The OWO, Whitehall, London
The former Old War Office building in Whitehall, which once served as the headquarters for statesmen including Winston Churchill and, which was the inspiration for writer Ian Fleming to pen his James Bond spy novels, opened in September as The OWO. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the Grade II*-listed building has undergone a grand transformation and is home to 9 destination restaurants and 3 bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and The OWO Residences by Raffles. The OWO Residences by Raffles is the very first in Raffles residences in the UK and Europe.
The OWO has been reborn as a new culinary epicentre for the capital. Transformed through years of meticulous restoration, it is home to an impressive 9 new restaurants and 3 bars. Led by world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs, each of The OWO’s dining spaces and bars showcases an unrivalled selection of international cuisines and dining experiences. From early morning power breakfasts and lunches with the political elite to glamorous evening rendezvous, this monumental building celebrates a new chapter as a bustling culinary hub in the heart of Whitehall, unlike anywhere else in London.
The Guerlain Spa is home to a dedicated well-being concept spa delivered by Guerlain and members’ health club by movement specialists, Pillar.
The first in the UK, the Guerlain Spa spans 27,000 square feet over four floors of Raffles London at The OWO. Facilities and services include a gym and movement studio, a 20-metre swimming pool surrounded by loungers, a vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms. 9 treatment rooms include 3 VIP Spa Suites and a private hair and beauty space.
Movement specialists Pillar operate the members’ health club at Raffles London at The OWO, constructed around the three pillars of human wellbeing – Movement, Nutrition and Recovery. Born out of a need for the modern high-performing individual to have their wellness needs consistently met wherever they happen to be on the planet. Members, guests, and residents can train, eat, learn, grow, work and socialise with Pillar. These unparalleled facilities help them excel on their chosen life path.
To find out further information about this project please visit www.theowo.london, www.raffles.com/london, www.theowo.london/restaurants-and-bars and pillarwellbeing.com.
To learn more about the story of this magnificent transformation, click here.
Joint Shareholders: Hinduja Group and Onex Holding
Hotel Operator: Raffles London at The OWO
Architect: EPR Architects
Designers:
Raffles London at The OWO: The Office of Thierry W Despont
The Guerlain Spa/Swimming Pool and Wellness Areas: Goddard Littlefair
The OWO Residences by Raffles: 1508 London
Show Residences at The OWO Residences by Raffles: various designers including Albion Nord, HBA Residential, Elicyon, Winch Design, Angel O’Donnell, RJP Design
Landscaped Residents’ Garden: Marcus Barnett and The Gardenists
Café Lapérouse Pavilion in Grand Courtyard: DaeWha Kang Studio (lighting design by others)
Chandeliers: iDOGI for ‘Meridies’ the venetian glass chandelier above The Grand Staircase; Lasvit for the poppies in The Poppy Suite; Dernier & Hamlyn used archive photography taken in the building before WWII to recreate beautiful George IV chandeliers for The Churchill Suite
Photography: Courtesy of The OWO and Raffles London at The OWO and James Newton
