Fans of this particular Cheltenham restaurant, with a low profile and loyal fan-base, need fear not at the headline above - there is more to it than meets the eye.

Plans are not to close the well-established Storyteller restaurant on North Place, but to add to it with some luxurious rooms reflecting the regency splendour of the spa town.

Opened in 1997 by UK-born Paul Lavelle and Norwegian Mette Larsen, the couple launched their Nordic restaurant serving a fusion of American/Mexican cuisine with a publicity campaign running into several thousands of pounds.

The Storyteller Brasserie and Wine Room proved an instant hit - with their then 50-seater restaurant in the grade II-listed building serving 4,000 covers in the first week.

Today the restaurant, which can cater for parties of up to 150, is a partnership between Mrs Larsen and her son, Ivan, and together they are plotting the next phase of the business.

"Part change of use from restaurant A3 to guest house C1. Various internal alterations to allow for conversion to en-suite rooms in line with change of use," says the planning application, recently lodged with the borough council.

Ivan told Punchline: "We rented out the flat above during the last race week on Airbnb (the online accommodation platform) and that went really well. It showed us the potential."

Plans are to convert it into a series of rooms.

"They will all have their own bathrooms. We have already sourced some of the beds - antique Regency. We want the rooms to have a 'wow factor'," added Ivan, who manages most of the day-to-day running of the Storyteller - the name coming from Native American culture in which a storyteller passes down tales to the younger generation.

The food is described as a mixture of Cajun, Mexican, Creole and Californian with a twist.

Cheltenham, said Mr Larson, remained a good place to do business with the festivals proving a major draw to the town.

If all goes to plan the Storyteller's new rooms will be open in February - in time for March's Cheltenham Festival week.

Booking are coming in fast for the Christmas period, but tables are still available and the restaurant will also be open for Christmas Day.

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