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16 August 2009: Most of what follows was written some 10 years ago, but for the most part I think it is still accurate, with one key exception. Somewhere around June 2009, UK tobacconists no longer accept credit card purchases shipped to the United States.
There are a few work-arounds, such as wire transfer, but it is quite annoying and nowhere as convenient. So while I still enjoy ordering from James Barber, I'm also exploring a few other alternatives, such as ordering from Europe (apart from the UK). 27 September 2009: I tried an online store (in Spain) that accepts credit cards - e-Tobaccos - and was pleased by its rapid service. |
For any pipe smoker (of legal age, who's a responsible adult, etc., etc.) who has become a little curious about Condor, Ready Rubbed or Long Cut (the Mild is a somewhat recent addition and doesn't smoke anywhere close to the original), there are some resources for buying it direct from the U.K. An order from James Barber, on average, takes a little over a week to arrive here, on Long Island, New York.
The good news, for the folks of the web, is that a number of online tobacconists now have secure credit card ordering, including James Barber.
and Cigar Merchants
33 Kirkgate, Otley,
West Yorkshire LS21 3HN
UNITED KINGDOM
Fax: 011-44-194-346-8770
I've also received a friendly letter from Martin McGahey, of The Tobacconist, who sells Condor:
The Tobacconist
245 High Street
Exeter, Devon, EX4 3NZ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 011-44-1392-496111
Fax: 011-44-1392-496113
If you're not web-oriented, the traditional route by mail, phone, or fax works very well (information courtesy of K. R. Bailey, and note the international phone number is given -- hopefully -- with the U.S. format):
74 Charing Cross Road
London, WC2H 0BG
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 011-44-171-836-7422
Fax: 011-44-181-803-8887
19 St. James Street
London, SW1
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 011-44-171-493-9009
Another possible source is (courtesy of Terry Clark):
Captain Cutter House
Chapel Street
Penzance
Cornwall
UNITED KINGDOM
I placed an order with the first but made the mistake of telephoning Jame J. Fox before Christmas. Not the best time to try to order tobacco, but the people were pleasant.
If anyone has recent or additional news, please write to me know via my contact page.