able to experience the lounge in all its beautifully-detailed glory.

Designed by Joyce Wang, the Oscuro cigar lounge pays homage to Havana, from the colour schemes of the decor and the music selection, to the tobacco leaves emblazoned on the tables and, of course, the incredible selection of Cuban cigars and accompanying drinks available for guests to enjoy at their leisure. For over a century, the world’s finest and most distinguished luminaries held conversation whilst enjoying hand-rolled Cuban cigars, with the club itself being established in 1863. In order to continue the long-held legacy and tradition, the team behind Oscuro has had to focus only on ensuring every possible element is of the highest order. 

 Details of the Oscuro bar, located on the second floor of The Arts Club

“CIGAR SMOKING IS A PASSION THAT CAN BREAK BARRIERS”

THE HUMIDOR - It’s hard not to notice this masterpiece of a humidor the moment you walk in. An Italian design, the main purpose of the walk-in humidor is to maintain ideal humidity and temperature for the most incredible selection of Cuban cigars, spanning limited and regional editions, pre-Castro and pre-Revolution. 23 out of 27 Cuban brands are currently stocked, with prices ranging from £20 to thousands of pounds per stick. “We have a cigar for every palette, and every pocket,” says The Arts Club’s cigar sommelier and Oscuro manager, Giuliano Santilli. 

 Cigars ready for guests within the stunning walk-in humidor at Oscuro

“We have on a daily basis new products coming from pre-Revolution as well as latest releases, and even original Cuban Davidoffs.” Another recent addition, placed front and centre, is the Hunters & Frankau House Reserve Series 1790 humidor. Only thirty of these humidors were produced, all of which are signed by the legendary Jemma Freeman and feature the finest regional editions between 2005 and 2017, from brands including Bolivár, Ramon Allónes, Por Larrañaga, El Rey del Mundo and more. What’s also impressive is the quality craftsmanship of the humidor itself. Considering there’s a bottle of Yamazaki 55 on display next to it (if you’re lucky enough to acquire a bottle of this single malt, it will set you back just over £700,000), the fact that the Hunters & Frankau humidor is what most will notice first, makes the whole experience all the more incredible. 

 The Hunters & Frankau humidor, and the Yamazaki 55 Year Old Single Malt

“A SMALL SELECTION OF VERY HARD-TO-SOURCE BOTTLES”

THE BAR - In addition to the marquee 55, the Oscuro bar is stocked with a small selection of very hard to source bottles stocked at the bar including the Macallan 30 Years, Hibiki 30 Years and a yet-to-be opened vintage Karuizawa from 1967. The bottles are often made in limited quantity, so once they’re gone, a new bottle — equally rich in heritage and reputation — will take its place. Quite often, a bar would play second fiddle to the cigar humidor, but this is certainly not the case here. In fact, as a whisky fan, I’d implore you to visit the bar even if you have no interest in smoking, such is the phenomenal assortment of fine spirits and vintage wines. As Santilli puts it, “it’s a small collection, but premium - we’d say only top shelf.” Completing the line up are the heavy hitters and usual suspects including Beluga vodka and LOUIS XIII cognac, and behind the beautiful bottles is a unique Carrara marble slab imported especially from Italy.

A closer look at Oscuro's bar, which is worth a visit for its selection alone 

“ A GREAT FACILITY TO BUILD YOUR COLLECTION”

UNRIVALLED HOSPITALITY - Most cigar lounges would typically end there. However, hospitality is at the forefront of Oscuro’s game plan, with their ambition to be the number one destination for cigar smoking. One hundred lockers are available for members to store their personal cigars and spirits. 75% of these compartments are dedicated to cigars, being temperature and humidity controlled. If there’s a particular bottle of whisky a member enjoys but rarely gets to have due to travel and other commitments, they can simply have it stored to enjoy upon their return to the lounge. A bona fide one-stop shop, what more could one ask for?

The compartments at Oscuro which are perfect for storing cigars and spirits; Giuliano Santilli, The Arts Club’s cigar sommelier and Oscuro manager