This summer marked a truly historic moment for the UK cigar scene: the very first cigar festival of its kind, The Summertime Smoke. Co-hosted by Bright Leaf Distribution and Havana House, the event took place at the prestigious E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground in Buckinghamshire, offering a full day of premium cigars, masterclasses, food, drink, and community.
Unlike a regular cigar sampling event, The Summertime Smoke was a full-scale outdoor festival, inspired by major international gatherings such as The Big Smoke in the US.
“Summertime Smoke was designed to elevate the UK cigar experience — to connect people not just with the cigars, but with the stories and craftsmanship behind them,” said Paresh Patel, festival organiser. “Our teams’ dedication made that vision a reality.”
The Venue
Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground provided the perfect backdrop. While shooting took place elsewhere on the estate, the festival was centred around The Pavilion and The Sharpshooters Shed; relaxed, stylish spaces ideal for the UK’s first cigar festival of this size.
The grounds, which date back to 1891, offered a welcoming mix of tradition and open space, with outdoor seating, shaded marquees, and a buzzing festival atmosphere.
Cigar Exhibitors & Guests
We were proud to welcome an exceptional line-up of cigar makers, brand representatives, and industry figures from both the UK and abroad. Exhibitors included:
Abe Flores – PDR Cigars
Jeremy Casdagli – Casdagli Cigars
Thierry Farah – Chateau Diadem
George Frakes – Foundation Cigars / 1573 Cigars
Jose Manuel Blanco – La Galera
Rocky Patel – Rocky Patel
Chris Smith from Barker’s of Harrogate – Kristoff Cigars
Philipp Kugler – Cigar Kings
Romy & Fouad Kashouty – Hiram & Solomon
Dave Wright & Iain Robinson – Silencio
Becky Moss-Allison from Barker’s of Harrogate – Gurkha Cigars
Roy Sommer & Michal Pasternak – Davidoff Cigars / Plasencia Cigars
Lewis Seymour – Arturo Fuente
Emmanuel Diaz – Freud Cigars
Alongside the cigars, guests could explore accessories from S.T. Dupont and VSB Accessories, as well as discover the perfect cigar pairing with Takamaka Rum and Nikka Japanese Whisky.
The Experience
Each ticket included whisky and rum samples, BBQ and cigar masterclasses, as well as a festival pack containing exclusive offers, a 3D-printed cigar case, cutters, lighters, and five cigar cards. Guests used these cards to collect cigars directly from brand stands, encouraging meaningful conversations with the people behind the blends, and allowing guests to choose which cigars they’d love to try.
The festival began at midday, with guests welcomed to the Pavilion and given time to explore the exhibitor booths before joining masterclasses, tastings, and activities throughout the afternoon.
Cigar Masterclasses
A highlight of the day was the series of cigar and spirits masterclasses, held in The Sharpshooters Shed, a cosy lodge setting. Sessions included:
- Rocky Patel with Nikka Whisky
- George Frakes (1573 / Foundation Cigars) with Nikka Whisky
- Jose Manuel Blanco (La Galera) with Takamaka Rum
- Jeremy Casdagli (Casdagli Cigars) with Takamaka Rum
Each 45-minute session offered insights into the history, craft, and industry of cigars, as well as providing great pairings for cigars.
For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a closer look at some of the cigars and stories that made the masterclasses so memorable.
Rocky Patel – A Career Retrospective & Cigar Regulation Discussion
Rocky Patel shared his journey from lawyer to one of the world’s most influential cigar makers, explaining how he built his company to ensure consistent quality. His talk also covered the challenges of regulation in the US and Europe, and the legal battles that have helped protect premium cigars in America. This was particularly important to consider while we are currently facing the generational smoking ban.
Guests sampled the Rocky Patel White Label:
- Size: Robusto (5″ x 50)
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium
- Wrapper: Connecticut
George Frakes – The History of Cigars & Foundation’s Philosophy
George Frakes delivered a history-rich session, taking guests from the ancient Olmec cigar traditions through to Europe’s adoption of tobacco, and the cultural role of cigars in the UK from the 16th century onward. He also explored Foundation Cigars’ ethos of blending history, culture, and craftsmanship into their ranges.
Guests sampled the Olmec Robusto:
- Size: 5″ x 50
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Food & Drink
Midway through the afternoon, guests gathered for a BBQ buffet lunch, the perfect complement to an afternoon of cigars and conversation.
Extra Experiences
For those seeking extra experiences, the festival also offered:
- Clay shooting sessions with expert instructors.
- Live cigar rolling demonstrations from a Cuban Cigar Roller.
- Opportunities to meet retailers, lounge owners, and fellow cigar enthusiasts from across the UK.
A Community Gathering
The Summertime Smoke wasn’t just about cigars; it was about people. From passionate brand owners to retailers and everyday cigar lovers, the event created a unique space for the UK cigar community to come together and celebrate their shared passion!
Looking Ahead
For us at Havana House, co-hosting the UK’s first cigar festival alongside Bright Leaf Distribution was a proud and unforgettable moment. The success of The Summertime Smoke 2025 shows that the UK cigar community is not only thriving but hungry for more opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate.
We look forward to building on this momentum and hope to see The Summertime Smoke become an annual fixture on the cigar calendar. Until then, thank you to everyone who joined us, and we’ll see you at the next one!
