A London vacation will always include a certain immersion in history and in this case, that time warp is not a trip through medieval kingdoms and royal folly but the more recent and compelling history of the 20th century.
Starting September 29, a plan London vacation can include a stay at the Old War Office or OWO, a spectacular new destination in the heart of Whitehall that was once the epicenter of battle planning in WWI and WWII.
Raffles London OWO
Over the past eight years, Britain’s Old War Office has been thoughtfully restores to its former glory with the help of hundreds of artisans, and turns into the Raffles Hotels & Resorts – Raffles London at The OWO. The historic interior elements restores, including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak paneling, glittering chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase – all within a partnership between the Hinduja Group and Accor.
The most historically significant areas of the building are the Heritage Suites, former offices of influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Sir Richard Haldane. A number of these will be available for those planning a London vacation through exclusive reservations requiring “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.
In addition, a London vacation at the 120-room Raffles London at the OWO will include the choice to experience any of nine restaurants and three bars – one featuring a spectacular rooftop with panoramic views across St. James’s Park, The Mall and onto Buckingham Palace. In fact, as the property will also feature 85 Residences by Raffles, it is set to become a new culinary district for London with signature dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco, impressive entertainment spaces including a grand ballroom, and an extensive spa in partnership with Guerlain and Pillar.
“Everyone at Accor feels honor and privilege to part of this historic project that has surpass all expectations – truly a legend in the making and possibly the most awe-inspiring hotel on the planet. We invite travelers to experience this extraordinary hotel and one of our most prestigious brands in one of the world’s greatest cities,” said Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman & CEO.
Extraordinary Dining during a London Vacation
Raffles London has partner with chef Mauro Colagreco, acclaim chef behind Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur, to create three standout dining experiences. At his signature restaurant Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, diners will appreciate the chef’s commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and native British vegetables, which will focus of the dishes here. Adjacent is Mauro’s Table, an intimate space center around an impressive dining table and back 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 as a perfect complement to a London vacation.
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.
Capital Dining Scene
With eyes on becoming the new epicenter for the capital’s dining scene, The OWO will also feature four independent restaurants including Café Lapérouse, Paper Moon, Langosteria. Located in the main courtyard at The OWO, Café Lapeìrouse is full of Parisian charm and will offer show-stopping signature dishes inside a striking architectural pavilion. The Milanese restaurant, Paper Moon, is set within one of the grand spaces of The OWO overlooking Horse Guards Avenue, and will serve an eclectic selection of Italian favorites and traditional cocktails with a twist at their statement bar.
Creative Restaurant
The rooftop restaurant and a sake bar by Creative Restaurant Group, led by chef Patron Endo Kazutoshi brings panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and Buckingham Palace. The restaurant will an ode to the traditions of Japanese cooking. In addition, the team will also launch a dedicate Sake Bar, situate on the ground floor of The OWO.
To that end, Raffles London will home to two atmospheric bars: The Guard’s Bar and Lounge for British ingredients intertwin with flavors from the East (don’t miss the signature “London Sling”); and The Spy Bar, 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 for a London vacation indulgence at the hotel include The Drawing Room, a relax all-day dining lounge overlooking Horse Guards, and Pillar Kitchen, a wellbeing-focuses outlet that will go beyond healthy food, tailoring meals akin to workouts by focusing directly on individuals’ specific needs.
London Vacation with a Spa Experience
The Guerlain Spa at Raffles London is set to be one of the largest luxury hotel spas in the capital, flowing amid four floors, with a spectacular 20m swimming pool, nine designer 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 personalizes, innovative training and nutrition.
Raffles London at The OWO will the new venue of choice for significant occasions ranging from glamorous weddings to history-making state dinners to larger-than-life business events and launches. Finally with access via the stunning Grand Staircase, the Whitehall Ballroom offers capacity for up to 600 guests, complement by an extensive pre-function space and dedicate meeting rooms, name Morse and Code, making Raffles London a spectacular stage for the most dazzling celebrations.
Conclusion
“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. We are excite to provide guests with the highly personalizes and intuitive service for which Raffles is known the world over. Visitors will spoil for choice with the eclectic array of world-class restaurants and bars in an unrivall location,” comment Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO.
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