The Delage Room

Tucked within the distinguished walls of The Peninsula London, The Delage Room at Brooklands offers a rare pause in a city that rarely slows down. More than a cigar lounge, it feels like a sanctuary dedicated to ritual, craftsmanship, and quiet indulgence.
From the moment one steps inside, the atmosphere shifts the scent of cedarwood mingling with spice and the faint whisper of tobacco leaf, instantly signalling that this is a place designed for appreciation rather than haste.
The space draws its inspiration from the legendary Delage Grand Prix, the first car to triumph at the historic Brooklands racetrack in 1927, and that same spirit of precision and excellence echoes through every detail of the room. Designed by Archer Humphryes, the interiors are enveloped in dark stained walnut panelling, leather-lined walls and a dramatic coffered ceiling that evokes classic club elegance, while quietly integrating cutting-edge innovation. A sophisticated air purification system, engineered specifically for the hotel, ensures that every indulgence remains contained within the room, preserving the purity of the surrounding spaces a perfect balance of engineering and elegance.

At the heart of the experience is Manu Harit, one of the youngest ever Masters of Havana Cigars, a distinction he earned in 2016. Yet beyond the title, what truly defines Harit is his belief that cigars are deeply personal. With more than a decade of expertise, he and his team take the time to understand each guest their tastes, curiosities and even their hesitations guiding them through a world that extends far beyond expectation. While much of London’s cigar culture traditionally leans towards Cuban cigars, Harit expands the horizon with a thoughtfully curated selection that includes revered Cuban classics alongside refined New World cigars and rare European discoveries.

The humidor itself is a marvel, climate-controlled to perfection and home to more than 2,000 of the world’s finest cigars, each sourced, aged and presented at its peak smoking quality. For connoisseurs, it feels like a treasure trove; for newcomers, it becomes an education wrapped in luxury. Beneath the lounge lies another extraordinary feature the hidden Cigar Vault, believed to be the largest public cigar locker room in the world. Accessible via a dedicated lift, it houses 280 humidity-controlled lockers where collectors can store their prized cigars, creating a secret sanctuary reserved for those who understand that the finest things in life demand patience. In The Delage Room, every detail carries intention.

Cigars are presented on bespoke trays and opened using handcrafted Katana Samurai scissors, a subtle nod to ceremony and discipline. Even the ashtrays reflect extraordinary craftsmanship one design, inspired by the nose cone of the French Mystère IV aircraft, took three years to perfect and is hand-blown in pure crystal, transforming a simple accessory into collectible artistry. Service here is equally refined and anticipatory. Guests can order cigars in advance, enjoy priority access to new releases, house private collections and receive expert guidance on pairings and inventory management, all delivered with a quiet attentiveness that never intrudes. The beverage programme, curated by Florian Thireau, takes a distinctive approach that elevates the entire experience. Rather than matching drinks to flavour profiles, pairings are based on cigar strength, creating unexpectedly harmonious combinations. Sparkling wines rarely associated with cigars are served by the glass, inviting guests to explore new dimensions alongside traditional companions such as rum, cognac and whisky, as well as rare spirits and fine wines. Complementing this is a refined snack menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi, featuring indulgent yet elegant offerings such as Welsh rarebit, pork rillettes and leek tart with preserved black truffle dishes that enhance the experience without overwhelming it. Located in the heart of Belgravia, with views stretching toward Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Yet The Delage Room feels like a hidden chapter within it intimate, intentional and entirely unique. It is a place for conversations that matter, for deals quietly sealed and celebrations shared in hushed tones. Above all, it reminds us that true luxury is rarely loud. Instead, it is deliberate, deeply knowledgeable and unmistakably personal. And in The Delage Room, much like a perfectly aged cigar, time is meant to be savoured.