Nobu is world famous for its restaurants, but increasingly hotels are also where it’s at for the group.
Founder of Nobu, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and American producer and businessman Meir Teper started the Nobu Hotel concept way back in 2013, opening in Vegas and striving to make every property different.
They have certainly achieved this at one of their latest openings, Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, positioned on a quiet street between Shoreditch and Old Street.
When you round the corner on to Willow Street coming from Shoreditch, the building takes your breath away, with its staggered open balconies cascading down the building.
The industrial look of the outside, with its concrete, glass and jutting columns, is in stark contrast to the bland new builds and East End converted warehouses around it.
The industrial chic of the outside is effortlessly brought inside, but with more Japanese simplicity added in: plenty of wood and fabric to soften the interior, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication.
It’s an undeniably elegant place to stay, but doesn’t forfeit hip vibes for friendliness: the check-in staff, and indeed all staff during our stay, were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, making myself and my partner feel right at home.
Our room was immaculate, with sleek furnishings and a comfortable bed, plus important amenities (a Nespresso machine, a mini-fridge!), and a simple, lovely bathroom.
We were upgraded (the perks of reviewing no doubt) to a room with a balcony, and it was great to be able to sit outside in the sunshine. The balconies each jut out from the hotel, so they are completely open, which makes for a high-profile experience – which is good or bad depending on your exhibitionist tendencies!
Needless-to-say one of the highlights of the stay was dining at Nobu, the hotel’s renowned Japanese restaurant. Positioned on the hotel’s lower level (naturally, the restaurant anchors each of the Nobu hotels and becomes the beating heart of the building) is everything you would expect and more. A double-height bar at the front of the restaurant lifts you up as you sip a cocktail, and behind is the beautifully lit dining room with a large open kitchen at the back.
The food was simply exquisite, with a wide range of sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies that were all beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. We tried the new mid-week Bento Boxes – read a review here.
In terms of other facilities, the gym is extremely large for the size of hotel, and has every state-of-the-art piece of equipment you will need. There’s a steam room in both changing rooms, and a classy spa for a post-workout massage.
Shoreditch is no stranger to high-end glamour these days, but Nobu still feels like an island oasis in a truly happening part of London. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the area that cater to our LGBTQ+ community, making it easy to find a place to let loose and have some fun.
Overall, I highly recommend the Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch to any traveler looking for a luxurious and convenient place to stay in one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods. The hotel’s impeccable service, stylish decor, and prime location make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best that the city has to offer.
Hotel Score Card
Location 9/10
People wedded to the West End or Heathrow corridor might be nervous about heading East, but if you want something closer to Meat Packers chic, and where the action is actually happening, then this hotel is about as central as you can get.
Room 9/10
The rooms are luxuriously minimal and simple but without foregoing comfort or facilities; a lovely blend of stylish and minimalist that most hotels strive for, but don’t always achieve.
Food 10/10
Nobu is a world-leader in restaurants for a reason, and the restaurant at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch is a compelling reason to stay.
Verdict 9/10
A perfect location, stunning building, world-class restaurant, and comfortable rooms make this is a no-brainer hotel for a stylish and delicious stay in London.
by PAUL RAVEN
Paul was a guest of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
Book now: Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
