Robert De Niro hotel chain Nobu embroiled in row over plans for swanky Shoreditch branch
Plans from Robert De Niro’s five-star hotel chain to open its first European venture in east London have sparked a furious row among residents.
Upmarket Nobu Hospitality, linked to swanky Japanese-style restaurant chain Nobu, plan to open a new hotel in Willow Street, Shoreditch, later this year.
The new 150-room venture, overseen by boutique London developer Meir Abutbul, was granted a licence for live music, dance performance and film screenings until 1am earlier this week, the Islington Gazette reported.
However, locals fear the opening of the trendy chain, which has establishments in Las Vegas, Miama, Chicago and Bahrain, will bring with it an influx of drunken revellers.
Objections presented to Islington Council claimed residents were already at their wits’ end due to a “constant barrage of revellers”.
According to the Hackney Gazette, one person living close to the development wrote: “Residents already find it difficult to achieve reasonable peace, quiet and the undisturbed sleep required to live a normal, functioning life.
“We regularly have to deal with broken glass on our doorstep, people urinating feet from our front door, piles of sick on the pavement close to our home and abuse being shouted at us as we leave or return to our flat in the evening.”
Speaking about the hotel’s plans for a rooftop bar with a 10pm curfew, another neighbour added: “Rooftop terrace? Don’t these people understand there are established residents here?”
The hospitality chain’s flagship hotel is situated in Caesers Palace, Las Vegas.
The company promises guests a “fun-luxury experience”.
In a statement posted on the chain’s website, Gigi Vega, general manager of Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, said: “Expect imaginative food creations from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and unforgettable guest experiences that will nurture Shoreditch.”
Nobu Hospitality has been contacted for a comment.
