Ladies Cigar Night At Ten Manchester

Now this is fairly unique, a ladies cigar night! Lussorian sent one of our writers, Rhiona, to investigate….

Its not often you receive an invite to a cigar lesson in these sobering smoking ban days, but then it`s not often you receive an invite to Ten Manchester street, a gorgeous Georgian townhouse hotel and one of Marylebone`s best kept secrets.

Run by a cigar enthusiast, it offers the boutique hotel experience complete with fine dining, cocktail master-classes and cigar lessons. On the 27th September they will be launching their first `Ladies Cigar Evening` so I went down for a sneak preview, keen to crack the code on what`s only ever been available at a boys club.

Hosted by Hunters and Frankau, hotel guests can enjoy a hand-rolled Havana specifically developed with the `female cigar connoisseur` in mind. In their cabinet of tobacco curiosities there are several to choose from including the favourites of Winston Churchill and Fidel Castro – so you know you`re in good company.

Upon selection you can sit out under the stars in their smartly furnished heated terrace with a cocktail of your choice (mine`s a bellini) and relax with friends before dinner. I loved it and now know what Bond was onto behind Money Penny`s back. If you want to move beyond bar snacks the restaurant offers a fusion of French and Spanish cuisine, you can follow in my footsteps and kick off your meal with the chef`s interpretation of traditional Gazpacho, served 3 ways and designed so that you can mix it to your preference.

Of course all the dishes on offer are beautifully presented and cooked to perfection (order the swordfish, it`s incredible) because attention to detail is Ten Manchester.

Take one of the 45 handsomely furnished suites for example: fresh flowers, bowls of fruit, early morning newspapers, `remote control drapes`, two flat screen TV`s (for him and her), walk in showers, aveda toiletries and the biggest, softest bed you`ll ever had the good fortune to sleep in. It`s a shame to have to ever leave really.

Those who fancy checking out the hotel might also want to attend one of the monthly cocktail making classes. I`ve been informed that each month will be themed by ingredient and brand, all will begin with a Champagne Reception accompanied by a delicious selection of canapés, include a brief overview of the history of cocktails and each participant will then be presented with a cocktail making certificate! You`ll walk away with a goodie bag and will be able to purchase a cocktail kits to continue mastering your skills at home.

For further information on the hotel, the cigar or cocktail classes and booking please visit tenmanchesterstreethotel.com or call 0207 3175 900.