Nobu Pilates

Nobu Pilates

London, UK

recommended

The Nobu Pilates Story

Nobu Pilates was founded in 2021 as part of the Nobu Hotel Group. The concept was created by Nobu Hotel Group’s creative director, Marsha Lindsay - an established instructor with a background in both mat and reformer pilates.

Nobu Pilates recently won best Pilates studio in the London Tatler Gym Awards 2023.

How Did Nobu Pilates Score Overall?

The full client experience at Nobu Pilates Portman Square was good, achieving The Fit Guide Recommended rating.

The Highlights

The class itself was a strong, well-paced workout that balanced clear instruction with a good challenge, leaving us feeling accomplished by the end.

The spa-like feel of the studio, featuring calming scents to the soft classical music, made the space instantly relaxing and inviting.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“I loved how the whole place felt serene and calming the moment I walked in – it really set the tone for the visit.”

“The workout was tough but clear, and I left feeling like I’d really gotten a lot out of the session.”

“The studio and equipment were very high end.”

What To Expect From A Nobu Pilates Session

Nobu Pilates offers 50 minute reformer Pilates classes in three formats: Precision, a complete body workout; Pure, offering a more traditional approach to the original method; and Prescribed, with more one-on-one attention.

Each class is limited to just 10 people to allow for a more personalized experience.

The Reception Service

Our phone call to Nobu Pilates Portman Square was picked up promptly and questions were handled with confidence. The conversation did, however, feel more transactional than personal.

On arrival, no one was at the desk initially, so check-in happened via the tablet before we were eventually greeted. The receptionist was polite and professional, but there wasn’t much effort to engage beyond the basics – no acknowledgment of being a first-timer, no orientation beyond pointing out the changing rooms, and no suggestion of where to wait before class began. It all worked, but it didn’t create much of a welcome moment.

After class, the same polite but passive vibe continued. Staff were approachable if asked and knew their packages well, clearly explaining the options and showing the price list without being pushy. However, there was no real attempt to spark excitement about returning or to guide the client toward the next step.

The Class Experience

The class at Nobu Pilates Portman Square delivered a solid, satisfying workout. The pace was steady, the instructions were clear, and there was a good balance of challenge and flow that made it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. While the session wasn’t particularly personalised, it was easy to follow.

The session began with a friendly welcome and a clear run-through of how to use the equipment. The class flowed smoothly, with demonstrations that were easy to copy and plenty of attention given to form and technique. There weren’t many progressions or regressions provided, but support was offered when someone looked like they needed help, and adjustments were given discreetly and with care.

Things wrapped up with a brief cooldown that helped bring the intensity down. There wasn’t much of a closing moment to end or personal check-in afterwards, but overall the session still left a good impression. 

The Equipment And Studio

The studio at Nobu Pilates Portman Square made an immediate impression for its pristine condition and sense of order. The high‑quality Merrithew equipment set the tone for a premium workout that you’d expect from a premium brand, and everything clients might need was ready and in place.

We found the space itself to be bright, fresh and comfortable, with enough room to move safely and a sound system that carried the music cleanly through the session. The layout worked well, with equipment spaced so that no one felt crowded, and the temperature was set just right for an energetic yet comfortable class.

While the environment felt polished and welcoming, there weren’t many design flourishes or strong branding moments beyond a few small touches on the mirrors. A bit more personality in the space could have given the studio a signature feel.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The public areas at Nobu Pilates Portman Square carried a calm, high-end feel that immediately set the mood for the visit. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt closer to a luxury spa than a typical studio, with soft classical music playing and a subtle, calming scent in the air. The design details stood out too. The grey wood panels, black and white artwork, and well-placed plants gave the space a refined touch.

The waiting area was spacious and comfortable, with a good amount of seating for anyone arriving early. Little touches like the bronze art piece outside added to the sense of arrival and brand identity.

Changing areas and bathrooms continued that premium impression, with clean lockers, fresh towels and powerful showers. The only downsides were the limited amenity selection and a cramped changing space that made it a bit tricky to move around during busy moments. Overall, the space struck a good balance between polished and relaxing.

Digital And Technology

Booking a session at Nobu Pilates Portman Square was simple, thanks to a functional website and clear navigation that made it easy to get set up for a first visit. The website sat within the larger Nobu Hotel site, which gave it a polished look and provided plenty of essential information, though it did miss some of the bells and whistles you might expect from a standalone studio page. 

The club’s social media presence was stylish, with posts showing real clients in the studio and giving a genuine sense of what the experience was like. Updates were frequent, and the feed stayed in line with the Nobu aesthetic.

Pricing

Nobu Pilates sells its classes on a class pack basis, so if you are looking for a longer-term deal the best option is the 20-pack of classes for £620. Shorter term commitments are also available, starting with the five-pack of sessions priced at £175.

Drop-in sessions are available at the studio for £37, as well as the ability to hire the studio privately for £400 per hour during peak times.

Top Scoring Categories

Equipment & Studio
four
Public Areas
four

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