Tobacconists shop where 'secret' door leads to a 'fortress of solitude' for high rollers

SAMPLING LOUNGE FEATURES A HUMIDOR OF EXPENSIVE CIGARS AND SHELVES OF FINE WHISKY

- By OSCAR FISHER

A FAMILY is proudly continuing to trade as high street tobacconists, despite changing attitudes to smoking.

There was a time when every high street in the country would have at least one tobacconist, and Long Eaton was no different.

A man named Josiah Brown was the town's biggest tobacconist in the 19th century and operated a factory in West Gate for many years.

His business was a central part of the Erewash town for generations, but was saved from vanishing for good upon its closure in 2006, which is when local man Sonny Samra took over the Derby Road shop, renaming it Holmes Tobacconist.

Since then, Sonny, 58, moved to 61 Market Place, before relocating to his newest and most impressive home yet, at 57 Market Place, last spring.

Now, nearly a year later, the Post paid Sonny a visit to see what life is like for a tobacconist in 2026 and inside, we found a secret preserved only for the elite.

Maninder runs the front of house.

Maninder runs front of house, while Joshua focuses on events and the hidden “fortress of solitude,” as he describes it, to the rear.

The “fortress” is accessed via a secret door at the back of the shop, one which opens to the grand sampling room.

Inside, you'll find comfy chairs and tables dotted around the low-lit lounge, with calming music through the speakers and the faint smell of cigar smoke around the room - implying the ventilation system must be one of the best around.