The highly anticipated opening of Raffles London at The OWO has finally been confirmed for the 29 September.
Housed in London’s historic Old War Office in Whitehall, the new 120-room hotel will feature signature restaurants helmed by chef Mauro Colagreco, two bars, the Guerlain Spa and a selection of event spaces including a grand ballroom. This will also be joined by 85 branded residences and a collection of independent F&B spaces.
The eight-year restoration project has involved hundreds of artisans to restore the building to its former glory, with features ranging from hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, magnificent chandeliers, and the centrepiece marble staircase.
“I am delighted to announce the highly awaited opening of The OWO this September. 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,” said Sanjay Hinduja from Hinduja Group, who has developed the property in partnership with Accor.
Raffles London has partnered with chef Mauro Colagreco, (the culinary star behind Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur) to offer three dining experiences. This includes signature restaurant Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, which will focus on sustainability with locally sourced British vegetables.
Next door will be Mauro’s Table (pictured above), a private dining space for 23 guests that will offer a show kitchen and focus on “local, hyper-seasonal ingredients delivered through a creative menu that traces the paths of English gardens”.
Relaxed dining venue, Saison, will serve seasonal Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a former library of the Old War Office.
Two hotel bars will comprise The Guard’s Bar and Lounge, featuring a menu of 16 drinks including the signature ‘London Sling, and The Spy Bar, a subterranean cocktail bar situated in a former interrogation room.
Additional dining outlets at the hotel will include The Drawing Room, a relaxed all-day lounge overlooking the historic Horse Guards building, and wellness-focused Pillar Kitchen, that will “go beyond healthy food, tailoring meals akin to workouts by focusing directly on individuals’ specific needs”.
The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London, with interiors designed by Goddard Littlefair, will span 2,500 sqm spread over four floors, making it one of the largest hotel spas in the capital. Features will include a 20 metre indoor swimming pool, nine treatment rooms, and a gym. Nutrition and mobility training will also be offered by experts from Pillar Wellbeing.
The Whitehall Ballroom, accessed by the grand staircase, will have capacity for up to 600 guests, with a pre-function space and dedicated meeting rooms (named Morse and Code).
In addition to restaurants by Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London, The OWO will feature four independent restaurants. This will include Parisian-chic Café Lapérouse housed in a striking architectural pavilion; Milanese restaurant Paper Moon (pictured above) overlooking Horse Guards Avenue and serving up Italian dishes, daily aperitivi, and traditional cocktails; Milanese seafood specialist Langosteria; and a Japanese-inspired rooftop restaurant and ground-floor sake bar led by Michelin-starred Chef Patron Endo Kazutoshi.
“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”, said Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman and CEO.
“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.”
