Robert De Niro Kicks Off Nobu Manchester's Groundbreaking Ceremony

On December 19, 2025, the vibrant city of Manchester welcomed an exciting new chapter in its architectural and culinary landscape as Robert De Niro, the acclaimed actor and co-founder of Nobu Hospitality, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the first Nobu Hotel and Residences in the UK outside London. He was joined by Nobu's culinary mastermind, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and his partner Meir Teper, along with Salboy's founders, Fred Done and Simon Ismail.

The groundbreaking ceremony served as a pivotal moment, signaling the commencement of construction on a striking 246-meter tower that is set to change Manchester's skyline. This facility will not only be the tallest building outside London but will also house a Nobu restaurant, a luxury hotel with 160 guest rooms, and 452 branded residences — all designed to bring an extraordinary hospitality experience to Manchester.

The Nobu Manchester project aims to rejuvenate a 40,500 square meter industrial wasteland located in a historic downtown area. The tower, developed in collaboration with Salboy and construction partner Domis, is expected to be completed by 2031. The innovative design of the tower will feature a unique Nobu restaurant situated beneath the original Victorian viaduct arches, merging the city's rich industrial heritage with modern culinary excellence.

Having opened its first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1987, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa further cemented his influence in the culinary world by establishing the beloved Nobu brand in New York in 1994 alongside Robert De Niro. Over the decades, Nobu has become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences, boasting over 50 locations worldwide.

The Nobu Residences Manchester will present a groundbreaking integration into the British luxury real estate market. Set atop the high-rise, these residences will feature Japanese-inspired interiors and high-end amenities, including exclusive access to a private swimming pool, a sky garden offering panoramic views of the city, and, of course, the much-anticipated Nobu restaurant.

As the event unfolded, Robert De Niro expressed excitement about the Manchester project, highlighting its significance as Nobu's first endeavor outside London. He stated, “This groundbreaking marks a decisive moment for Nobu in the UK - a passionate project that embodies our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and dining experiences.”

Fred Done echoed those sentiments, saying, “Ten years ago, Simon and I founded Salboy with a clear vision to change Manchester’s skyline. Partnering with Nobu, a brand renowned for excellence, positions us at the forefront of Manchester's architectural transformation.”

Simon Ismail, Salboy's co-founder and Managing Director, also shared his enthusiasm for the culinary influence Chef Nobu is expected to have on local cuisine. He remarked, “I’m eager to see how Chef Nobu integrates local ingredients into his renowned dishes, creating a unique culinary offering that reflects Manchester's vibrant food scene.”

Salboy anticipates that the sales for the Nobu Residences will commence in 2026. As Domis begins preparatory work on the site, excitement builds around what this project signifies for the future of Manchester — a blend of luxury living, innovative dining, and a revitalized urban landscape.

In conclusion, the Nobu Manchester project, with its commitment to excellence and innovation, promises to provide both locals and visitors a premier experience in one of the UK's most dynamic cities, ultimately redefining luxury living and dining in Manchester. Expected to significantly enhance the city's position on the global stage, this initiative exemplifies the best of what modern urban development can achieve.