At M.A.’s Smokehouse, you can not only purchase some of the world’s finest cigars, pipe tobacco and smoking accessories, but you can enjoy them in the company of fellow tobacco enthusiasts in one of three designated smoking lounges – two indoor rooms and one outdoor patio.
The idea of the smoking lounge hearkens back to the English Victorian era of the 1800’s, when houses were designed to have designated smoking rooms to keep the smoke and accompanying smells far away from the ruffles and frills of female Victorian life.
The rooms had their own distinctive décor, which included an excessive use of velvet – then thought to absorb the smell of smoke – for curtains, furniture and even smoking jackets. Despite the use of velvet, rooms took a masculine tone, with gun collections, leather-bound book volumes, various objects of interest and even Turkish décor, inspired by the Turkish tobacco smoked during the era.
After dinner, the women would retire to the drawing room for tea and conversation while the men would congregate in the smoking room. Pipes, cigars and cigarettes were the common bond among the men – a bond strengthened by lively political discussions, hunting tales and the occasional game of cards.
As the Victorian era eased into the 20th century, houses took on more modern designs and smoking rooms became a thing of the past.
But one thing that hasn’t changed since the Victorian era is the desire among smokers to gather together to socialize, play games, and watch sports. Smokers can do all of that and more at M.A.’s Smokehouse, which provides three areas for friends old and new to light up and share life.
“We’ve always had chairs for guys to sit in while they smoke,” said Buddy. “But we’ve taken the idea of a smoker’s lounge very seriously in our Pierremont location, which features an outdoor patio that seats 8-10, and two 10-seat indoor rooms with flat screen televisions and comfortable chairs and couches.”
Decorated with collectible tobacco-themed posters, the rooms also feature air purifiers and nearby restrooms. “The rooms often fill up for domino games, Saturday football games and even business meetings,” said Buddy.
Customers are invited to join their fellow tobacco users in the smoker’s rooms and patio, open daily to customers during regular store hours Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.