No. 131, a hotel set across three Regency townhouses on one of Cheltenham's most beautiful streets, has 36 bedrooms, a Japanese restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, a wedding venue, a terrace brasserie, and two bars. One of its bars, Gin & Juice, was recently named the world's best hotel gin bar. The hotel is owned by married co-owners Julian Dunkerton, who founded Superdry, and Jade Holland, who created luxury fashion brand Holland Cooper.
First impressions and rooms
No. 131's three buildings date back to the early 1830s, set along The Promenade, a tree-lined avenue overlooking the Imperial Gardens and the Town Hall. It is on the edge of the upscale Montpellier neighbourhood, a 15-minute walk from Cheltenham train station. Guests enter through a leafy terrace with big umbrellas shading diners. Inside, the carpeted staircase to the rooms is lined with artwork, including original pieces by David Hockney, and there is rumour of a Banksy.
Rooms range from 'Cosy' (from £150 per night) to The Garden Terrace Suite with its own garden. A 'Very Good' room was compact but elegant, with plush furnishings, a Nespresso machine, and a bathroom almost as big as the room, featuring a double shower, two sinks, freestanding bath, and Bramley toiletries. Each room is individually styled, with some having antique furniture and wood-panelled walls, others multiple bedrooms and split levels. Check out is at 1pm, and guests receive a coffee to go as they leave.
Food and drink
YOKU, the hotel's Japanese restaurant, offers fine dining. The Underwater Kingdom platter is delivered on a silver octopus-shaped stand with dramatic dry ice. The staff at YOKU were unfazed by allergies, tweaking dishes according to dietaries. Bar Tokyo, adjoining the restaurant, has an extensive cocktail menu. Gin & Juice, the hotel's popular late night bar with live DJs, has a queue snaking down the street on weekends. In 2022, it was named The Best Hotel Gin Bar in the World at the World Gin Awards. During summer, the bar spills out onto a garden area. Breakfast is served in The Terrace, the al fresco restaurant directly in front of the hotel's buildings, with heated lamps and covered tents in winter. Breakfast is not included in the room price, costing around £20 for a dish plus a drink.
Amenities and overall verdict
There is no spa or gym. The hotel offers an event space called The House, an eight-bedroom wedding venue on the corner of the first building, which can be hired in its entirety. It has space for a reception or wedding breakfast, its own bar adjoining Gin & Juice, a lounge, and a private terrace. The hotel's buildings are Grade II-listed, meaning the restaurants and bedrooms are not accessible for wheelchair users. The hotel is described as perfect for couples or a pair of friends, but not right for families.
