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Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO

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Raffles London at The OWO

London

Ornate opulence in historic London

History of the building: A truly sumptuous new addition to London's thriving hotel scene, Raffles London at The OWO occupies the Grade II listed former Old War Office building on Whitehall. The hotel opened its doors after an extensive eight-year renovation that managed to preserve the original floors and staircase where legendary British politician Winston Churchill stood to deliver his wartime announcements.

English heritage: Every detail of the furniture is redolent of the past, but with a contemporary touch. The crimson uniforms of the Horse Guards' Household Cavalry inspired the fabrics, while the geometric design of the carpets and tiles recall the building's original floor grills and Roman mosaics.

Talk to me about the suites: The Edwardian Baroque building once housed politicians, spies and government officials and it feels as of each of the 120 suites has witnessed momentous and often secret events. The most sumptuous are named after the Old War Office's greatest occupants. The Churchill Suite is a symphony of wood panelling and antique fireplaces; the Granville Suite, a homage to the spy Christine Granville, has a golden bathtub in its majestic bathroom. With a view over Whitehall, the Haldane Suite is dedicated to War Secretary Lord Haldane, with a drawing room and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Horse Guards Parade.

What's there to eat? With nine restaurants on site, guests aren't exactly short of dining options. Legendary Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco has not one but three eateries here including an eponymous, elevated fine-dining restaurant, a chef's table and Saison, an all-day Mediterranean eatery. Head to the roof terrace to experience exquisitely wrought Japanese-inspired fine dining at Kioku by Endo or across the paved courtyard to Paper Moon for Milanese cuisine served alongside classic aperitivi and traditional Italian cocktails.

Pay attention, 007: A hidden bar located in the underground interrogation rooms once used by MI6 and MI5 agents and helmed by dapper bar manager Sotiris Konomi is worth seeking out for vesper connoisseurs. James Bond's favourite cocktail is the signature, also available in its vintage version, made with spirits that date back to the 1960s. Photography and phone cameras are banned in the bar, adding to its mystique.

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