The luxury restaurant and hotel chain will be opening inside the tallest building outside London
What's On Jenna Campbell What's On Editor 16:35, 20 Mar 2025
Manchester’s tallest tower could soon be home to a high-end restaurant, five-star hotel and luxury homes. Nobu Hospitality, which is part owned by legendary actor Robert De Niro, has unveiled plans for a landmark development in the city.
The 160-room Nobu Hotel Manchester, which will include its celeb-haunt restaurant loved by A-listers, will be located in Viadux-2, a 76-storey building which is under construction next to the Manchester Central convention centre. The hotel and restaurant will be Nobu’s first in the UK outside London.
Article continues below
Nobu has struck a deal with property developer Salboy on the project, which will also feature 452 apartments, making it the UK's first Nobu branded residences.
Offering an exclusive opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle, each residence will feature 'refined design' with 'thoughtful' Japanese details, high-end amenities - including Nobu dining and room service - an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and a gym.
Salboy unveiled plans in 2023 for Viadux 2a, a 76-storey skyscraper with 780 flats. It was going to be the second all-residential tower in a trio.
However, last November, Salboy changed its plans for Viadux 2a. While it will remain at 76-storeys, which will overtake 200 metre-tall Deansgate South Tower as the city’s tallest building by 41m, it also revealed plans for a hotel.
If plans go ahead, Nobu Hotel Manchester will be the tallest building outside London, standing at 246 metres. A decision on planning permission is expected this spring.
“We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status," ” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality.
"Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision.
"Having grown up in the area, I am personally immensely proud of this project in a city that continues its evolution as a global destination for luxury hospitality.
"Manchester is home to world-class developments, a thriving culinary scene, and a growing demand for high-end lifestyle experiences.
Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE
"None of our locations are cookie cutter; we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of each destination. We are delighted to be working with Salboy to blend the Nobu experience with the essence of Manchester.”
Nobu was founded in 1994 by Japanese celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, alongside Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, and and film producer Meir Teper.
Although best known for its chain of restaurants - with 50 of them across the world - the brand has expanded to include 46 hotels and 20 residences.
Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy & Betfred also commented: "For decades, I've travelled extensively while growing my businesses and exploring a vast array of dining experiences.
"Yet, Nobu has consistently set the benchmark for fine dining, offering impeccable cuisine and unparalleled hospitality wherever I go, whether in New York, Singapore, or soon in Manchester.
"I'm truly excited to welcome the Nobu team to Manchester. As a businessman, I understand why Robert De Niro and his partners chose to invest in Nobu. It is about more than just money; it is about bringing this level of class to Manchester and celebrating what it means for the city.”
Simon Ismail, Co-founder of Salboy added: "This £360 million deal for Nobu Manchester will take the city to new heights in terms of service, cuisine, and experience.
"Chef Nobu’s cuisine, renowned worldwide, has influenced dining across the globe. Even if you haven’t dined at a Nobu restaurant, you have likely experienced dishes inspired by his innovations.
"As the original innovator in fine dining, Chef Nobu popularised a blend of cuisines in exciting new ways, leaving a lasting influence on every modern restaurant you see today.
Article continues below
"We are excited to unveil plans for the UK's first Nobu-branded residences and hotel, with this signature hospitality offering at its heart."
