Puff puff smoke

Puff Puff Smoke sits in the heart of Carlton, Victoria, and it’s one of those local tobacco shops that’s copped a fair bit of mixed feedback from the folks who’ve popped in. Sitting on a 2.8 rating across 59 reviews, it’s safe to say this little spot has divided opinion. You’ll find it open seven days a week, which is handy if you’re after a late-night top-up — they swing the doors open at 8am Monday through Saturday and don’t close until 8pm, while Sundays they start a touch later at 9am and wrap up at 7pm.

Now, let’s not beat around the bush — a good chunk of the reviews aren’t exactly glowing. A few visitors have grumbled about the service, with some reckoning the bloke behind the counter could do with a bit more warmth and a few less breaks. There’s talk of the shop being shut up with one of those ‘back in 20min’ signs that apparently stretches out a fair bit longer than promised, which has left more than one customer cooling their heels out the front.

Pricing seems to be the other big sticking point. Several reviewers have mentioned the cost of tobacco and ciggies feeling inconsistent, with a couple claiming the price shifted on them, and others saying they found the same packs cheaper down the road. So if you’re watching the wallet, it might pay to know what you’re after before you front up. A handful even raised doubts about the authenticity of some stock, so it’s worth keeping your wits about you.

At the end of the day, Puff Puff Smoke is a convenient option for Carlton locals thanks to those long daily hours, but the reviews suggest it’s a bit of a roll of the dice when it comes to service and value. If you’re in the area and need something in a hurry, the extended trading times might do the trick — just go in with your eyes open and you’ll know what to expect.