One of my favorite stops in London is the iconic Connaught hotel which is near the U.S. embassy. I remember the first time I stayed at the hotel as I decided to walk down the wide staircase rather than take the elevator. The beautiful woodwork and paneling was home to paintings which could have been comfortable at many museums. As I reached the ground floor, I noticed that all the males were well dressed and I immediately did an about face, rushed up the stairs and donned a sport coat and tie. To this day when in London, I take care to dress a step above the herd to better immerse myself in the feel of the city and its history.
Recently, I was pleased to find that the long-awaited cigar lounge has been opened in the hotel. Years ago, one could go to the Coburg Bar, have a cigar, and discuss with the excellent staff the various whiskeys, scotches and other libations while imaging the time when some of the great statesmen of Great Britain enjoyed the same room. Then came the wonders of the anti-smoking campaign and an activity that had been perfectly reasonable was suddenly a threat to humanity. It was a victory in the war on men. Oh well, such is “progress”.
Entering the hotel, I asked for directions to the cigar lounge, and was taken to a door in one of the bars which opened onto a well-lit, comfortable room which had a fantastic wall size window which looked out onto the street. The choice of cigars was excellent with excellent Cubans at reasonable (for London and Cuban) prices. The drink menu was acceptable but unfortunately the standard British measure for alcohol was followed so I might suggest that you save time and order a double.
It was a joy to sit in a well cushioned chair and look out onto the street, even though the day was dry and cool. What fun it would be to be there when it was raining, and you could feel safely separated from the cold and damp! And, during the evening, it is amusing to walk by the window from the outside to view the chosen few who have found a refuge from the slings and arrows of an increasingly silly world.
In the end, that room gave me hope that there are still those individuals who remember and desire some of the romantic visions we may have of the past.
