The UK's best-known cigar smoker took full advantage of a legal loophold which allows smoking at a handful of specialist tobacconists.

Only 29 premises in Britain have the licence and the Leeds legend, who buys his favourite smokes at James Barber's in Otley, was only too happy to try out his favourite cigar.

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Sir Jimmy, 81, said: "My favourite type is a free one. They stock amazing brands here from around the world. The best are from Havana. It is nice to be able to sit down in comfort and smoke a cigar here.

"It is most unusual to be able to smoke in a shop nowadays. The smoking ban has had a tremendous effect on some businesses, particularly on pubs."
Vehicles honked their horns as they passed the shop as Sir Jimmy posed for photographs at the family firm, which has traded since 1847.

James Barber, whose great grandfather Joseph founded the shop and whose daughters Lauren and Alicia now help out at on Saturdays, said: "Sir Jimmy is the most famous cigar smoker in Britain.


"We do have a few people who come and try out tobacco for pipes or cigars in our swivel chair. We get mail orders from around the world, even America.

"Our most expensive cigar is the Montecristo A, which sell for £38 each or for up to £3,000 a case.

The tobacconist has just moved round the corner from Kirkgate to Westgate.

Its special licence is issued through the Department of Health states, 'If a business's trade is more than 50 per cent cigar and tobacco goods, they can have an area where smoking is permitted, though cigarettes are not allowed'.