The Rebirth of a London Landmark: The OWO and Raffles London Open as a Spectacular New Destination in the Heart of Whitehall
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2023 • 3 min read
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For the first time since its conception in 1906, Britain’s iconic Old War Office will open its doors to the public as The OWO: an extraordinary new destination that is redefining Whitehall. Raffles London at The OWO will open with 120 rooms and suites and three unique dining experiences by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco alongside the spectacular Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing. In addition to Raffles London, The OWO is host to 85 Residences by Raffles and a collection of independent restaurants drawn from dynamic culinary hubs across the globe.
Source: Accor
The OWO is set to become a new epicenter for the capital's dining scene, led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs. On September 29th, The OWO, a spectacular new destination, debuts in the heart of Whitehall with the opening of new restaurants and bars, the first hotel in the United Kingdom for Raffles Hotels & Resorts—Raffles London at The OWO, 85 Raffles Residences, The Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing. It will be a place to drink and dine, celebrate, be entertained, rest and recharge, stay or choose to call “home.”
From the dazzling beauty of the grand staircase, elegantly wrapped around a breathtaking two-story chandelier, to the mosaic-tiled floors, Raffles London pays homage to the building’s history whilst providing a sense of timeless luxury. The hotel and its 120 rooms and suites were the vision of famed designer, the late Thierry Despont, who transformed landmark buildings such as the Statue of Liberty. The OWO will also feature 85 Residences by Raffles and is set to be a new culinary district for London, with the debut of nine restaurants and three bars, including a spectacular rooftop with panoramic views across St. James’s Park, The Mall and onto Buckingham Palace.
Source: Accor
The most historically significant areas of the building are the Heritage Suites, former offices of influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Sir Richard Haldane. A number of these will be available for exclusive reservations as ‘The Whitehall Wing.’ This six-bedroom suite will occupy the west wing of the building and can accommodate up to twelve guests—one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.
Source: Accor
Raffles London has partnered with chef Mauro Colagreco, the acclaimed chef behind Mirazur on the Côte d'Azur, to create three unique dining experiences. At his signature restaurant Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, diners will witness Mauro’s culinary innovation and passion for sustainability through his commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. There will be a particular focus on the rich diversity of native British vegetables, which will be the focus of the dishes here. Next door is Mauro’s Table, an intimate space centered around an impressive dining table and backed by a dramatic show kitchen. It will offer private dining for up to 23 guests. Mauro’s Table will showcase local, hyper-seasonal ingredients delivered through a creative menu that traces the paths of English gardens.
Source: Accor
Mauro’s relaxed dining restaurant, Saison, will put a contemporary spin on the traditional hotel restaurant. True to its name, Saison will reflect Chef Mauro’s philosophy and commitment to seasonal cuisine. Serving Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day including breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, this elegant room occupies a former historic library of the Old War Office. Raffles London will be home to two atmospheric bars.
The Guard’s Bar and Lounge, which will feature a thoughtful menu of 16 drinks, will have a focus on British ingredients intertwined with flavors from the East and will introduce a signature ‘London Sling.’ Situated in a former interrogation room, The Spy Bar is a surreptitious subterranean cocktail bar like no other. With a hint of the illicit, The Spy Bar pays homage to the order of spies and will be reminiscent of cloak-and-dagger moments, secret forms of communication and martini-hour rendezvous.
Source: Accor
The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London is set to be one of the largest luxury hotel spas in the capital, spanning 2,500 square meters over four floors, with a spectacular 20-meter swimming pool, nine exquisitely designed treatment suites, an extensive gym and L’Atelier Guerlain. Movement, recovery and nutrition experts, Pillar Wellbeing, will enable members to reach their full potential through personalized, innovative training and nutrition.
Source: Accor
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.