Step back in history with a unique experience at Raffles London at The OWO.
Nine restaurants and three bars at Raffles London at The OWO. in a Grade II Edwardian Baroque building in London’s Whitehall might be reason enough to visit. But if you only ate there, as good as the food is, you would be missing a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The storied walls of the Old War Office have been gifted a glamorous new life by Raffles, becoming Raffles London at The OWO in 2023. An experience that transcends hospitality, here, Edwardian grandeur meets contemporary luxury, and Churchill’s legacy walks alongside candlelit dinners and designer spa therapies. Following a meticulous six-year transformation, the building that once defined wartime leadership has reemerged as one of the world’s most distinctive hotels.
Whether you come to admire its architecture, its heritage, or its exceptional dining, Raffles' London iconic location promises more than a stay — it offers an immersion into the soul of British history.
In Short: From Churchill’s former office to Michelin-starred dining, every detail at Raffles London at The OWO has been carefully renovated and curated to honour its storied past while redefining modern elegance, inviting guests into an experience that is as culturally rich as it is indulgently immersive.
The Location
Located in London’s Whitehall, the building sits at the heart of British governance. The carved lion at the foot of the right-hand balustrade, which Churchill used to touch for luck, remains — as does the Juliet balcony on the first floor from where the British Prime Minister used to address staff.
The Background
The OWO stands for Old War Office, an iconic piece of architecture at the epicentre of British government and now home to Britain’s first Raffles Hotel after a six-year renovation. Originally built in 1906, the meticulous attention to detail has resulted in an Edwardian masterpiece offering superlative stays at an iconic venue.
When you walk the corridors of OWO you follow the footsteps of Winston Churchill. His former office from 1919 to 1921, the Army Council Room where all the major military governance decisions were made, has been converted into the two-bedroom Churchill suite. And although Churchill himself never slept overnight there, he was known to be partial to afternoon naps in a comfortable armchair by the fire.
And even before Churchill considered matters of peace and war in these rooms, the building boasts a remarkable history dating back to the 13th century when it was the palace of the Archbishop of York, later seized by Henry VIII to become Whitehall Palace, where the Tudor and Stuart dynasties were located in London.
After a fire in 1698, the building became home to a series of aristocratic families before a new Edwardian icon was designed by William Young in 1898 and finished by his son Clyde Young in 1906. Comprising over 1,000 rooms linked by 4km of corridors, messengers had to navigate the building by bicycles to communicate with staff.
The carved lion at the foot of the right hand balustrade, which Churchill used to touch for luck, remains as does the Juliet balcony on the first floor from where the British Prime Minister used to address staff. In total Churchill spent large parts of his career located at OWO - as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 to 1915; as Secretary of State for War from 1919 to 1921 and as Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945.
In 1914 the British army officer, diplomat and writer, Thomas Lawrence passed through OWO before creating his own legend as Lawrence of Arabia. The building, which witnessed over a century at the centre of British power, was still in use in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq as the office of the Secretary of State for Defence.
The Guests & Ambiance
The hotel has welcomed and hosted a mix of dignitaries, celebrities, and discerning travellers since its opening in September 2023. Only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the only sister of King Charles III, Princess Anne, even attended the official launch of the hotel, giving it the official royal stamp of approval, offering additional touch of old world elegance to the revamped hotel.
With fresh flowers adorning the lobby, changing weekly and with the seasons, the ambiance of Raffles London at The OWO radiates with whimsical and historical charm, where original architectural details have been thoughtfully preserved and seamlessly reimagined for the modern discerning traveller.
The Rooms
The hotel features 120 rooms and suites, including five Heritage Suites crafted from former offices of influential political leaders. The corridors, once navigated by bicycle messengers, now lead to elegantly restored accommodations.
Embodying the pinnacle of British luxury, each room and suite meticulously designed to honour the building’s Edwardian heritage while embracing modern refinement. The interiors, crafted by renowned designer Thierry Despont, feature rich textures, marble bathrooms, and custom fragrances by Azzi Glasser, creating a sensory experience that is both indulgent and intimate. From hand-carved moldings to bespoke furnishings and thoughtfully curated artwork, every detail has been meticulously designed to meet the needs of the modern traveller, all while echoing the inescapable whispers of history.
Set within the very room where Winston Churchill once shaped military strategy as Secretary of State for War, The Churchill Suite is located in the former Army Council Room, retaining its historical charm while offering modern comforts. Though Churchill never slept overnight, he was known to nap in an armchair by the fire, adding another touch of intimacy to the hotel's previous life.
Among the most exceptional accommodations are the five Heritage Suites, transformed from the former offices of British statesmen, including the Churchill Suite: once the Army Council Room. Corner Suites housed in the building’s iconic cupolas offer panoramic views and circular layouts, while Ministerial and Westminster Suites provide elevated privacy and grandeur. Whether overlooking Horse Guards Parade or nestled within the building’s historic heart, each room invites guests to sleep within the pages of history, wrapped in the elegance of Raffles.
The Dining
And so to the food. Saison, the all day Mediterranean dining restaurant of triple-Michelin starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco was our destination for dinner and it didn’t disappoint. Although billed as casual dining, it still offers the comforts of 5 star luxury with stiff linen table cloths, impeccable service and an extensive menu catering to a wide variety of tastes.
Saison, situated in the Library of the OWO, also has an interesting historical connection. It draws inspiration from the 1882 visit of Queen Victoria to the French and Italian Riviera where she described it as ‘a paradise of nature’. Her visit drew artists, writers and travellers to the region sparking a great British love affair with French and Italian cuisine. The signature menu catering for breakfast, lunch, a la carte, Sunday feast and children, offers a wide selection including vegan options.
Raffles London at The OWO also offers dining at Mauro Colagreco’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Mauro’s Table, an immersive private dining experience for 20 guests with an open kitchen, as well as dining in the Drawing Room and Pillar Kitchen. Kioku by Endo offers Japanese cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi, Paper Moon offering Milanese cuisine and Langosteria offering Italian fine dining.
The Drawing Room at Raffles London at The OWO is a quietly opulent space that channels the elegance of a bygone era. Overlooking Whitehall, it serves as the perfect setting for refined indulgence, where plush interiors, flawless service, and historic ambiance converge.
The Drawing Room is also home to one of London's most distinctive and sought-after afternoon teas, the Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea is a cultural experience steeped in intrigue and tradition, dating back to the 1840s. Inspired by the building’s espionage legacy — from Churchill to MI9 — the menu features delicately crafted sandwiches, scones, and pastries that pay homage to the brave women and men of British intelligence. Highlights include a chocolate cake shaped like a WWII spy pocket watch and seasonal British ingredients woven into every bite.
Wellness & Spa
Raffles London at The OWO features a Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing Centre, offering holistic treatments, movement, nutrition and recovery programs across four levels. While not mentioned in the original text, these additions enhance the restorative experience.
The Staff
Service at the OWO is known for its discretion and precision, with butler service available for suite guests and personalised concierge support throughout the stay. Staff are trained to reflect the building’s legacy while delivering modern hospitality.
Sustainability
Raffles OWO aims to reduce water consumption by 10% and food waste by 20% year-on-year. It partners with local environmental trusts and encourages staff participation through a three-day charity benefit. These initiatives align with the building’s preservation ethos and protected status.
Final Thoughts
As eclectic and impressive as the dining options are however, to only visit this building to eat would be to do this iconic institution a disservice. As Raffles first London location, is superlative in its own right, but its location at the epicentre of British history elevates the experience to another level.
If only the walls of OWO could talk, what tales they could tell.
Raffles London at the OWO,
57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
Average prices from £900 per night
Book your stay here
@raffleslondon.theowo
