For the opening of the first property in Europe, Nobu Hospitality has chosen one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in London: in the last two decades, Shoreditch has transformed its identity of dismissed manufacturing and industrial area into an artistic and cultural vocation.
The five-story building on Willow Street was originally conceived by Ron Arad Architects and completed by Ben Adams Architects. The rugged concrete and steel structure with protruding balconies and interior courtyard hosts both the hotel and restaurant.
The design approach conceived for the hotel interiors, curated by the London-based Studio Mica, draws on the ‘raw’ aesthetics of the exterior and adds a sophisticated work on tactility, on the mix of Eastern and Western inspired elements, as well as on natural and organic materials: from exposed concrete to dark-colored stone, from shoji paper to heavily weaved fabrics, from lacquered metal to green essences. In addition to the lobby (bar) and lounge area, featuring a ‘composite’ wall made of various types of roof tiles, there are 143 rooms, 7 suites overlooking the terraced courtyard, meeting rooms for private events, and of course , the Nobu Restaurant. Located on the basement and with its own entrance from the outside, the restaurant is introduced by a staircase that anticipates the main design themes developed by Studio PCH in the 340 square meters of the space: natural oak wood in different types and with copper gleams, coupled with bronze finishes and emphasized by light strips.
A large glass wall overlooking the hotel’s inner courtyard illuminates with natural light the 240-seat, the sushi counter and the lounge area with a bar for 60 people.
A 18-seat private dining room, located above the open kitchen, allows the clients to observe the work of the chef team led by Executive Chef Greg Seregi.
