The OWO and Raffles London at The OWO is now open
October 29thLONDON
London, United Kingdom, 29 September 2023 – The OWO, a magnificent new destination, opens today at one of the most powerful addresses in London. Set in a building of epic proportions, The OWO is home to the first Raffles hotel in London, The OWO Residences by Raffles, and a collection of independent restaurants and bars drawn from dynamic culinary hubs across the globe. The OWO heralds a new chapter for Whitehall, an area synonymous with politics, as an exciting place to drink and dine, celebrate, be entertained, rest and recharge, stay and live.
“The OWO is a legendary building with a storied history. From the outset of the project, we have gone above and beyond to ensure that this jewel in the heart of Whitehall is restored, curated and revived in the most appropriate way to deliver a heritage site for the next generations,” said Sanjay Hinduja from Hinduja Group.
The highly anticipated Raffles London at The OWO is the first property in the UK for Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and features 120 spacious guest rooms and suites, signature dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco, impressive entertainment spaces including a grand ballroom, and an extensive spa in partnership with Guerlain and Pillar Wellbeing.
“We are honored to be part of this monumental project. Opening Raffles London at The OWO within this historical building is an incredible highlight and marks one of the most important moments in the history of the Raffles brand which has long been synonymous with legendary service, glamor, art, and storied destinations,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Orient Express.
From the dazzling beauty of the Grand Staircase, elegantly wrapped around a breath-taking chandelier, to the mosaic-tiled floors and oak-panelled walls, Raffles London pays homage to the building’s history whilst providing a sense of timeless luxury. Guests can retrace the steps of some of the most influential leaders of the 20th century and reflect on the pivotal decisions made within its storied walls. Custodians of the building, Hinduja Group and Onex Group have been passionately committed to the revival of the former Old War Office’s heritage features, employing the expertise of hundreds of craftsmen throughout its comprehensive eight-year restoration.
“We are excited to provide guests with the highly personalized and intuitive service for which Raffles is known the world over, in an unparalleled setting. We have been very fortunate to work with world-class partners in delivering this new destination, talented designers, world-class chefs and visionary restaurateurs alongside the preeminent names in the world of fragrance, beauty and wellness. I am both honored and privileged to have been part of this historic project that has surpassed all expectations. It is truly a legend in the making,” said Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO.
At Raffles London, handsome State Rooms and grand spaces have been transformed into 120 guest rooms and suites by famed designer, the late Thierry Despont. Situated in the historically significant areas of the building are the Heritage Suites, former offices of influential political and military leaders. The Haldane suite, formerly the office of Winston Churchill, John Profumo and Sir Richard Haldane can be combined to create a six-bedroom, 5,381 sqft suite. Known as The Whitehall Wing, this can accommodate up to twelve guests – one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.
Also highlighted are eight Corner Suites which are named after notable women and female spies connected with the history of The OWO. Situated in the rounded pavilion corners of the building these honor influential women such as Viscountess Astor and Clementine Churchill as well as WWII operatives such as Christian Lamb and British female spy Vera May Atkins.
Renowned chef Mauro Colagreco has partnered exclusively with Raffles London to lead three unique dining experiences at the property. These three diverse concepts will showcase the beauty of the UK’s best seasonal produce, sourced from local farms, fields and shores across the country.
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. Dishes here will highlight the rich diversity of native British vegetables, delivered through a series of tasting menus. Next door, Mauro’s Table is an intimate space centered around an impressive dining table for up to 23 guests. Backed by a dramatic show kitchen, head chef Leonel Aguirre will take diners on a sensory journey through English gardens.
Mauro’s relaxed dining restaurant, Saison, will put a contemporary spin on the traditional hotel restaurant. Serving seasonal Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day including breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, this elegant space occupies a former historic library of the Old War Office. True to its name, Saison will reflect chef Colagreco’s philosophy and commitment to seasonal cuisine.
Raffles London also debuts two atmospheric bars in settings like no other. The Guards Bar and Lounge honors The OWO’s long association and historic connections with the Household Cavalry. Featuring a thoughtful menu of 16 drinks, with a focus on British ingredients intertwined with flavors from the East, The Guards Bar and Lounge will feature its own signature ‘London Sling’. Further outlets at the hotel include The Drawing Room, a relaxed all-day lounge overlooking Horse Guards, and Pillar Kitchen, a well-being-focused outlet that will go beyond healthy food.
Well-being is integral to Raffles London at The OWO, with a state-of-the-art Guerlain Spa spanning 27,000 sqft over four floors. Designed by Goddard Littlefair, the spa space offers an impressive range of facilities and services to provide guests with a truly indulgent spa experience. These include a cutting-edge gym and movement studio, a stunning 20m swimming pool surrounded by luxurious loungers, a vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms. Nine exquisitely designed treatment suites are also available, including three spacious VIP Spa Suites and L’Atelier Guerlain, a private beauty and hair treatment space.
Movement, recovery and nutrition experts, Pillar Wellbeing, founded by elite performance coach Harry Jameson, will enable members to reach their full potential through personalized, innovative training and nutrition. The spa will be open to guests at Raffles London, residents of The OWO Residences by Raffles, Raffles Wellbeing members and day guests.
Raffles London will be the new venue of choice for the city’s most important occasions – from glamorous weddings and history-making state dinners to larger-than-life business events and launches. With access via the exceptional Grand Staircase, the extraordinary Whitehall Ballroom offers capacity for up to 600 guests, complemented by an extensive pre-function space and dedicated meeting rooms, named Morse and Code, making Raffles London a spectacular stage for the most dazzling celebrations.
“The project has brought together some of the world’s most talented architects and designers with a master plan that includes an incredible collection of restaurants and bars, the UK’s first Raffles hotel, The Guerlain Spa, and 85 private residences. There truly is nowhere else like it in London,” added Abdellah Belhadh Hamlili, Board Member Onex Group.
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www.theowo.london | www.raffles.com/london
Instagram: @theowo.london | @raffleslondon.theowo
For further information contact Perowne International
Raffles London at The OWO and The OWO Press Kit and Images: HERE
The OWO and Raffles London – facts at a glance
Opening Friday 29th September 2023
Address: Whitehall, London SW1A 2EU
Raffles London, 120 rooms and suites, designed by the late Thierry Despont
85 Raffles branded residences, designed by 1508 London
9 restaurants and three bars led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs including three unique dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco
The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London featuring beauty and wellness experts Guerlain and health club by movement specialists Pillar Wellbeing comprising an extensive gym and movement studio, striking 20m swimming pool, complete with vitality pool, designed by Goddard Littlefair
Event space comprises: The Whitehall Ballroom at 7,297 square feet; The Lawrence, pre-function area at 4,574 square feet; Morse Meeting Room at 1011 square feet and Code Meeting Room at 957 square feet
About The OWO
Opening on Friday 29 September, the former Old War Office in Whitehall will open as The OWO. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the building has undergone a monumental transformation and will be home to 9 destination restaurants and three bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded residences. At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion-pound turnover business with experience in the restoration and renovation of historic buildings and Onex Holding, a private investment group with a strong track record of developing and operating strategic and critical infrastructure.theowo.london www.hindujagroup.com www.onexholding.com
About Raffles London at The OWO
Opening on Friday 29 September, Raffles London at The OWO will host London’s first Raffles Hotel, a prestigious new hotel in a landmark Grade II* listed building on Whitehall. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the building has undergone a monumental transformation comprising 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 spacious private residences. raffles.com/London
About Raffles
Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences are places where ideas are born, history is made and stories and legends are created. At each landmark address, distinguished guests and residents will find a world of elegance and enchanted glamor, where Raffles’ renowned legacy of gracious service knows no bounds. As the authentic heart of a destination, Raffles champions fine art and design, and fosters culture in all its forms, guiding guests to make discoveries in their own time and way. Raffles’ commitment to local communities is expressed through diverse initiatives with a unified mission to actively support the arts and the environment. From one generation to the next, visitors arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. Raffles can be found in key international locations including Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh and Bali; with flagship openings upcoming in London, Boston, Macau and Bahrain in 2023. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com