{"id":2847,"date":"2026-08-21T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jvdbosch.com\/?p=2847"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:12:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T09:12:56","slug":"the-cheltenham-mansion-with-rooms-for-150-and-the-worlds-best-hotel-gin-bar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.jvdbosch.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/21\/the-cheltenham-mansion-with-rooms-for-150-and-the-worlds-best-hotel-gin-bar\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cheltenham mansion with rooms for \u00a3150 \u2014 and the world\u2019s best hotel gin bar"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
A charming city staycation (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the corner of one of Cheltenham’s<\/a> most beautiful streets sits No. 131.<\/p>\n

Set across three Regency townhouses<\/a>, this hotel has a lot going on.<\/p>\n

There’s 36 bedrooms, a Japanese restaurant (featured in the Michelin Guide), a wedding venue, a terrace brasserie, and two bars \u2014 one of which was recently named the world’s best hotel gin<\/a> bar.<\/p>\n

It is a warren, and while a little confusing (I got lost on more than one occasion), No. 131 is also very, very cool.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 the label that dresses Princess Kate<\/a>, and is responsible for many of Claudia Winkleman’s looks on The Traitors.<\/p>\n

Metro<\/strong> checks in<\/a> to see what a staycation here is really like.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
The Grade II-listed buildings are on one of the city’s prettiest streets (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First impressions<\/h2>\n

No. 131 has serious kerb appeal.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Rooms are as chic as you’d expect from two fashion designers (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s on the edge of the upscale Montpellier neighbourhood, and just a 15 minute walk from Cheltenham train station.<\/p>\n

You enter the hotel through the leafy terrace, with its big umbrellas shading diners enjoying coffees, or something stronger.<\/p>\n

Once inside, you’ll pass the entrance to YOKU, a moody Japanese restaurant with red interiors<\/a> and dark woods.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
The Regency era buildings are giving Bridgerton (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reception is a breeze (guests get free on-street parking) and then the hotel itself is a different vibe once more. <\/p>\n

The carpeted staircase to the rooms are lined with artwork, including original pieces by David Hockney. I’ve even heard rumour of a Banksy<\/a>. <\/p>\n

It feels exclusive, quiet, and oh-so-chic.<\/p>\n

What are the rooms like?<\/h2>\n

Rooms range from ‘Cosy’ (from \u00a3150 per night) to the The Garden Terrace Suite with its own garden.<\/p>\n

My ‘Very Good’ room was compact but elegant, with plush furnishings, a Nespresso machine and slick coffee table books.<\/p>\n

The bathroom was almost as big as the room, with a double shower, two sinks, freestanding bath and Bramley toiletries.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Each room has its own style (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Each room is individually styled. Some have antique furniture and wood-panelled walls, others have multiple bedrooms and split levels.<\/p>\n

Check out is very welcome 1pm, and you get a coffee to go as you leave.<\/p>\n

Food and drink<\/h2>\n

Aside from design, the food and drink are No. 131’s USP.<\/p>\n

On the day I arrived, I was toying with the idea of whether or not to eat at YOKU. <\/p>\n

The mere suggestion that I might pass up a meal here was met with horror by reception staff.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
YOKU is a different vibe from the rest of the hotel (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And thank God they didn’t allow me to veer off course.<\/p>\n

This is fine-dining, and will delight anyone who likes Japanese food.<\/p>\n

Be sure to order the Underwater Kingdom platter \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

In summer, be sure to ask for a table near the giant windows, which overlook the terrace below.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Dinner arrives with a flourish (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For those with allergies (like my +1, who is allergic to nuts), the staff at YOKU were completely unfazed. <\/p>\n

All dishes were tweaked according to dietaries, and the adjoining Bar Tokyo<\/a> has an extensive cocktail menu too.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Fine-dining Japanese food in the moody YOKU (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There’s literally hundreds of drinks<\/a> to choose from, and during the summer<\/a>, the bar spills out onto a vibey garden area too.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Vibey Gin & Juice is an award winning bar (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tucking into eggs benedict (and a bloody Mary \u2014 highly recommended) was a delightful way to start the day.<\/p>\n

It’s worth noting that breakfast isn’t included within your room price, though. You’ll be spending around \u00a320 for a breakfast dish, plus a drink.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
A flat white in the sunshine? Go on then (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Any other amenities?<\/h2>\n

There’s no spa or fancy gym here, but given its city centre location, that’s not surprising.<\/p>\n

What the hotel does offer is an event space for celebrations.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
A beautiful place to say ‘I do’ (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The House \u2014 the name given to the first building on the corner \u2014 is a wedding venue, and can be hired out in its entirety.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Overall verdict<\/h2>\n

No. 131 was the perfect summer stay. <\/p>\n

As I sipped my flat white on the Terrace, the sun shining and birds tweeting, I had one of those ‘England<\/a> is actually pretty great’ moments (that’ll wear off when winter rolls in, I know).<\/p>\n

Not only that, but the al fresco areas and inside\/outside seating options feel like you could be on the continent.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
A (virgin) Bloody Mary here cured all manor of sins (Picture: No. 131)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hotel is stylish, but the food and drink offerings are what really sets it apart.<\/p>\n

Book now while the weather is still warm, and finish off summer in style.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tNo. 131: At a glance\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Check in\/check out:<\/strong> 3pm and 1pm.<\/p>\n

Any food included? <\/strong>Neither breakfast or diner is included in the room rate.<\/p>\n

Disability access?<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Standout feature:<\/strong> The Japanese food at YOKU and beautiful outdoor terrace.<\/p>\n

Perfect for:<\/strong> Couples or a pair of friends treating themselves to a bougie staycation.<\/p>\n

Not right for:<\/strong> Families would find other hotels better suited to kids.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n


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