Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Hinduja Group are delighted to announce ‘Raffles London at The OWO’, a grand new hotel in the landmark Grade II* listed former Old War Office on Whitehall.
The building will open to the public for the first time, having undergone a monumental transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 unique branded residences and 11 destination restaurants and bars. Located at one of London’s most historically significant addresses, the UK’s first Raffles hotel will have an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners and will be home to a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.
The Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, has stood witness to many world-shaping events. Grand in both size and stature, the interior proportions reflect classic Edwardian architecture. During the careful and sensitive ongoing five-year renovation, the building’s key features have been completely restored whilst respecting its legacy.
The family run Hinduja Group, at the helm of the redevelopment, has been passionately committed to the meticulous restoration of the heritage features of the building since its acquisition in 2016. Hundreds of artisan craftspeople have been commissioned to restore the historic interior elements including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase.
Raffles and Hinduja Group have brought together a team of exceptional industry talent including interior design by famed designer Thierry Despont who brings an impeccable pedigree for transforming landmark buildings including The Getty Centre, Maison Cartier, The Carlyle and the Statue of Liberty. Despont is known for his sensitive reimagining of spaces with history and heritage at their core. At the helm of the opening is Managing Director Philippe Leboeuf, a French national who is returning to the capital bringing expertise from some of the world’s most notable and historic hotels.
Stephen Alden, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Orient Express said:
"The launch of Raffles London at The OWO is a singular moment for the London hospitality scene as the Raffles brand arrives in the city. We are so proud to be part of the magnificent five-year transformation of the historic Old War Office building. We have a world-class team to oversee the opening, in whose hands I'm confident that the Raffles experience of London, for our residents, guests and visitors alike, will be unforgettable."
Key suites at Raffles London will be situated in the building’s most storied rooms – formerly offices of influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. Some of the most sought-after suites will be located in the building’s corner turrets, from which guests will enjoy unparalleled views over Horse Guards and the stunning 57-acres of St. James’s Park.
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. The building went on to feature in various Bond films, including Skyfall, Spectre, License to Kill, A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and most recently, No Time To Die. The OWO will become a new epicentre for the capital's dining scene with an eclectic collection of 11 restaurants and bars led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs. Drawn from dynamic culinary hubs across the globe, each has been invited to create a dining experience like no other.
One of the UK’s most anticipated openings, Raffles London at The OWO will create a brand-new destination for Londoners and travellers alike in one of London’s most influential boroughs.
ABOUT RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO
Opening from late 2022, 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 residencies. Visitors will be able to visit 11 destination restaurants and bars, including a grand space on the building’s rooftop which features panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and onto Buckingham Palace.
ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
PRESS CONTACTS
PATRICIA COURTNEY
GLOBAL BRAND COMMUNICATIONS, LUXURY & PREMIUM BRAND
patricia.courtney@accor.com
ABOUT THE LUXURY INSPECTOR LIMITED
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