London's Oldest Cigar Shop Sees Rise in Non-Cigarette Smokers

James J. Fox, London's oldest cigar shop, has been a fixture on St. James's Street since the 1780s, and it's experiencing a notable shift in its clientele. The shop, located near Piccadilly, offers a traditional club atmosphere where patrons can enjoy cigars on plush Chesterfield sofas.

This change reflects a broader trend in Britain: the number of people smoking tobacco products other than cigarettes has quintupled in the past ten years, according to University College London researchers. While cigarette smoking declines, other forms of tobacco consumption are on the rise.

Shop manager Tazminah Edoo notes a significant increase in customers from China, including tourists and business travelers, in recent years. This influx of international visitors contributes to the shop's evolving customer base, blending traditional British clientele with a growing global presence.