CHELTENHAM
Inside The Good Times House, The Cotswolds’ Hottest New Member’s Club
Cotswold Style were recently invited down to Cheltenham for the launch of The Cotswold’s hottest new members club, The Good Times House, the only avant-garde private members club in the heart of the Cotswolds. Its mission is to put Cheltenham on the map as the stylish place for people in the Cotswolds to enjoy high-end cultural experiences and fine dining in an intimate setting, with a boutique hotel-style service.
BY ARCHIE CAWTHRA
18 June 2024
After being the subject of speculation for several years, The GTH, located in Cheltenham’s Imperial Square, officially opened its doors in March with the aim of bringing people together, bound by a common love of art. It enriches the lives of members with immersive cultural events and experiences and encourages greater ambition among rising creatives through positive connections. Since its inception, GTH has established strong relationships with local artists and musicians from the South West, West of England, and the Cotswolds.
The GTH has recently announced a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of local artists. The GTH ‘Rising Creatives’ programme is set to spotlight emerging and ultra-emerging talent across various cultural genres, including contemporary art, music, fashion, and film. The 'Rising Creatives' programme includes a variety of events and initiatives planned in collaboration with other institutions. Key highlights include: tailored membership packages, local artist exhibitions, local music submissions, artist residencies, a global artistic community and monthly supper clubs.
Ricardo Fearon, entrepreneur and founder of GTH, is the driving force behind the club. A patron of the Cheltenham Festival, Fearon started his career as a visual effects artist before transitioning into architectural design. His vision for GTH is to create a vibrant space for movers and shakers and emerging talent, one that co-creates, pushes boundaries, and makes great things happen. "It is important to me to bring people together using art forms and cultural experiences so that lives are enriched by intimacy, connection, and conversation," says Fearon. Cotswold Style spoke with Ricardo to discuss his plans for the club and why he is excited to have launched in Cheltenham.
What is special about The Good Times House?
“We want to be able to share art and music with the community and further afield whilst providing a fun and engaging social experience. I find that when you walk into a gallery it’s very anti social so you don’t feel necessarily welcome or that you can engage with the art, so what we’re trying to do is encourage people to experience art through a social setting. That’s ultimately how we are sharing art with the community and the world.”
Where do you see The Good Times House in ten years?
“One of the principal aspects of the vision is to have multiple clubs internationally so that we can sell art through our app to a secure network of members. In the meantime, we’d love to offer our experience in different parts of the world and we’d like to also encourage members in one country to collaborate and communicate with members in another.”
How would you describe The Good Times House in three words?
“Art, music and film.”
How would you describe Cheltenham in three words?
“Energy, personality and potential!”
Ricardo Fearon at the launch of The Good Times House, Cheltenham
The Good Times House’s attention to detail with the interior design is truly incredible. Although the furniture is art in its own right, the relaxed mood throughout the club makes you want to sink back into an armchair and enjoy a cocktail from their cocktail bar. You truly feel relaxed and it is the perfect example of a home away from home.
8 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB