The new Behike Cohiba cigar, Hunter & Frankau's latest import from Cuba, hit London last month. This new limited edition comes in three sizes, the largest of which retails at Edward Sahakian's Davidoff shop on Jermyn Street for £47. As supplies of the smaller sizes are almost sold out, some judicious bets are needed to cover this essential expense.

Les Ambassadeurs casino on Hyde Park corner is the natural venue for such speculation. The reason for this is that there is an outdoor gaming area. For all the quaintness of the Ritz Club's Italian gardens, you do have to step away from the tables for a spark-up. At Les A's, you can remain in situ, especially important when a winning streak is stretching out ahead.

The Milroy restaurant, which is attached to the casino is now open to all at lunch time. Of course, if you have come to make money at the tables for reinvestment in tobacco you might, with the expense in mind, hesitate to break bread there. That would be a mistake. The menu will prep your palate for any subsequent smoke and the set menus - of the highest quality - are a steal, complemented well with a wine list that fits all. The attached terrace above the open-air gambling area offers uplifting views of London. And, of course, the chance to smoke ahead of taking your chances. If you are lucky, have a Behike Cohiba there.