Visitors to the capital will be able to dine in nine restaurants and try three bars within the historic spaces of the Old War Office, one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses and a building once inhabited by Winston Churchill.
The Old War Office inspired Ian Fleming to write the famous James Bond series after working as key liaison officer between the War Office and Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service, and the building went on to feature in various Bond films, including Skyfall, Spectre, Licence to Kill, A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and most recently, No Time to Die.
Now known as The OWO, following a seven-year restoration project the iconic Whitehall property opened its doors to the public on 29 September, including the 120-key Raffles London at The OWO, marking the brand’s inaugural property in the UK.
Attendees at the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2024 will also be able to explore the prestigious new property on Friday 1 March, when 350 finalists and industry peers will enjoy networking drinks in The Lawrence, a beautiful reception space, followed by lunch in the hotel’s Whitehall Ballroom, which is complemented by meeting rooms named Morse and Code.
Dining dedication
The OWO will become a new epicentre for dining in London, with many of the food and beverage venues operational at the hotel’s launch, and others scheduled for the coming months.
Within Raffles London at The OWO, guests can sample three dining experiences from world-renowned chef Mauro Colagreco, including his first UK venues, such as Saison, set within a former historic library of the Old War Office and reflecting his commitment to seasonal cuisine, serving Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day. The Drawing Room will be another all-day dining option within the hotel, overlooking Horse Guards.
The Guards Bar will be the ideal spot to watch part of the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony for Buckingham Palace while sipping on one of the 16 signature drinks – including The London Sling, inspired by Raffles Singapore’s iconic Singapore Sling. Meanwhile, The Spy Bar will serve cocktails in a subterranean former government interrogation room, turned into a secret “speakeasy”.
Philippe Leboeuf, managing director of Raffles London at The OWO said: “We have worked tirelessly to create a destination that preserves the heritage of this significant address, while breathing new life into it.”
Parisian institution Cafe Laperouse will make its first international opening in a striking pavilion and restaurant space in the main courtyard, with interiors courtesy of art director Cordelia de Castellane, renowned for her work with Maison Dior.
Paper Moon will offer an Italian menu overlooking Horse Guards Avenue, while cult Milanese restaurant Langosteria will also make its UK debut in early 2024. The property’s rooftop will be home to a Japanese restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi, while a sake bar will open on the ground floor this winter.
Hands-on craftmanship
Hundreds of artisan craftspeople have been commissioned to restore the historic interior elements of Raffles London at The OWO, including mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase.
The interiors were orchestrated by famed designer Thierry Despont who sadly passed away in August and is known for his work at landmark buildings including The Getty Centre, Maison Cartier and the Statue of Liberty.
Key suites will be situated in the building’s most storied rooms, formerly offices of influential political and military leaders such as Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. Some of the most sought-after suites are located in the building’s corner turrets, from which guests will have views over Horse Guards and St James’s Park.
A number of suites will be available for exclusive reservation collectively as The Whitehall Wing, a six-bedroom residence occupying the west wing of the building and accommodating up to 12 guests. It’s said to be one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.
The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London will be the first Guerlain Spa in the UK, designed by interior design studio Goddard Littlefair and offering a range of exclusive treatments for guests administered in nine treatment rooms.
The wellness area spans four levels at the heart of the building and includes a 20-metre pool, vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms, as well as bespoke training, nutrition and recovery programmes led by Pillar, founded by elite performance coach Harry Jameson.
