Robert De Niro is now an adopted Manc, and it took just two words to win Manchester over

At the beginning of this week, it was a frequently-asked question. Even the night before, there was scepticism that Mr De Niro would actually make it to the city.

Ahead of his flying visit, rumours of the A-lister’s trip was a hot topic within property circles.

But fears of a last-minute cancellation were dismissed when 200-or-so invitees to the launch of Nobu Manchester on Tuesday morning (November 11) saw the actor and director for themselves.

And for all the chatter around De Niro’s arrival, it took just two words for the newly-adopted Mancunian to win his audience over.

Flying in from Amsterdam that morning, part of a whistle-stop European tour to promote new Nobu Hotels in the Dutch capital, Britain’s second city, Rome, and Warsaw, Mr De Niro calmly strolled into a waiting chair at 10.06am.

He was joined by Nobu’s co-founders, chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper, and its chief executive Trevor Horwell.

The Salfordian chief exec of Salboy, Simon Ismail, played the role of amenable host welcoming his guests. It’s his company’s 246m, 76-storey tall skyscraper which now bears Nobu’s name.

The 160-room luxury hotel, basement restaurant, and apartments branded as ‘Nobu residences’ will become Manchester’s largest building, 46m taller than current record-holder Deansgate Square South Tower.

Taking the crown as the city’s tallest tower clearly meant a lot to Mr Ismail, pride exuding throughout the press conference.

Although the Salboy boss did most of the talking, when project godfather De Niro did speak, he entertained.

“Manchester has real character, creative passion. We are proud to be part of it,” he said while sipping a hot herbal tea and cold Fiji Water under the chilly Victorian railway arches from which the tower will sprout.

He drew a big laugh giving a concise answer when asked if he was still excited, aged 82, to expand Nobu.

“Of course,” he replied after a pause, smiling.

There’s more to look forward to for the Goodfellas star, though, as he can now count himself as an adopted Mancunian after Mr Ismail gifted De Niro, chef Nobu, and Mr Teper a key to an apartment each in the development.

Before departing to enjoy a very Northern lunch — with Lancashire hot pot, local porcini mushroom pasta, and chips and gravy on the menu — Mr De Niro ended his hours’ long stay with a promise.

“I look forward to coming back, when it’s finished, if not before,” he said. “I plan to be around. I think it will take six years, so I will make sure I am around.”