Raffles at The OWO officially opens

Raffles London at The OWO has officially opened its doors to the public on Friday (29 September). 

This building houses the capital’s first Raffles hotel as well as a selection of independent restaurants and bars inspired by fine dining all over the world. 

Sanjay Hinduja, of the Hinduja group, said: “The OWO is a legendary building, whose history is of incomparable richness. From the project launched, we have made every effort to ensure that this jewel of Whitehall is restored in the most beautiful way, in order to restore its former splendour and that this heritage benefits future generations.”

Raffles London at The OWO is the first establishment of the Raffles Hotels and Resorts brand to take up residence in the UK. It offers 120 spacious rooms and suites, restaurants by Mauro Colagreco, event spaces, including a majestic reception room, and a large spa, the result of the partnership between Guerlain and Pillar Wellbeing.

Omer Acar, managing director of Raffles and Orient Express, said: “It is an honour for us to have participated in this monumental project. The opening of Raffles London at The OWO in this historic monument is a major event, one of the most significant of the Raffles brand, synonymous with long-standing legendary service, glamour, art and historic destinations.” 

Philippe Leboeuf, director general of Raffles London at The OWO, said: “We are delighted to offer our guests the personalised and attentive service that makes Raffles’ reputation worldwide, in an unparalleled setting. We have had the chance to collaborate with world-class partners to bring this new destination to life: talented designers, renowned chefs and visionary restaurateurs, as well as with the biggest names in perfumery, beauty and well-being. 

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to have contributed to this historic project, which exceeds all expectations. The OWO is a legend in the making.” 

The state rooms and interior spaces have been transformed into 120 rooms and suites by the late Thierry Despont, famous designer. The heritage suites are located in the parts of the building of the greatest historical interest, since they occupy the former offices of influential political and military leaders. The haldane suite, an office of Winston Churchill, John Profumo and Sir Richard Haldane at the time, offers up to six rooms for an area of 500 m². Also known as the Whitehall Wing, it accommodates up to twelve people, making it one of the most spacious luxury hotel suites in London.

The eight Corner Suites are named after famous women and spies related to the history of the OWO. Located in the rounded corners of the building, they pay tribute to great female figures, such as Viscountess Astor or Clementine Churchill, as well as Second World War agents such as Christian Lamb and British spy Vera May Atkins.

Chef Mauro Colagreco has teamed up with Raffles London to offer three exclusive gastronomic experiences. These three distinct concepts highlight the best seasonal products, from the terroirs and waters of the United Kingdom.

In its signature restaurant, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, the dishes highlight the rich diversity of British early food, through several tasting menus. The adjacent Mauro’s Table offers a private setting that can accommodate up to 23 people. 

Le Saison reinvents the hotel restaurant in a relaxed and contemporary way. Serving Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day, this refined space occupies a historic library of the former Ministry of War. 

Raffles London also houses two bars with a cosy atmosphere, in absolutely unparalleled settings. The Guards Bar and Lounge honours the historical links between the OWO and the Mounted Guard of the Household Cavalry. Offering a menu of 16 carefully selected cocktails, this lounge focuses on British ingredients, combined with the flavours of the Orient, such as the “London Sling”, the bar’s signature cocktail. Other convivial spaces of the hotel include the Drawing Room, a casual lounge overlooking the Horse Guards building, open at any time of the day, and the Pillar Kitchen and its wellness kitchen using the best of dietetics.

In addition, the OWO offers a state-of-the-art Guerlain spa extending over 2,500 m², spread over four floors. Designed by Goddard Littlefair, this spa includes a fitness room and studio dedicated to ultramodern movement, a 20-metre indoor pool lined with deckchairs, a vitality pool, saunas and hammams. 

Abdellah Belhadh Hamlili, member of the board of directors of the Onex group, said: “The project brought together some of the most talented architects and designers in the world around a master plan bringing together a selection of magnificent restaurants and bars, the first Raffles hotel in the United Kingdom, the Guerlain spa and 85 private residences. There is really nothing comparable in London.”