The white marquees outside popular hotel and dining spot, No. 131 The Promenade have become a familiar sight in Cheltenham after they were installed in October 2020 to keep business going during the global pandemic.
Following two appeals to keep them standing, Cheltenham Borough Council decided they had to come down in November 2023 because of the impact the marquees have on the Grade II listed buildings they obscure and the appearance of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area.
As time has ticked on, many locals wondered when action would be taken. But yesterday, the first marquees along Queen's Circus road were finally taken down, along with a cryptic social media post that something new is in the pipeline.
A spokeswoman for No. 131 said it doesn't have an official update at the moment but excitement online is already high following its black and white shots released on social media showing the removal of the smaller marquees.
The biggest marquees still remain in front of the hotel's three Grade II listed Regency villas which date back to the early 1830s, alongside three adjacent gate piers that are also individually Grade II listed. It's not clear when they will be removed.
No. 131, which is owned by Cheltenham businessman and Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton, is one of the town's hottest hospitality spots, offering boutique stays and dining in its two restaurants, The Terrace and Japanese fine dining establishment, YOKU; while on-site cocktail bar Gin & Juice is open for late-night drinks.
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