Liverpool city centre cigar and whisky lounge where smokers are most definitely welcome

A famous city specialist tobacconist is hoping to significantly expand its Liverpool city centre operation... and give customers the chance to smoke on the premisies. Turmeaus Tobacconist, which already has two shops in Fenwick Street, has acquired the commercial premises at The Albany in Old Hall Street and has applied for permission to open what it calls "the largest specialist tobacconist in the UK". The premises would include a walk in humidor for premium cigars, a pipe and pipe tobacco room, a whisky room and whisky lounge, two cigar sampling lounges, and a smokers accessories room. The development is intended to be in two phases. The first would be made up of a retail cigar shop, whisky shop and cigar sampling lounge.

This would followed by the opening of a whisky lounge and a late night cigar sampling lounge. The whisky lounge would be open until 11pm and would also offer a food menu and live music. The site would not be covered by the smoking ban because of it's specialist nature, which means customers are allowed to sample cigars on the premises. If the proposal went ahead, it would be the only retail cigar shop and lounge in the UK which stayed open until 11pm.

The application has been made by CGars Ltd, an independent family owed business and the UK's largest specialist cigar merchant. Managing director Mitchell Orchant said: "Turmeaus at The Albany will be the largest specialist cigar and tobacco retail shop in the UK. "It will be a one stop destination for the cigar and pipe smoker as well as whisky aficionados in the UK. There will be experienced staff who are happy to advise and sampling facilities to help the customer make informed purchase decisions. "We have a huge client base in and around Liverpool and the additional location and facilities at The Albany will be warmly welcomed by our loyal clientele. "It is in a very up and coming location with easy parking and great hotels and restaurants around so we think it's perfect for our business."

Turmeaus Tobacconist was first established in Liverpool in 1817, and currently operates two shops on either side of the Corn Exchange office block in Fenwick Street. If planning permission is granted, the new site on the ground floor of The Albany building is due to open later this year. As well as Liverpool, the tobacconist has outlets in Chester, London's Mayfair and Norfolk.