No. 131, a hotel set across three Regency townhouses on Cheltenham’s The Promenade, offers rooms from £150 per night and houses the world’s best hotel gin bar, according to the World Gin Awards. Co-owned by Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton and luxury fashion brand Holland Cooper creator Jade Holland, the property features 36 bedrooms, a Michelin Guide-listed Japanese restaurant, a wedding venue, a terrace brasserie, and two bars.
First impressions and location
The three buildings date back to the early 1830s, overlooking Imperial Gardens and the Town Hall, on the edge of the upscale Montpellier neighbourhood. It is a 15-minute walk from Cheltenham train station. Guests enter through a leafy terrace with umbrellas shading diners, then pass the entrance to YOKU, a Japanese restaurant with red interiors and dark woods. Reception offers free on-street parking, and the carpeted staircase to the rooms is lined with artwork, including original pieces by David Hockney, with a rumoured Banksy piece.
Room types and pricing
Room categories range from ‘Cosy’ (from £150 per night) to the Garden Terrace Suite with its own garden. A ‘Very Good’ room is compact but elegant, with plush furnishings, a Nespresso machine, and coffee table books. The bathroom is almost as large as the room, featuring a double shower, two sinks, a freestanding bath, and Bramley toiletries. Each room is individually styled; some have antique furniture and wood-panelled walls, while others have multiple bedrooms and split levels. Check-out is at 1pm, and guests receive a coffee to go upon departure.
Food and drink offerings
YOKU offers fine-dining Japanese cuisine. The Underwater Kingdom platter is served on a silver octopus-shaped stand with dramatic dry ice, and the sushi is described as delicious. Staff accommodate allergies, such as nut allergies, without issue. Bar Tokyo adjoins YOKU and has an extensive cocktail menu. Gin & Juice, the hotel’s late-night bar, features live DJs and 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 into a garden area. Breakfast is served in The Terrace, an al fresco restaurant with heated lamps and covered tents in winter. Breakfast is not included in the room rate; a breakfast dish plus a drink costs around £20.
Amenities and overall verdict
There is no spa or gym. The House, the first building on the corner, is an eight-bedroom wedding venue that can be hired in its entirety, with 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, which means the restaurants and bedrooms are not accessible for wheelchair users. The hotel is described as perfect for couples or friends treating themselves to a bougie staycation, but not ideal for families. The standout feature is the Japanese food at YOKU and the beautiful outdoor terrace.
