Chef leaning against bright orange and yellow storefront window.

Another star studded celebration at Boisdale


Last night I was back at Boisdale of Canary Wharf photographing the 2025 Boisdale Cigar Awards — and honestly, it’s one of the most enjoyable events I shoot all year.


Formally known as the Santa Rita Boisdale Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards, it’s a proper black-tie affair with a Champagne reception, dinner, live music and, of course, a steady flow of cigars. There’s always a real buzz in the room, but what makes this night special is that unmistakable Boisdale vibe — relaxed, glamorous and full of personality. The whole evening was presented by Tom Parker Bowles, who set the tone perfectly.


The guest list was as lively as ever, with familiar faces including Fern McCann, Lawrence Dallaglio, David Haye and Randolph Churchill all in attendance. It’s always great working in a room where everyone feels up for it — laughs come easily, the energy stays high, and it makes for brilliant, natural photographs.

The awards celebrate the world of cigars and the wider culture around it, with categories ranging from Cigar Smoker of the Year and Cigar Producer of the Year, through to Musician, Sportsperson and Lifetime Achievement. The night was brilliantly supported by sponsors including Santa Rita, Xerjoff, Penn Croft Winery, Tomintoul Whisky and Innis & Gunn Beer.


Entertainment was a real highlight, with an outstanding performance from Stephen Triffitt as Frank Sinatra, and a high-energy piano set from Ladyva that lifted the room even further. As ever, Boisdale pulled off a fantastic night — polished but never stuffy, and always great fun to photograph. Already looking forward to the next one.

Close-up of hands resting on dark hexagonal tiled floor.
Group of people pose together at an event with purple backdrop featuring CGars and Artis & Gunn logos.
A group of people in formal attire sit at a bar and raise their glasses in a celebratory toast.
Guests pose against a purple step-and-repeat banner wall featuring luxury brand logos at an upscale event.
Event attendees gather in front of a branded backdrop at The Boisdale Xerjoff Cigar Smoker awards ceremony.
A person in a bright blue blazer and white shirt stands in front of a branded event backdrop with luxury brand logos.
Four people in formal black tie attire pose together at The Boisdale XF1OFF Cigar Smoker of the Year 2025 event.
Purple and gold branded backdrop wall with luxury cigar and spirits company logos displayed at an awards event.
Group of people in formal black tie attire posing against a dark backdrop with event sponsor logos.
A purple and black backdrop with luxury cigar brand logos including Boisdale and XE3OFF repeated across the banner.
A person in a dark suit smokes a cigar while sitting in an elegant setting with bokeh lights in the background.
A person in a dark suit holds a glass of wine at an evening social gathering with blurred background.
Guests in formal attire interact during an elegant evening event with purple mood lighting and table settings.
A group of people wearing formal attire including tuxedos and suits pose together at an evening event with twinkle lights.
Guests in formal attire including tuxedos and evening gowns gather at an elegant nighttime event.
A performer plays piano on stage illuminated by dramatic red lighting during a live performance.
Candid black and white photos show people engaged in lively conversations at an elegant formal event.
Two men pose together at an event, one wearing a floral blazer and the other in a black velvet suit.
A performer in a dark suit sings into a microphone on stage with blue and red lights and Boisdale signage behind them.
Performers singing and entertaining on stage with blue and red lighting effects in the background.
Stage performers in formal attire singing during a nighttime entertainment show with dramatic lighting.
Guests seated at formal dining tables engage in lively conversation during an evening event with red lighting.
Performers singing and dancing on stage with dramatic blue and red lighting effects during an entertainment show.
Two guests share a lighthearted moment at an elegant dinner party with wine glasses and formal attire.
Woman in red halter dress smiles while holding small white dog at formal dinner event.
Musicians perform on stage at a jazz concert with instruments and microphones in a dimly lit venue.
A purple-tinted banner for The Boisdale x Xerjoff Cigar Smoker of the Year 2025 event with sponsor logos.
Formal event attendees gather on stage at an awards ceremony with burgundy lighting and elegant decor.
A group of people in formal attire gather at an upscale event with luxury brand logos visible in the background.
A performer in a black velvet suit jacket stands at a microphone against a burgundy backdrop with sponsor logos.
Performers on stage at a concert venue with pink and purple lighting effects in the background.
A group of people in formal attire stand together on a stage with purple and blue lighting in the background.
Guests in formal attire engage in conversation at an elegant evening reception with red walls and framed artwork.
A stage setup with purple lighting and event signage displaying 'OF THE YEAR 2023' text in an awards ceremony setting.
A row of wine bottles and glasses on display at an awards ceremony with purple lighting and signage.
Musicians perform on stage with pink and red lighting during a live concert event.
Colorful cherry blossoms frame a nighttime party scene with people dancing and celebrating in purple lighting.
A person in a purple top smiles at a nighttime social gathering with bokeh lights in the background.
A person in a tuxedo exhales cigar smoke while enjoying a luxurious evening.
Professional black and white portrait of a photographer in a black turtleneck holding a vintage camera.

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Row of fashion and retail brand logos including Nobulls, DCA, and Angel London.