About Us

Our Story

 

Hello, I’m Sonal.   In 2011, my dad, Raj, and I opened our very first shop in Earl’s Court. Back then, we focused mostly on boutique wines and fine spirits, but over time our love for cigars began to grow… and grow. Before long, our humidor was taking centre stage and the shop became a true destination for cigar lovers.  Since then, we’ve opened two more shops in Gloucester Road and Old Brompton Road. They have a smaller range of cigars compared to Earl’s Court, but you’ll still find beautiful wines, spirits, accessories and, of course, a friendly face to help you choose the right smoke.

Why We Love What We Do

For me, cigars are all about the experience. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the most incredible cigar regions in the world – Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Mexico – and walk through the doors of legendary factories like Joya de Nicaragua, Padrón, Drew Estate, La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana and Casa Turrent. Meeting the makers, smelling the tobacco as it’s being rolled, and seeing the craftsmanship up close gave me a whole new appreciation for every single cigar we stock.

That’s why we started our Cigar Sampler of the Month – a hand-picked selection of cigars, so you can explore new flavours and styles without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like a mini cigar journey you can enjoy at home.

A Place You Can Feel at Home

If you’re new to cigars, you’ll never feel out of place here. I want our shops to be somewhere you can ask questions, learn, and discover what you like without any pressure. Whether you’re after something bold and intense or, like me, prefer a smooth, creamy cigar, we’ll help you find the perfect one.


So if you’re in the neighbourhood, pop in and say hello. Whether you’re picking up a bottle of wine, your favourite cigar, or just want to chat and learn more, you’ll always be welcome at The Smoking Jacket.


  • 2011

Sonal & Raj open The Smoking Jacket-Earls Court

The year is 2011 and Sonal had just graduated with a degree in Finance. She had a penchant for wine and was determined to not work a corporate job. Raj, Sonal's father, bought her a shop, and Sonal began working more hours in the shop than if she had just got a corporate job.

We had a mannequin called Henry, who wore a Vintage Austin Reed Smoking Jacket.

  • 2016

We opened two more stores - Gloucester Road and Old Brompton Road

Sonal and Raj worked very hard at learning the Wine and Spirits Industry as well as learning all about Cigars, an industry we were not experts in-yet.

  • 2019

Sonal visits New World Cigar Factories

Sonal dives head first into learning all she can about New World Cigars. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 Sonal was lucky enough to go on cigar tours to Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Mexico. She visited the factories and farms of Drew Estate, Joya de Nicaragua, Padron, La Flor Dominicana, La Aurora and Casa Turrent. They were experiences of a lifetime.

Here Sonal is rotating the "pilones" - bunches of tobacco, at the Padron Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

  • 2020

Covid hits and changes the way we live our lives. It also became the turning point in our business where we sold more cigars than alcohol and so we had a huge custom floor to ceiling humidor built and filled them to the brim with goodies!

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