Meet the Team
C.Gars Ltd is the best place to buy your cigars online, so meet the people who make it all happen!
A Message from Mitchell, our Founder
A warm welcome to C.Gars Ltd, the largest specialist premium cigar merchant in the UK.
I believe we have the largest range and stocks of cigars, humidors and all smokers accessories in the UK as well as more cigar shops in the UK than anyone else.
Guaranteed best prices, rapid mail order service to your home or office and guaranteed best service 24 hours a day - every day of the year.
Turmeaus is a family owned business with 130 members of staff in our retail, mail order and marketing teams. We are part of the Dominique London group with shops throughout the UK, Belgium, Switzerland and The Canary Islands.
I personally guarantee my customers the best possible cigar shopping experience whether online or in one of
our
Cigar Shops throughout the UK.
I can always be contacted personally at [email protected]
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Ron Morrison
President
Ron was previously the CEO of Robert Graham Ltd; award winning independent bottler and whisky & cigar specialists in Scotland. He also Co-Founded the best-selling Inca Secret Blend cigar brand.
With a background as a food and beverage specialist, Ron's new brainchild is the Puffin' Rooms; a swanky jazz lounge in Liverpool, reminiscent of a 1920's gangster speak-easy, complete with an unbelievable selection of the finest drinks, sumptuous food and mouth-watering Cuban and new world cigars. This will be one of the top spots to visit for those that like the finer things in life.
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Mitchell Orchant
Founder, Director and Aged & Rare Cigar Specialist
It all started way back when I was 15 and snagged a cigar from my Fathers humidor!
Cigars were not strange to me as both of my Grandfathers smoked cigars and my Father is rarely seen without a Montecristo No. 2 on the go.
With the assistance of my co-Director, Laura Bitters, I created the first cigar website on the internet in the UK in 1993.
My daily rotation includes cigars including Partagas SD No. 4, Bolivar Belicosos and Montecristo No. 2 but I also love smoking UK regional edition Havana's which I believe are some of the best blended Havana cigars ever made.
I'm based at our London offices but spend half the year travelling to see clients all over the world as well as visiting our
retail cigar shops.
I have been awarded the Silver Chaveta by Hunters & Frankau for outstanding contribution to the cigar trade as well as published a limited edition book about my collection of original photographs from Cuba, 'Once Upon a Time in Cuba'
My specialist subject is Aged & Rare Havana cigars which we buy and sell throughout the year.
We also hold Online and Offline
Vintage Cigar Auctions throughout the year.
I created the best selling
Inka - Secret Blend brand of Peruvian cigars which is the most exciting cigar project I have ever had the privilege to work on.
I have visited Cuba more times than any UK cigar merchant that I am aware of and have attended almost every cigar Festival.
It's my pleasure to be your cigar merchant.
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Karyn Orchant
Karyn joined C.Gars Ltd (and married Mitchell!) in 2006, initially working part time in the business as Mitchells P.A. and subsequently full time in the Events and Customer service team. Whilst Karyn is not a cigar smoker she appreciates the aroma of fine Havana cigars which she tells us reminds her of happy memories of her late grandfather. Karyn is well known to many of our international clients as she has met many of them at cigar dinners and herfs all over the world. Karyn has visited Havana and enjoyed a factory tour at the La Corona factory and a road trip to Vinales which she enjoyed immensely. A familiar and friendly face at all of our cigar auctions since 2009 as well as at our Turmeaus over the Christmas season every year. For C.Gars event details Karyn can be contacted at [email protected]
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Laura Bitters
Director of Ecommerce
Heading up our Ecommerce Department and responsible for our websites which is an on-going development as we constantly update and improve features and functionality to bring our customers the best online shopping experience possible. We are now on version 12 of our website. Always totally designed in house so hopefully we've retained a very personal feel to the design and tried to steer clear of flashy graphics and slow downloads! My aim was to make it user friendly and easy for ordering, packed full of content and information and avoiding a heavy sales pitch! (which has never been our style). I'm based in our Norfolk offices where we have a beautiful sampling lounge and fantastic range of pipe tobacco, so be sure to pop in if you are ever in the vicinity.
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Michelle Adler
General Manager
I am responsible for just about Everything and everyone at C.Gars Ltd! I head up the Sales Team and
am based at our London offices. I was trained at Hunters & Frankau Cigar School and have visited Cuba a number of times to get a better understanding of the cigar industry.
I am also the photography buff,
new products decision maker, cigar smoker, Man Friday and problem solver for the M.D.
Need I say more!
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Paul Hindmarch
Brands Director
I joined the C.Gars team in 2016 and my role since has been varied and incorporates many different aspects of the organisation. This includes vendor management across both Premium Cigars and Spirits, Brand & Product management of Snowdonia Distillery, oversight & compliance of our bonded facilities and Special Project Management.
With 20+ years involved in the Premium Cigars & Spirits industry, I have been fortunate to travel and meet many of the industry leaders and work to share not only their passion but my own for these fine products that we put to the market.
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Luiz Murano
Vintage Havana cigar specialist / Master of Habanos
With many years experience in the private/retail industry of premium cigars and a Masters of Habanos it is my pleasure to bring this expertise to C.Gars Ltd.
My time in the industry of luxury private members clubs and fine tobacco has taught me a lot in creating an extravagant yet educational environment. With C.Gars Ltd pushing more towards a luxurious landscape, I will be spearheading this operation across our stores in the UK and Europe. Instilling the mastery that I have learnt over the years to all locations in the company.
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Roy Price
Manager - La Casa del Habano and Turmeaus Tobacconist Chester
Roy has been a member the Management team since 2016 but has been a Turmeaus and C.Gars customer for over 20 years. It was in fact in our Chester shop where Roy bought his first cigar and his love affair with Cigars began. Roy is the dedicated store manager of our Chester La Casa del Habano store and our Turmeaus Tobacconist situated next door, the stores offer an unparalleled selection of both Cuban cigars, New world cigars, and premium spirits.
Over the last 20 years, Roy has developed an extensive knowledge of the world of cigars and is passionate about the art of pairing alcohol and cigars.
Some of Roy's favourite Cuban cigars include the Partagas Serie P no 2 and the LCDH H.Upmann Royal Robusto, along with many others!
Roy's favourite new world cigars include the Regius Serie Limitada Wide Churchill, A.J. Fernandez New World Dorado Robusto, and his current favourite is the Davidoff Orchant Seleccion Liverpool Edition Toro.
Roy is also responsible for the safety and security of everything and everyone at CGARS Ltd, Roy has a keen eye for detail and helps ensure our shops work to the highest possible operating standards a nd our staff provide the best possible customer service.
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Sara Mckinnon
Turmeaus Retail Operations Manager for Turmeaus Stores across the UK
Sara, the Retail Operations Manager for Turmeaus stores across the UK, joined with the C.Gars and Turmeaus Tobacconist at the end of 2014 and has very quickly become a fantastic addition to the team.
Sara lives to find the perfect pairing of alcohol and cigars but her tipple of choice has always been Champagne!
Sara is loving trying the selection of New-World and Cuban cigars but lately Sara has enjoyed smoking the new Orchant Seleccion line of Oliva cigars, who could ask for a better introduction into the cigar world?
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Raluca Maroiu
Store Manager Liverpool - Spirits Specialist
Raluca joined the CGars team in 2016 and currently serves as both the Spirits Specialist and the Store Manager at our Liverpool location. With a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind premium cigars and spirits, she is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and expertise.
Passionate about the intricate details of both cigars and whisky, Raluca is always available to assist customers with inquiries, ensuring a personalised and exceptional experience for every guest.
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Yeni Momblan Lugo
Edinburgh Humidor and Hospitality Manager
As a Cuban native, my love for cigars began at the age of 19 with my first Montecristo Edmundo on a beautiful Cuban beach. However, my passion for in-depth knowledge about tobacco, cultivation regions, and the overall sensory experience of cigar smoking truly ignited during my journalism master's studies in Spain.
In 2024, I was delighted to join C.Gars Ltd as the Humidor and Hospitality Manager at La Casa del Habano in Edinburgh. While I deeply appreciate Cuban cigars, I am also a fervent admirer and enjoyer of cigars from all regions.
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Dante Gabilo
The City Store Manager
Joining in 2021, learning and experiencing every facet of the Cigar, Spirits and hospitality industry at C.Gars Ltd has been a constant. Beginning my career at the flagship store in St James at its opening allowed me an advanced level of business and operations insight which steadily evolves everyday as the company expands.
During my time in the company I have managed our London branches, represented C.Gars throughout the U.K/around the world, had the privilidge to train colleagues, open new retail locations and received a Master of Havana Cigars from Hunters & Frankau.
My Mentors are all on this roster and also includes everyone that I have ever met or communicated with throughout my time in the industry. You can find me and some of these wonderful people at our St James, Mayfair and Lime Street locations! Feel free to visit us and our stores across the U.K and Europe.
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Karolina Cisnaj
Mayfair Store Manager
I joined C.Gars Ltd in 2016 and have since proudly transitioned from the online and fulfillment team to Shop Manager at Turmeaus Mayfair.
With a passion for premium cigars, I ensure the shop is exceptionally well-stocked with a wide variety of Cuban and New World cigars, as well as quality pipe tobacco.
Committed to providing friendly, knowledgeable service, I strive to create a genuinely welcoming atmosphere for all our lovely customers. Outside of work, I enjoy sharing insights about cigar culture with fellow enthusiasts.
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Maisie Kelly
Leeds Store Manager
I joined C.Gars in 2023 as a Retail Assistant and quickly developed a deep passion for both speciality cigars and whisky. With a strong desire to expand my knowledge and provide the best possible service to my customers, I worked my way up to the role of Manager in our Leeds branch.
I am continuously striving to learn and grow in the world of whisky and cigars and I am committed to offering an exceptional experience for each customer, ensuring that every visit is both educational and enjoyable.
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Imogen Wright
Whisky Stock Liaison
Based in our Norfolk office, I joined C.Gars in 2015. I started my journey at C.Gars off as an apprentice who did anything from listing new items onto our website, picking and packing, to dispatching and overseeing orders. Seven years on, I now oversee and manage stock levels of our entire range of spirits both online and in store as well as ensuring any and all new products are made available for our customers to purchase as soon as we receive them.
At C.Gars, one day can very much differ from the next. From overseeing spirits, the next day I could be lending a hand with our orders team, helping out our mail order team or even making up whisky miniatures! Not one day is the same and that's what I love about working here, and who gets to say they work with cigars and whisky every day?!"
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Lewis Hearn
Content Creator
Starting in 2019 as an apprentice, I worked in various departments, from the orders team to marketing. I enjoy creating fun and engaging content for you all to enjoy via our YouTube channel, hosting tasting events at our Norfolk location and getting to meet so many wonderful people!
In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, practising Muay Thai and meeting up with friends.
My favourite cigar is currently the Tabernacle David by Foundation Cigars, and I love to pair it with a latte.
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Billy-Jay Elton-Petts
Cigar Ambassador
I started as an apprentice in June 2020 where I started as part of the packing team. During my time here I have gained a lot of knowledge of the business and I am now the Humidor Supervisor at our Norfolk store. I also get involved in marketing and run our cgarsplus page on Instagram.
I always look forward to meeting our loyal customers when hosting our amazing sampling events, so come along and meet me!
My current favourite cigar is the Davidoff Winston Churchill - The Late hour Churchill.
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Oliver Partington
Norfolk Retail and Sales Executive
I started in November 2019 picking and packing orders and was an occasional retail assistant on weekends. I didn't know anything about cigars when I first started, I used to spend countless hours in the humidor reading about them and trying to gain knowledge and expertise. When the opportunity arose for me to move into the shop I grasped it with both hands ready to learn more and share my expertise with customers. I also use my knowledge to write the articles for our cigar library. Come and visit me in the Norfolk shop, I have time for everyone :D
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Kim Moy
Orders Manager
I joined CGars in 2020 as a Customer Care Assistant and was later given the opportunity to change roles and became the Orders Manager which involves dealing with online orders and liaising with all the shops to make sure these are all shipped as efficiently as possible. So if you've ever ordered online there's a chance I've come across it! :)
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Sharon Foreman
Norfolk Retail Assistant
Sharon started with us in 2021 as a mail order administrator which she enjoyed massively, however when the opportunity to become part of our retail team came up, she was happy to take the step into working a more customer facing role. Sharon now works daily as a retail assistant alongside Oliver and is loving her new position!
Sharon has also joined Billy & Lewis as another host of our Norfolk sampling events where she loves to meet new people... Why not come along and meet her?
Again, be sure to keep a look out for Sharon when you next pop in to our store, I'm sure she would love to see you!
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Hayley Hooker
Customer Service Manager
I started with C.Gars in early 2019, based in our Norfolk branch as a Customer Care Advisor and helping in the mail order department. I now head up the Customer Care team and deal with all enquiries whether that be by email, phone or live chat.
Throughout my time with C.Gars I have developed a great deal of knowledge in the world of cigars, tobacco and spirits, so if you need anything at all we hope you will get in touch and myself and our friendly team will be happy to help!
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For more information on our shops and locations, click here.
