a rare run ashore

[Stick]

I've just got back from trip to see my folks in Devon and took the opportunity to visit a rarity in the UK; a quality tobacconist that happens to be in my home town of Exeter. Established in 1880, McGahey's has a long established reputation and even survived the blitz in May 1942. It's also one of the few surviving tobacconists who is a member of the Association of Independent Tobacconist Specialists. Our resident brother Kitobi has also swung by from time to time so I thought I'd share a pic:



Highly recommended for any UK brothers who may be in the area or of course our friends from across the pond who may be on their holidays. Splendid.

 

[Stick]

...yup, the pic's done that crazy drunken thing that I can't seem to edit, but you get the idea.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

1880? They have been around for a long time then! Wicked!

 

[monbla256]

Looks neat! Do they make their own blends or just sell tinned tobacco? :twisted:

 

[ftrplt]

I've heard of'em; even visited their website a few times. They have lots of stuff but say they can't ship to the US of A due to credit card restrictions. :?: :?: :cheers: FTRPLT

 

[alandadp]

Looks neat! Do they make their own blends or just sell tinned tobacco? :twisted:

They do sell loose tobacco but I think it's re-named blends rather than their own. For example, I would bet your house that their "Buckland Curlies" is actually Gawith Hoggarth Curly Cut.

Adam

 

[riff raff]

I love to see these old shops. Any pix of the interior?

 

[Brewdude]

Great find David. Hope you have some inside pics to share. Love those Olde Worlde tobacconists.

Been to a few myself I have, in London - Fox/Lewis on St. James St, and Shervingtons on High Holborn (which I understand is now closed - pity that).

Plus the not-as-old Davidoff shop and Alfred Dunhill (which apparently now does not sell pipes or tobacco. Bought my first Dunnie from them back in '01), not to mention Sautter of Mayfair. Plus a very small shop in York, quite near the Shambles. They had quite the selection of different flakes in glass jars that were intoxicating to smell!


Cheers,

RR

 

[Stick]

Looks neat! Do they make their own blends or just sell tinned tobacco? :twisted:

They do sell loose tobacco but I think it's re-named blends rather than their own. For example, I would bet your house that their "Buckland Curlies" is actually Gawith Hoggarth Curly Cut.

Adam

Yes, I think you're on the button there Adam.

Rather cleverly, all the loose blends are named after a prominent places on Dartmoor, giving that local and somewhat exclusive appeal. However, I too suspect that they are just renamed from the more familiar makers. Another example to Adam's would be their Marytavy Nougat; PS's or similar me thinks. Still, it's great little shop that seems to be defying all the odds to survive against the recent bout of tobacco legislations and as a local (that has now moved away) I'm more than happy to support them when I'm passing.

Here's a little sneak peak inside by the proprietor, Martin McGahey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC2XRahqW_k

 

[Old Nate]

That's a great looking little shop! Love it!

 

[AJ]

I'd love the opportunity to cross the pond and visit all of the old tobacco shops in the UK. I'm afraid that's one item on my bucket list that isn't going to get crossed off but looking at the pics and videos gives me an idea of how great it would be.

AJ

 

[monbla256]

The video was good of his shop!! Lot's of goodies in there !! Just wish I could understand his "English" :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 

[Brewdude]

Tried to play this vid several times, but after like 5 seconds it stops and tells me an error has occurred! :scratch:


Cheers?

RR

 

[Old Nate]

I'd love the opportunity to cross the pond and visit all of the old tobacco shops in the UK. I'm afraid that's one item on my bucket list that isn't going to get crossed off but looking at the pics and videos gives me an idea of how great it would be.

AJ

AJ, i couldn't agree more! You have a great attitude on this, sometimes just seeing something or knowing its there is all we need to fulfill a dream or two.

 

[AJ]

AJ, i couldn't agree more! You have a great attitude on this, sometimes just seeing something or knowing its there is all we need to fulfill a dream or two.

To be so young and from a generation that I have very little confidence in I've discerned that you seem to have your head screwed down pretty tight. I like the way you think so maybe there is some hope for your generation after all. I also appreciate your kind comments.  

AJ

 

[kitobi]

tis a fine establishment but a bit tiny to while away the time looking for blends etc, more than 2 people in there and its full lol.

heading the other way on Monday as I have a rare day off on Monday for the bank holiday.

heading into deepest darkest cornwall, just gotta remember not to drink the water or look anyone in the eye