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Two lucky Davids -
Lord's in the sunshine -
Women's International Cigar Club table -
The Long Room set for lunch
Lunch at Lord's: Fellowship and Fundraising
16th June 2026Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists' Annual Lunch
Open to all: please don’t miss this one next year!
I was thrilled to be invited to Lord's cricket ground on Tuesday 16 June for the annual lunch of the Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists (AITS), trade body for tobacco retailers across the UK and Ireland. This is a very special group of people in our industry who deserve our full support.
It’s many years since I last went to one of these epic events at the Home of Cricket, when I was working for one of the international tobacco companies, so it was marvellous to be back in my capacity as Master.
After a generous champagne reception in glorious sunshine in the Harris Garden, where the borders display plants from India, Pakistan and Australia, we were ushered into the iconic Long Room where we were welcomed by Paresh Patel, former Chairman of AITS and owner of Havana House. The view out to the historic cricket square was breath-taking, surrounded by empty white stands and overlooked by the famous press box, and the portraits of cricketing greats lining the walls prompted reminiscences about memorable innings and favourite players.
I was delighted to be hosted by Liveryman Sarah Saunders at her Women’s International Cigar Club table, where we were joined by Past Master Roger Merton and Honorary Freeman Jenny Merton, Liveryman and Benevolent Fund Trustee Judith Donovan, Liveryman David Smith, Freeman David Rosen, and Freeman Ricardo Carioni, visiting from Dominican Republic and also representing the Premium Cigar Association. Special guests were Emmanuel Lesur, whose company Bosquet creates beautiful bespoke leather cigar cases, and Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director of GroceryAid, which assumed responsibility for the Welfare Fund of our Benevolent Fund last year.
I also spotted Liveryman James Barber with his partner Rosalie, and Freeman Alex Tiley enjoying themselves. My apologies if you were there and I failed to find you – the Long Room was completely full and certainly noisy!
This lunch is a once-a-year opportunity for the dedicated men and women of the independent tobacco trade to come together, compare notes and enjoy one another's company in a very special place and with excellent food and wine. This year marked the 59th lunch, an impressive innings by any standard. For many years the event was organised by our own Past Master Roger Merton, who claims to have attended every single one of those 59 lunches. Given that Roger appears to have achieved iconic status at Lord's — he is allowed to park inside the hallowed gates — I am inclined to believe him!
It's a relaxed affair, and after the main course a break was called by Toastmaster Rodger Oatley (an ex-industry man himself), when many guests made their way back to the Harris Garden to enjoy a smoke in the afternoon sunshine.
The event raises significant funds for charity. One of the highlights was the presentation of a £14,000 cheque to Grocery Aid from AITS. The raffle was another crowd-pleaser, featuring some exceptionally generous prizes. Our table celebrated two winners, with both Davids proving to have the luck of a pair of well-placed slip fielders.
After a short thank-you speech by Carlos Espaillat, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London, lunch drew to a close and I made my way to Paddington for the journey home. Play continued long after I had left as many guests retired to the Lord's Tavern for the evening, just outside the Grace Gates.
As stumps were drawn on another memorable day, it is clear why this event has endured for nearly six decades. The AITS lunch remains a unique occasion for the UK tobacco industry to come together. In challenging times the opportunities it offers to strengthen friendships, renew contacts, enjoy genuine fellowship and share a cigar are more valuable than ever.
When the date for the 2027 lunch is announced, please make sure it is in your diary. It is an occasion not to be missed and our Company's presence is noticed and very welcome!
Lunch sponsors were BAT, JTI, Ritmeester, Hunters & Frankau, Dominique, Scandinavian Tobacco Group and Tabac World.