A shut door from Shoreditch, Nobu brings a taste of Shibuya to the capital’s creative east London district. The hotel entrance off of Great Eastern Street is fairly unassuming given its architecturally bold casing, which is a very different tone to the brand’s first city outpost in high-end Portman Square. Here, you’re steps from both the financial district and a buzzing culinary scene, featuring big-name eateries and indie newcomers.
There’s not much greenery but an abundance of art sprayed between pavements. It's less than a five-minute stomp to Shoreditch High Street and just 10 minutes to Old Street station. Six floors of metal jut into Shoreditch to house the hotel cum restaurant megabrand.
Brash or creative – I’m not sure. Inside, there’s silence with dimly lit corridors well-suited to ‘’taking a break” businessmen – it’s not the eerie whodunnit kind, but a peacefulness suited to those comfortable in the company of their thoughts. Cement ceilings nod to east London industrial chic balanced with Nobu’s staple clean lines, crisp furnishings and spa-like scent.
Ultimately, this is a city hotel (with little outdoor space bar the terrace), so the vibe is less polished glamour and more stylish comfort, as is evident from the mixed crowd of trendy to tech-type guests. Typical of Japanese hospitality, the staff greet you fondly without being too familiar. Check-in was breezy, and you’ll find staff are inconspicuous while getting things done efficient.