Around The World In 80 Cigars - The Podcast

This is a powerful pod. Nick’s guest this week is the mighty Charlie Hodson; lover of all things Norfolk; huge supporter of the hospitality sector; Chef; former publican and sailor among his many hats. During lockdown, he has opened a fantastic new cheese shop and deli in Aylsham, Norfolk, but just as he was about to open the doors on his dream, he was diagnosed with cancer. Should he abandon his dreams? Not Charlie. He just got cracking. He tells us hs remarkable tale, as well as how he dragged himself back from the lowest possible point in his life. There is also talk of a chilly seaside dunking off Wells-Next-The Sea, chatting to Pierre Koffmann, sausage rolls – and plenty more besides. Happy Friday, Folks!

Today's episode reveals the story of a remarkably resilient English lady who packed her bags, took her kids out of school and headed for rural France many moons ago. It's an dream many of us have had; but not many of us have had the bottle to make a reality. Living in splendid isolation in the shadow of the Pyrenees, Amanda Garnham has carved out a life as a trusted and respected expert on the wonderful world of beautiful French brandy, Armagnac, and she chats to Nick about those early years; about learning France's idiosyncratic way of doing things; of discovering the ancient lore of this evocative spirit that so embodies the lives of those who live and work in Gascony; and about how, in the end, a love of craftsmanship, tradition, wisdom, a thorough understanding and appreciation of the land they live on and a tangible link to the work of their ancestors is what gives residents of miraculous little corner of the world such fulfilled lives. Happy Friday, folks.

Pep Williams is a lovely bloke. And a rather cool dude, too. In this week’s episode, the world-famous professional skateboarder, now a world-famous fine art photographer, talks Nick Hammond through his life and experiences. The pair first met in Havana for a fun-filled week of great cigars and late-night stories and this intimate chat is a must-listen; Pep tells of the crazy life of a teenage skateboarder who hails from the city of Angels; about how he managed to avoid some of the many pitfalls his contemporaries stumbled into; and how he blagged his way into photography and directing music videos. He’s not blagging now – Pep’s latest artwork is for sale for a cool $1.4 million. In a fascinating chat, Pep also reveals how he smashed his own glass ceiling – and took himself into those stratospheric commercial levels. Happy Friday, folks.

 

This week's guest will need little introduction to millions of fans around the world. He burst onto the hugely popular snooker scene in the late 80's; a rail-thin, gawky Scottish kid who took on all comers and had no fear. Within a few short years, he stood above them all, a formidable opponent with an iron will. He went on to win no less than seven World Championship titles and held the world number one spot for a record nine years. He joins Nick inbetween commentary sessions on the latest lockdown tournament in Milton Keynes to describe this tumultuous early time in his life; how the red tops tried to trick him; how he was happy to shy away from being pally pally with other players; how he slipped seamlessly from renowned player to a pool ambassador, criss-crossing China; and of how he likes to relax with a good cigar at the end of the day. Happy Friday, folks.

In this episode, during a brief raid into London during the Summer, Nick talks to Matthew Rivett, Secretary of one of the world's most prestigious Private Members' Clubs, the Oriental. Matthew tells of the difficulties facing a Members' Club which can't open to its Members; the quick thinking which has resulted in the incredibly successful Oriental Club Curry Express, which is currently delivering hundreds of grade A curries around the United Kingdom, direct from the Club kitchens (now available to non-Members). There's a ghost story or two, tales of walking the eerily quiet corridors of Stratford House during lockdown, what makes a gloriously-traditioned yet pioneering Club and what it takes to become a Member of the Club first founded by the Duke of Wellington. Happy New Year, folks.

We’re back! Throw another mince pie on the fire, munch on a log and flick the v’s to 2020 – Around The World in 80 Cigars – The Podcast is back. We kicked off in Spring 2020 with Jimmy McGhee of Hunters & Frankau – and he’s back by popular demand for the first episode of Season 2. Over mystery background beeping, religious zealots knocking on his door, two tiny excited dogs, a Quai D’Orsay Senadores and a H Upmann Half Corona, Jimmy talks to Nick about going lockdown loco – and what the future holds. An off-the-cuff, cigar-laden chat ensues. Happy Christmas, folks.

We're back! Well, almost. Your emails have been flooding in to tell us how you've missed Nick's dulcet tones (or something like that) and so we're busy collecting, curating, recording, polishing, coveting and admiring a whole new Season of curiosities for the adventurous souls among you. In the meantime, here's a quick catch up with what Nick has been doing - and a reminder of what you're missing with a nostalgic look back at some of the wonders of Season 1...

It's the Season 1 grand finale! Mitchell Orchant runs the UK's biggest online retailer, as well as a string of fantastic cigar shops in London and the north of the UK and tells Nick of the business' embryonic days, of humble beginnings, of more than 100 visits to Havana, about building a brand, pushing boundaries, welcoming beginners, setting trends and beating the dreaded Corona. The episode brings to a close the opening season of the pod, as Nick retires to a darkened room and gibbers about bandwidth and sound proofing. Subscribe to keep abreast of the news and we'll see you on the others side with a brand new Season 2. Until then - Happy Friday! jnoW8GsewHtOsHY6pktA

One of the most requested interviews is finally here. In the first post-Covid 'Outside Broadcast,' Nick meets the legendary Sahakian father and son team in their delightful store on the corner of St James's Street and Jermyn Street. Here, before the shop opens for the day, and over the newly-released Limited Edition Ramon Allones Allones No.2, the trio hold a lovely, warm discussion on life, love, ethics and morals, fun, laughter, great cigars and familial loyalty among much, much more. Happy Friday, folks!

Fresh from his shop in Savile Row, master tailor Steven Hitchcock talks to Nick about learning how to make bespoke suits over the last 30 years; about rubbing shoulders with the great and the good; about his first suit; the multiple benefits of a bespoke garment; establishing a rapport with your cutter; trunk shows across America; about a pre-breakfast measure up of HRH The Prince of Wales; THAT Vicuña overcoat; the construction of a gentleman's wardrobe - and carp fishing. Happy Friday, folks!