Cool Places
The Bear Shop
12/14 Wyndham Arcade Cardiff CF10 1FJ
Officially called the Havana House, but more commonly known as the Bear thanks to the lifesize Grizzly beckoning in passersby from the shop window, this is one of the country’s oldest and finest tobacconists. Founded in 1870, its gorgeous mahogany shelves and bright glass cabinets are stacked high with specialist tobacco, luxury cigars (including Cuban limited editions and Cohiba Behikes), lighters, pipes and pouches. The shop also stocks a range of quality gentleman’s gifts, from grooming accessories and pocket watches to hip flasks and tankers. It’s charmingly staffed, too, which makes browsing here a delight.
