Raffles London At The OWO : A Look Inside

The much-awaited Raffles London at The OWO is all set to open its doors. The former Old War Office on Whitehall has undergone a “monumental” transformation to created one of the leading new luxury hotels in London. The UK’s first-ever Raffles hotel is located at one of the most historically significant addresses in London.

This impressive architectural wonder is situated in the iconic Grade II* listed former Old War Office on Whitehall. The 1906-built 580,000 square foot building has been transformed beyond recognition. The Old War Office, which was originally designed by British architect William Young has borne witness to numerous world-altering events. Its grandeur is evident in both its size and stature, and the interior proportions exemplify traditional Edwardian architecture.

After a significant investment of more than $1.2 billion over the course of six years, what was once a hub of the British Imperial-era is now one of the most opulent hotels in London. 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.

Featuring 120 rooms and suites, 85 unique branded residences and an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners. Raffles London at The OWO will also be home to a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.

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 John Profumo, David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. Other suites will offer views of Horse Guards and the 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 was featured 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. Of which, Café Lapérouse, situated in the building’s central courtyard, housed within an impressive modern indoor pavilion and interior rooms inside the building, the 174-cover restaurant will offer an intrinsically French menu and refined elegant interiors.

A quintessential part of the Parisian dining scene, the Lapérouse name traces its origins back to 1766. Owned by Moma Group, the inaugural Café Lapérouse, opened its doors in 2021 in the center of Paris at Hotel de la Marine, the historic national monument facing Place de la Concorde. This bustling destination is filled with a glamorous clientele throughout the day and into the evening, seven days a week. Drawn from dynamic culinary hubs across the globe, each has been invited to create a dining experience like no other. Read more about Café Lapérouse here.