Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a member of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has confirmed the opening date for its first property in the UK, the highly-anticipated launch of Raffles London at The OWO, on Friday 29 September 2023.
Raffles London, positioned at the Old War Office (OWO), features 120 guest rooms and suites, signature dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco, and The Guerlain Spa. In the heart of Whitehall, the project – more than eight years in the making – encompasses nine new restaurants and three bars, along with 85 Residences by Raffles, and a spectacular rooftop with panoramic views across St James’s Park, The Mall and onto Buckingham Palace.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
Over the past eight years, Britain’s Old War Office has been thoughtfully restored to its former glory. The family-run Hinduja Group, at the helm of the redevelopment, has been passionately committed to the revival of its heritage features. With the help of hundreds of artisans, historic interior elements have been restored, including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, glittering chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase. The iconic centrepiece of this landmark transformation is Raffles London at The OWO, which has been developed in partnership between the Hinduja Group and Accor.
“I am delighted to announce the highly awaited opening of The OWO this September,” said Sanjay Hinduja from Hinduja Group. “When we came to Whitehall, the team were blown away by the size and beauty of this majestic building. No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. Along with Raffles London at The OWO, we hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman & CEO, added.“Everyone at Accor feels honoured and privileged to be part of this historic project that has surpassed all expectations – truly a legend in the making and possibly the most awe-inspiring hotel on the planet.
“Together with the Hinduja family, we proudly invite locals and travellers alike to experience this extraordinary hotel as well as the authenticity and graciousness of Raffles, one of our most prestigious brands in one of the world’s greatest cities.”
Raffles London at The OWO
From the dazzling beauty of the grand staircase, elegantly wrapped around a breathtaking two-storey 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.
Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Orient Express, Accor said: “Raffles seeks out astonishing settings for each of its properties, and Raffles London at The OWO offers this generously. The rich heritage of the city, as well as the Old War Office building, make London a natural home for the Raffles brand, which has long been synonymous with legendary service, glamour, art, and storied destinations.”
The most historically significant areas of the building are the Heritage Suites, former offices of 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.
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 Colagreco’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 centred 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.
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.
Bar and Lounges
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 flavours 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.
Further outlets at the hotel include The Drawing Room, a relaxed all-day dining lounge overlooking Horse Guards, and Pillar Kitchen, a wellbeing-focused outlet that will go beyond healthy food, tailoring meals akin to workouts by focusing directly on individuals’ specific needs.
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 20m 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 personalised, innovative training and nutrition.
“At Raffles London, the history of the former Old War Office lives on, through its splendid architecture, carefully chosen interior design and expansive Heritage Suites,” said Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO.
“We are excited to provide guests with the highly personalised and intuitive service for which Raffles is known the world over. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with the eclectic array of world-class restaurants and bars in an unrivalled location.”
