The Heart of London

Raffles London at The OWO

The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Raffles London at The OWO on London's Whitehall unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world's most historic addresses.

This fine Grade II* Edwardian building has been transformed into a spectacular stage for dazzling celebrations; with fine dining, lively bars, the latest in wellness and beauty therapies, the most luxurious suites and rooms, versatile grand ballroom and event space.

Originally opened in 1906 to house Britain's War Office, this iconic Whitehall building was once inhabited by famous statesmen and spies from Lord Haldane to Winston Churchill and was among the inspirations behind Ian Fleming's James Bond. In fact many of the Bond movies had scenes filmed here.

A six year restoration has seen thousands of expert craftsmen and women transform The Old War Office, today known as The OWO, into London's most exciting premier destination for the city's most important occasions. Handsome State Rooms and grand offices have been transformed into 120 spacious guest rooms and suites with views of Whitehall and Horse Guards.

For epicureans, nine restaurants and three bars are overseen by world-class chefs, including three unique dining experiences by chef Mauro Colagreco. And for body and mind, a luxurious Guerlain Spa with nine treatment rooms offers traditional beauty therapies, whilst cutting-edge wellness brand, Pillar Wellbeing oversees active wellness training and health programmes. All this complemented by a 20-metre swimming pool, vitality pool, saunas and steam rooms, state of the art gym and movement studio.

1906

The New War Office, designed by British architect, William Young, was opened on Whitehall to house 2,500 government and military officials. It was built in Edwardian Baroque style and it had over 1,000 rooms and 2.5 miles of corridor. King Edward VII (the eldest son of Queen Victoria) was monarch when it opened.

The New War Office was the centre of the British Army's administration and it is from this building that Sir Winston Churchill helped mastermind the Allied Victory over Hitler.

1919

The New War Office was used by Winston Churchill as Secretary of State for War from 1919 to 1921.

1964

With the formation of the unified Ministry of Defence on 1 April 1964, much of the former Army Department transferred across Horse Guards into the MOD 'Main' Building. Reorganisation took place and the now 'Old' War Office retained an Army presence but also hosted RAF branches and the Navy's Hydrographer.

2014

The Old War Office was sold as part of the disposal of British Government assets.

2016

The new owners of The Old War Office, the Hinduja Group, receive the keys and start a meticulous six-year restoration of this historic building working with thousands of expert craftsmen and women. The building is now known as The OWO.

2023

In Summer 2023, this former Old War Office in Whitehall, will open as The OWO. Home to Raffles London at The OWO, comprising 120 rooms and suites, alongside 85 spacious private residences known as The OWO Residences by Raffles. There are also nine destination restaurants and three bars, a luxurious Spa operated by Guerlain and a member's health club by movement specialists, Pillar Wellbeing. Impressive event spaces include The Whitehall Ballroom (seating 600) accessed by a magnificent Grand Staircase, spacious pre-function space and a number of meeting rooms.