Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

WHERE AND WHY

The ultimate restaurant with rooms – that’s to say, 249 uber-cool rooms and suites – opened last December following the relocation of Mayfair’s renowned Nobu Restaurant from London’s Berkeley Street to the corner of Marylebone’s Portman Square.

It meant that after an evening of gourmet dining in the celebrated restaurant, I could retire to the blissful calm of my tasteful, minimalist room – with striking calligraphy art, Japanese-style lighting and traditional tea set.

Earlier, I had received a warm welcome from chic uniformed staff, who wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalk.

But then I wouldn’t expect anything less from the luxury brand founded by the eponymous Japanese chef, film producer Meir Teper and Hollywood star Robert de Niro.

COVID CHECK-IN

There are handsanitising stations throughout the hotel, along with signs reminding people to adhere to the one-metre social distancing rule.

In the restaurant, menus are accessed via the QR code printouts on socially distanced tables.

ON THE MENU

Faced with the delicious dilemma of what to choose, I took the easy way out, opting for the Omakase tasting menu. At £92 a head, I savoured every morsel of this epicurean treat.

The feast of seven courses included signature dishes such as Rock Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Sashimi, Beef Toban Yaki and – star of the show – the classic Black Cod Miso. A glorious Green Tea Tiramisu, garnished with silver leaf, was the glittering sweet finale.

Breakfast in the lounge has a Californian vibe, with healthy offerings including coldpressed juices (from £6), granola, yoghurt, goji berries, bee pollen (£8) and kale, pomegranate and almond (£4), along with Nobu Classics such as Matsuhisa Benedict with king crab (£13). Or even the full English (£18).

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Relax with one of Nobu’s special bespoke treatments in its Wellness Centre.

Oxford Street and its myriad of shops is almost on the doorstep, along with the upscale stores of Bond Street.

For a dose of culture, catch the new exhibition on Nero at the British Museum for a surprising insight into the notorious Roman emperor (until

October 24, britishmuseum.org).

WAKE-UP CALL

Doubles from £345 per night. london-portman.nobuhotels.com