Cheltenham venue named ‘The Best Hotel Gin Bar’ in the world

Gin connoisseurs in Gloucestershire searching for the ‘ultimate experience’ don’t have to travel far – with ‘The Best Hotel Gin Bar’ in the world in Cheltenham, according to Gin Magazine.

By Andrew Merrell | Published Wednesday 4 May 2022

Julian Dunkertons Midas touch when it comes to business continues, with his Lucky Onion Groups Gin & Juice bar in Cheltenham singled out for top gin honours. — Julian Dunkerton’s Midas touch when it comes to business continues, with his Lucky Onion Group’s Gin & Juice bar in Cheltenham singled out for top gin honours.

A magazine which describes itself as being a guide to the very best purveyors of gin globally has named a Cheltenham venue ‘The Best Hotel Gin Bar’ in the world.

Gin Magazine has awarded Gin & Juice, at No. 131 on The Promenade in Cheltenham, the title as part of its Icons of Gin Awards 2022.

And there was more good news for the Gloucestershire hotel brand and Cheltenham businessman and Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton, whose Lucky Onion Group owns No. 131 – its Gin & Juice X Superdry London Dry Gin also won a silver at the International Spirits Challenge 2022.

Justin Smith, organiser of the awards, said: ‘Our world-renowned panel of expert judges only award medals to exceptional spirits. To secure a medal is therefore a fantastic achievement.’

Jean-Benoit Burloux, general manager of No. 131, said: ‘When the pandmeic hit the whole world faced a challenge, not least hospitality. To come through with a reasonably new concept at No. 131, that has been recognised like this, is a beautiful thing for Cheltenham. It is incredible.

‘But we are not here to get the awards, we are here because we have a great product and we want to have a bit of fun. The award is recognition not just of the good gins we have, but for everyone who makes this possible – from the housekeepers who maintain the No. 131 and keep it so clean and comfortable, to the great mixologists.’

Since its conception in Cardiff 2017, Gin & Juice has opened venues in Cheltenham, Bristol, and most recently in Mumbles in Wales and now serves more than 450 gins.

It began developing its range of spirits in collaboration with Superdry, the fashion brand founded by Dunkerton, in 2021 and now has 10 original gins including flavours like candyfloss and even ‘Voodoo Chilli’.