On the corner of one of Cheltenham’s most beautiful streets sits No. 131.
Set across three Regency townhouses, this hotel has a lot going on.
There’s 36 bedrooms, a Japanese restaurant (featured in the Michelin Guide), a wedding venue, a terrace brasserie, and two bars — one of which was recently named the world’s best hotel gin bar.
It is a warren, and while a little confusing (I got lost on more than one occasion), No. 131 is also very, very cool.
It makes sense, when you discover the married co-owners are Julian Dunkerton, who founded Superdry, and Jade Holland, who created luxury fashion brand Holland Cooper — the label that dresses Princess Kate, and is responsible for many of Claudia Winkleman’s looks on The Traitors.
Metro checks in to see what a staycation here is really like.
First impressions
No. 131 has serious kerb appeal.
Its three buildings date back to the early 1830s (Bridgerton vibes), set along The Promenade, a tree-lined avenue, overlooking the Imperial Gardens and the Town Hall.
It’s on the edge of the upscale Montpellier neighbourhood, and just a 15 minute walk from Cheltenham train station.
You enter the hotel through the leafy terrace, with its big umbrellas shading diners enjoying coffees, or something stronger.
Once inside, you’ll pass the entrance to YOKU, a moody Japanese restaurant with red interiors and dark woods.
Reception is a breeze (guests get free on-street parking) and then the hotel itself is a different vibe once more.
The carpeted staircase to the rooms are lined with artwork, including original pieces by David Hockney. I’ve even heard rumour of a Banksy.
It feels exclusive, quiet, and oh-so-chic.
What are the rooms like?
Rooms range from ‘Cosy’ (from £150 per night) to the The Garden Terrace Suite with its own garden.
My ‘Very Good’ room was compact but elegant, with plush furnishings, a Nespresso machine and slick coffee table books.
The bathroom was almost as big as the room, with a double shower, two sinks, freestanding bath and Bramley toiletries.
Each room is individually styled. Some have antique furniture and wood-panelled walls, others have multiple bedrooms and split levels.
Check out is very welcome 1pm, and you get a coffee to go as you leave.
Food and drink
Aside from design, the food and drink are No. 131’s USP.
On the day I arrived, I was toying with the idea of whether or not to eat at YOKU.
The mere suggestion that I might pass up a meal here was met with horror by reception staff.
And thank God they didn’t allow me to veer off course.
This is fine-dining, and will delight anyone who likes Japanese food.
Be sure to order the Underwater Kingdom platter — the theatrics of it being delivered on a silver octopus-shaped stand, along with dramatic dry ice, are worth it alone, but the sushi is also delicious.
In summer, be sure to ask for a table near the giant windows, which overlook the terrace below.
For those with allergies (like my +1, who is allergic to nuts), the staff at YOKU were completely unfazed.
All dishes were tweaked according to dietaries, and the adjoining Bar Tokyo has an extensive cocktail menu too.
Gin & Juice is the hotel’s popular late night bar, with live DJs. The place is known to have a queue snaking down the street on weekends.
There’s literally hundreds of drinks to choose from, and during the summer, the bar spills out onto a vibey garden area too.
Gin & Juice has some pretty impressive credentials too. In 2022, it was named The Best Hotel Gin Bar in the World at the World Gin Awards.
Breakfast is served in The Terrace, the al fresco restaurant directly in front of the hotel’s buildings. In winter, heated lamps and covered tents keep diners warm.
Tucking into eggs benedict (and a bloody Mary — highly recommended) was a delightful way to start the day.
It’s worth noting that breakfast isn’t included within your room price, though. You’ll be spending around £20 for a breakfast dish, plus a drink.
Any other amenities?
There’s no spa or fancy gym here, but given its city centre location, that’s not surprising.
What the hotel does offer is an event space for celebrations.
The House — the name given to the first building on the corner — is a wedding venue, and can be hired out in its entirety.
This eight bedroom venue has space for a reception or wedding breakfast, as well as its own bar (which adjoins Gin & Juice), lounge and private terrace.
Overall verdict
No. 131 was the perfect summer stay.
As I sipped my flat white on the Terrace, the sun shining and birds tweeting, I had one of those ‘England is actually pretty great’ moments (that’ll wear off when winter rolls in, I know).
Not only that, but the al fresco areas and inside/outside seating options feel like you could be on the continent.
The hotel is stylish, but the food and drink offerings are what really sets it apart.
Book now while the weather is still warm, and finish off summer in style.
No. 131: At a glance
Check in/check out: 3pm and 1pm.
Any food included? Neither breakfast or diner is included in the room rate.
Disability access? Unfortunately, the hotel’s buildings are Grade II-listed status, which means it’s not possible to make the restaurants or bedrooms accessible for wheelchair users.
Standout feature: The Japanese food at YOKU and beautiful outdoor terrace.
Perfect for: Couples or a pair of friends treating themselves to a bougie staycation.
Not right for: Families would find other hotels better suited to kids.
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