TOWNHOUSE OPULENCE No.131 is the Cotswolds’ answer to a London townhouse setting I don’t know about you, but when I think of Cheltenham, my mind instantly goes to Regency elegance and terraces of captivating townhouses, where Jane Austen’s characters come to life. To me, it’s the epitome of romance and an iconic location for a wedding or mini-moon. So, when I was offered the opportunity to live my very own Georgian dream at No.131, I was practically packed and in the car before the booking confirmation came through! No.131 is an independent luxury hotel, set across a trio of townhouses on the iconic Promenade, right in the heart of the town’s vibrant social scene. Unapologetically glamorous, effortlessly vibrant and confidently bold, its interior design is immediately striking with a commanding presence. Each of the 36 individually designed bedrooms features plush, oh-so stylish furnishings, bold artwork and period bathrooms, meaning no two stays are the same. My suite was a real showstopper with leather armchairs, roll-top bath, and double shower among the highlights. It felt sumptuously modern yet packed with historical charm. I was excited to head to Yoku for dinner. Tucked within the heart of the hotel, the restaurant offers a journey through exquisite Japanese cuisine. This opulent spot is bound to impress with deep black panelling and a ceiling adorned with 20,000 sheets of gold leaf. If, like me, you’re far from an expert in Japanese dining, the menu might feel overwhelming, but the delightful and superhelpful team are on hand to advise and make sure you neither order enough for an army nor leave hungry. They assisted me in curating a dining experience that will certainly stay with me for some time. Each dish showcased quality ingredients. The tiger prawn tempura was light and crisp, the pork gyoza rich and perfectly seasoned, and the tuna sashimi fresh and clean with a delicate finish. The highlight was the beef fillet – tender, expertly cooked, and full of depth. My meal felt like a celebration of simplicity and flavour. Eager to try a glass of sake from the extensive offering, I rounded off my meal with a plum sake – absolutely delicious. With exquisite dining also available on the Terrace, food is certainly central to any experience here. Not quite ready for the evening to end, I headed to Bar Tokyo with my book and settled in a corner booth with a delightful cocktail – Sakura. The bar is a feast for the eyes, adorned in pop culture images, and is also available to hire for intimate events. My suite was in a separate townhouse from the restaurants and reception, so I enjoyed wandering back to my door via the fairy-lit terrace. It truly gives holiday vibes evoking the magic of Mediterranean evenings. It was here that I enjoyed my hearty breakfast of eggs royale the following morning, looking out over the park opposite. No.131 offers a memorable, luxurious honeymoon destination, the perfect base from which to explore the best of the Cotswolds. Whether you want to mooch around the shops on the famous Promenade, head out of town for the day or simply relax in comfort and opulence, the hotel is a dream staycation location. It’s also a sought-after spot for modern weddings with elegant ceremony and reception spaces, on-site accommodation and expert in-house chefs, allowing celebrations to unfold seamlessly across multiple days. Weddings here, from grand gatherings to intimate occasions, feel curated, not copied. Find out more at no131.com Scan to view video REVIEW 91
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