SINCE opening two years ago, No. 131 has quickly become one of the most popular venues in the Cotswolds, and after spending a night there it was easy to see why.

Set in a striking Georgian Grade II listed villa on The Promenade, in the heart of Cheltenham, No. 131 comprises of a restaurant and bar called Crazy Eights which is split over two floors, a library, sitting room and 11 individually furnished bedrooms for guests.

With its unique style and celebrities regularly spotted there, 131 has become known as something of a magnet for hipsters (‘hipster’ is the hip new insult for desperately trendy people, don’t you know?), but if that means the place is popular with those who have discerning taste and seek something more than just an uninspired chain hotel, it is quite the compliment.

And style is what makes 131 so special. For example, the restaurant has vast Georgian sash windows, an Art Deco bar and a huge neon crucifix hanging on the wall; it sounds like an unholy clash, but it works perfectly.

The same can be said of the luxurious bedrooms. There are reconditioned antique radiators, Rogeat Lyon baths dating back to 1875, artworks by the likes of Henry Hudson and David Hockney, hot water bottles with hand knitted woollen covers, iPod docking stations, Loewe TVs with the full Sky entertainment package, and large walk-in drench showers. It all combines into a superb mixture of luxury and intrigue.

The lower ground floor of Crazy Eights is the more vibrant space, with a courtyard with an outdoor fire, two private dining rooms (one with an open fire and DJ area), an orangery bar and games room. On the upper ground floor there is a more low-key and elegant dining space, with a large bar, a small library, sitting room and a larger private dining room.

It was in this more formal restaurant that we ate, and the food was faultless. I had duck liver parfait to start, followed by grilled lobster, with hot chocolate orange pudding for dessert, while my companion went for scallops to begin, ox cheek for her main, and finished with the autumn fruits crumble. Both meals were exquisite, and the wine – a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – was equally impressive.

The breakfast buffet was also served in the ground floor restaurant, and comprised of a decent selection of cereals, fresh fruit, breads and cooked fare.

After our evening meal, we made the most of the sitting room while enjoying a Portobello Road gin and tonic and a Dunkerton’s Organic Cider, which is one of the many local drinks on offer at the bar. With its plush sofas, views of Imperial Square, broad selection of magazines and a warm, amber-lit atmosphere, the sitting room is far beyond the ordinary pub or bar lounge.

‘Far beyond’ is probably the best way to sum up 131: you know it’s going to be an interesting experience going in, but is goes far beyond your expectations. Whether you’re judging the bar, restaurant or hotel side, 131 is one of the finest in the Cotswolds.

5/5

No. 131 is part of the small-but-growing The Lucky Onion group, and rooms start from £150 per night. See no131.com