Nobu Manchester Opens Its Doors with Robert De Niro's Visit to Celebrate

Nobu Manchester: A New Chapter in the UK Hospitality Scene

On December 20, 2025, Manchester witnessed a significant moment in its hospitality landscape with the grand opening of Nobu Manchester. The event was not only a celebration of the city's latest luxury establishment but also marked the collaboration between notable personalities in the culinary and real estate sectors, including Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and property development leader Meir Teper. Together with Salboy, a prominent developer in Manchester, they commemorated the beginning of this innovative project that is set to reshape the skyline of the city.

A Visionary Project

The Nobu Manchester development is an ambitious project that aims to construct a 246-meter tall tower, making it the tallest building in the UK outside of London. This landmark structure is set to house a signature Nobu restaurant, a luxury hotel featuring 160 rooms, and 452 branded residences, all spread across a revitalized area of 3,700 square meters. This site, initially neglected, is steeped in industrial heritage, making its transformation into a hub of sophisticated living and dining even more remarkable.

The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by De Niro, Matsuhisa, and Teper alongside Salboy's co-founders Fred Done and Simon Ismail, symbolized the first significant step towards the project's anticipated completion in 2031. This development is expected to enhance Manchester's appeal as a premier destination for luxury living and dining, attracting both local residents and international visitors.

Culinary Heritage Meets Modern Design

One of the standout features of Nobu Manchester will be its first-floor restaurant, which promises to deliver world-class Japanese cuisine. This dining venue will be situated among the grand arches of the original Victorian viaduct, ensuring a unique blend of historical architecture and contemporary culinary experiences. The use of exposed brickwork will evoke the city’s rich industrial past, while the modern Nobu style guarantees an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Nobu Matsuhisa, who opened his first restaurant in Los Angeles back in 1987, has since become an iconic figure in the culinary world. Since his partnership with De Niro launched the first Nobu restaurant in New York in 1994, the brand has expanded globally, with over 50 leading establishments. The debut of Nobu in Manchester signifies the brand’s first foray beyond London, bringing Japanese culinary excellence to the North of England.

Luxury Living Redefined

In addition to the restaurant and hotel, Nobu Manchester will include Nobu Residences, a collection of premium branded residences targeting the luxury real estate market. These residences promise not only high-end living spaces designed with Japanese-inspired interiors but also exclusive amenities such as a private swimming pool, a podium garden, sweeping city views, and access to the Nobu dining experience.

The interior design of these residences is being orchestrated by the acclaimed Bowley James Brindley, ensuring that the living spaces will seamlessly integrate the storied heritage of Manchester with the innovative spirit of Nobu. This combination is expected to redefine luxury living in the region, catering to those looking to invest in both lifestyle and community engagement.

Anticipation and Future Developments

With the groundbreaking event kicking off the construction phase, Salboy anticipates launching the sales for Nobu Residences Manchester in 2026. Fred Done, co-founder of Salboy, expressed excitement over this development, stating that it represents a culmination of a decade’s worth of vision to transform Manchester’s urban landscape. Both he and Ismail are keenly aware of the project’s potential to elevate Manchester's status on the global stage, filled with culinary delight and architectural grandeur.

As the city of Manchester prepares to embrace this prominent project, the partnership of Nobu Hospitality with local leaders in real estate signifies an optimistic future for the region. From the culinary artistry of Chef Nobu to the impactful development by Salboy, Manchester stands on the brink of a new era in high-end living, making it a noteworthy destination for both luxury and lifestyle.