Edward Sahakian

Spear’s Review

Edward Sahakian settled in the UK when the Iranian Revolution made his home country unsafe (he had held the national franchise for Coca-Cola). At a loose end, he decided to open Davidoff’s first UK outlet after a lunch with his lawyer. Zino Davidoff gave his blessing, and Davidoff of London was born.

Now a serene and tutelary angel amid the buzz of the cigar shop and lounge, Sahakian no longer issues direct orders to the team, but is usually to be found in, or just outside, the store on St James’s, puffing on one of his many offerings and dispensing advice and wisdom.

His son Eddie took over as director of the store in 2012, sharing his fathers love of hand-rolled vintage cigars.