Nobu Hotel, London

Do you remember me banging on about my visit to Ace Hotel in Shoreditch a few weeks ago? I had a decent stay, but I did mention at the time that there was something missing - I guess it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

While in the area I reached out to my mate Jordan Bunker to see if he had any cafe and coffee shop recommendations. Word of mouth is so valuable, especially from the people who "get" you. He suggested I take a five minute walk from Shoreditch High Street to the recently opened Nobu Hotel - a little Japanese haven in the centre of London.

As soon as turned the corner to approach the entrance of Nobu I knew this would be a steller experience. Although I wasn't here to stay this time, if the lobby, cafe and restaurant are anything to go by then the actual hotel rooms will be on another level. I can't recall a time that I have been so bowled over by the attention to detail of an interior. Clear Japanese design influences took centre stage; from the vertical wood panelling, woven cane space dividers, consideration to natural light vs artificial lighting, and smaller details such as the choice of drip coffee machines + cups. A tactile experience really do make a difference.

For full disclosure I didn't stay this time (it's mega bucks), but I would love to in the future. In the cafe a black coffee costs around £3.50, which on the surface does sound quite a lot, but for the fact that I stay here over an hour with my buddy Luke, and left feeling like I'd had a pretty outstanding experience, I think it was money well spent.

Nobu Hotel, 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH.