The Ambassador of Nicaragua, Guisell Morales-Echaverry, was in Harrogate on Friday night to congratulate a tobacconist for its sales of Nicaraguan cigars.
James Barber Tobacconist on Cold Bath Road sells over 100 different types of cigars from Nicaragua, which is a major cigar exporter with an industry worth $255m a year.
The unusual visit came about because this year Nicaragua is marking 200 years since Central America gained independence from the Spanish empire, so the country rewarded one of its top UK importers with a visit from its ambassador.
James Barber, the shop owner, said he felt “very honoured” to welcome her.
“Nicaragua makes very good cigars that compete with Cuba. Their construction of the cigars is fantastic.”
Read more:
- New energy plant to be built at major Harrogate district employer
- Harrogate nightlife institution Montey’s celebrates 25 years
Mr Barber said there was a booming trade in Harrogate for expensive cigars, with a Nicaraguan effort costing around £20.
Many people say cigars are an unhealthy and bad habit, but Mr Barber said they are “different from cigarettes”.
“You always get that, but you don’t inhale cigars and people tend to only smoke them on special occasions.”
Ms Morales-Echaverry attended a charity cigar-smoking event at Three’s A Crowd, with all money raised going to a charity of her choosing.
