A significant chapter in London’s hospitality and dining landscape unfolds on Friday, September 29, as The OWO, a grand new destination, makes its dazzling debut in the heart of Whitehall.
Comprising not just the first Raffles Hotel in the UK but also 85 luxury residences, nine world-class restaurants, three bars, and an extensive wellness area, The OWO aims to redefine urban luxury.
A Labor of Love: The Restoration of The Old War Office
Situated in the historic Old War Office, the property has undergone meticulous restoration over eight years. Led by the Hinduja Group, the family-run enterprise has brought hundreds of artisans on board to revive the building’s historic features, including hand-laid mosaic floors, ornate oak panelling, and a magnificent marble staircase. Sanjay Hinduja of the Hinduja Group noted that the building’s “size and beauty” had initially impressed the team, adding that “no expense has been spared” in its refurbishment.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor, the group that owns the Raffles brand, expressed that everyone at Accor feels “honoured and privileged to be part of this historic project,” describing it as a “legend in the making.”
Lavish Accommodations at Raffles London at The OWO
Designed by the late renowned designer Thierry Despont, Raffles London comprises 120 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites. Among these are the highly exclusive Heritage Suites. These suites, once the offices of illustrious figures like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, will be part of ‘The Whitehall Wing,’ a six-bedroom suite that can host up to 12 guests.
World-class Dining Experiences
The OWO doesn’t just offer a bed; it offers a comprehensive dining experience. The hotel has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco to create three signature restaurants. These establishments will highlight Colagreco’s commitment to sustainability and his flair for culinary innovation. In addition to these, The OWO will feature four more independent restaurants, including Café Lapérouse, Paper Moon, Langosteria, and a rooftop restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Patron Endo Kazutoshi. The culinary landscape at The OWO is designed to offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience, making it London’s new epicentre for fine dining.
Impeccable Wellness and Entertainment Facilities
Wellness enthusiasts will find their sanctuary at The Guerlain Spa, one of the largest luxury hotel spas in London. Covering 2,500 sq meters over four floors, the spa features a 20-meter swimming pool and nine bespoke treatment suites. On the entertainment front, Raffles London will host everything from weddings to state dinners in its grand Whitehall Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 600 guests.
A Legacy of Heritage and Luxury
Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO, summed up the venue as a fusion of history and luxury. “We are excited to provide guests with the highly personalised and intuitive service for which Raffles is known the world over,” he said.
In a city renowned for its historic grandeur and cutting-edge modernity, The OWO represents a seamless blend of both. It’s more than just a hotel or a dining destination; it’s a symbol of how London’s illustrious past can be reimagined for the future.
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