Background
This Shoreditch hotel was announced in 2014 and opened in 2017, but closed during the Covid pandemic. It has fully reopened, and now has the addition of a new sixth floor of 16 rooms in a slightly different style from the rest of the hotel.
Nobu Hospitality was founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and director Meir Teper. It currently has 13 hotels, with the latest in Chicago and Warsaw opening in 2020. It has plans to add properties in locations including Santorini, Rome, Hamburg, Marrakech and Tel Aviv.
Where is it?
In the heart of Shoreditch on Willow Street, just off Great Eastern Road, a short walk from Old Street station.
What’s it like?
Certainly striking. From the outside, viewed from the small garden at the end of Willow Street, this Ron Arad Architects-designed hotel is like a modern cruise liner which has come to rest in the middle of Shoreditch, slightly bewildered but determined to make the best of things. The bow of the vessel is almost in Paul Street while the stern ends in a series of terraces with cantilevered corten steel beams and printed, layered glass, allowing light into a small Japanese-inspired concrete garden just beyond the stern of the vessel.
Although the concept came from Ron Arad Architects, the hotel was built by Ben Adams Architects and Studio Mica were the interior designers (with the exception of the restaurant which was designed by Studio PCH). The design inside is thankfully not so brutal and is a mix of Japanese with a gentle nod to the industrial heritage of the area.
The reception is a large room with lots of comfortable indigo sofas and a Japanese aizome-blue interior with a double-height ceiling. I spent time here since our room wasn’t quite ready so I was offered a coffee while I did some work.
Rooms
The rooms are quietly luxurious. They have good-quality furnishings and design elements, such as a cabinet with tea and coffee, and a minibar. A mural-covered screen slides across the floor-to-ceiling windows creating a very effective blackout for when you want to sleep, or there is a slatted blind, also floor-to-ceiling, for when you just want privacy. The bathroom had both a rain shower and hand shower, and Natura Bissé products. Soundproofing was excellent and the beds were comfortable.
Entry level Deluxe Rooms (22 sqm) have 55-inch TVs and a traditional Japanese tea set, as well as a round table that doubles for food and working. Executive Rooms are identical but on higher floors, while Premium Rooms are 26 sqm and have either a super king bed or twins. Zen rooms are 33 sqm and offer connecting options with adjacent rooms. This category and above have Nespresso machines. The new Yuhi and Yuhi Skyline suites on the sixth floor have views across the rooftops and are described as “Shoreditch loft and Japanese Ryokan style”.
Food and drink
Nobu Shoreditch Restaurant has a separate street entrance or you can enter from the bar and reception area, which first takes you into Nami bar where it’s worth stopping for a cocktail. The food is outstanding with signature dishes, such as yellowtail with jalapeno and black cod miso, created under the watchful eye of executive head chef Sandi Richmond.
Meetings
On the ground floor, the Kaijo event space can host events up to 200 standing guests or 150 seated, or can be split into six smaller meeting spaces. The new penthouse level has a private event space designed by Studio Mica.
Leisure
There is a good-size gym with Technogym equipment and a full-service spa.
Verdict
Five-star luxury at its finest with a first-class restaurant.
FACT BOX
- Best for Entering the zen-like calm of this five-star hotel from the busy urban street outside
- Don’t miss A blow-the-budget meal at Nobu
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in October started from £429 for a Deluxe Room
- Contact 10-50 Willow Street, London EC2A 4BH; nobuhotels.com
