Feel Like A Luxurious Spy At Raffles London At The OWO

What would you say if I could tell you that you could now stay in a hotel that completely gives James Bond? And that it does so because it actually housed some of Great Britain’s most secret intelligence agencies, and that Winston Churchill previously used the building as his war rooms? Or that it’s one of the most surprising, sensational new luxury hotels on the planet? Welcome to Raffles London at The OWO.

Before I do a deep-dive into what to expect here, a little about its history. The OWO (Old War Office) was first occupied by royalty: Edward 1 (King of England from 1272-1307) was the first British monarch recorded living on this site when it was known as York Place. Whitehall Palace, as it then became known in 1536 became the residence of monarchs, from 1530 to 1698, including Henry VIII, who actually died there in 1547. Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell died there as well in 1658. Overall Whitehall’s 23 acres housed the largest recreation center of any English renaissance palace: it included four tennis courts, two bowling alleys, a cockpit, a pheasant yard, and a gallery for viewing tournaments.

But then, from 1906 to 1 April 1964, the War Office became the center of the British Army’s administration. It was where the chief of the imperial general staff, Alan Brooke, helped Sir Winston Churchill mastermind the Allied victory over Hitler. It was where some of the UK’s top spies were based, as well, including MI5 and MI6. There’s even a discreet entrance door on Whitehall Court which was (and will continue to be) known as “The Spies Entrance.”

As you can see, it’s rich in history, and has housed some of the most iconic names in history. And now, for the first time ever, it’s open to the public. Yes, ever.  So what can you expect from a stay inside these hallowed halls?

For starters, this is the first Raffles hotel in London, and as anyone familiar with the brand knows, it sets the bar high in the luxury space. As a whole, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is particularly good at creating modern, aesthetically pleasing spaces that still retain a sense of history (as anyone who has visited its Singapore property is aware).

Here, that sense of place starts upon arrival, with the dazzling beauty of the Grand Staircase (oft-seen on the ‘gram), elegantly wrapped around a gigantic, ethereal chandelier, the building’s original mosaic-tiled floors, and oak-paneled walls.

Photo Credit: Will Pryce

Now, handsome State Rooms and grand spaces have been transformed into 120 guest rooms and suites by famed designer, the late Thierry Despont. Situated in the historically significant areas of the building are the Heritage Suites, former offices of influential political and military leaders.

The Haldane suite, formerly the office of Winston Churchill, John Profumo, and Sir Richard Haldane, can be combined to create a six-bedroom, 5,000+ square foot suite. Known as The Whitehall Wing, this can accommodate up to 12 guests. As it sounds, it is one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

There are eight Corner Suites which are named after notable women and female spies connected with the history of The OWO. Situated in the rounded pavilion corners of the building, these honor influential women such as Viscountess Astor and Clementine Churchill as well as WWII operatives such as Christian Lamb (who is very much still alive at 104, and recently visited the hotel), as well as British female spy Vera May Atkins.

The Lamb Suite is opulent and delightful, handsome and almost masculine, full of red velvet, with impressive views of the Royal Horseguards just outside, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find something more awe-inspiring then the Granville Suite. Named after Christine Granville, rumored to be Churchill’s favorite spy, this grand one-bedroom suite is a masterpiece, featuring rich wood panelling, giant oak casement windows, ornate plasterwork, antique fireplaces, and an incredible bathroom with a gold-plated bathtub and separate, glass-encased toilet and sink overlooking Whitehall Palace. Because the suites are the creme de la creme of offerings, those that book receive the extra: complimentary two-way London airport transfer; 24-hour Raffles London Butler Service; a minibar with British-made treats and bespoke cocktails; and bathroom products curated by London perfumer Azzi Glasser for The OWO. There are also some excellent offerings upon arrival, including canned versions of Raffles’ signature Singapore Sling (also a nod to its Singaporean property).

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

In addition to having one of the coolest stories, most luxurious products, and best service, Raffles London at The OWO also has some of the most incredible dining offerings in the Big Smoke — and there are a lot of them.

Renowned chef Mauro Colagreco — the man behind Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur, which was awarded the illustrious title of Best Restaurant at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 — has partnered exclusively with Raffles London to lead three unique dining experiences at the property. These three diverse concepts will showcase the beauty of the UK’s best seasonal produce, sourced from local farms, fields and shores across the country.

At his signature restaurant, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, diners will witness Mauro’s culinary innovation and passion for sustainability through his commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients. This is Colagreco’s ode to travel and discovery told through food. The restaurant showcases his culinary innovation and passion towards sustainability through his commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients – with a particular focus on the rich diversity of native British vegetables. A meal here is all about the journey.Dishes here will highlight the rich diversity of native British vegetables, delivered through a series of tasting menus. The experience is certainly Michelin-star worthy. It tells a story beautifully through its cuisine, which is presented in jewel-like boxes, as floral arrangements, and more. Personally, I hate when a restaurant is all about flair without substance This isn’t the case here by any means: this was the best overall dining experience I’ve had in years; I cannot imagine a world in which the Michelin Guide and World’s 50 Best don’t quickly come a-calling.

Then, next door, there’s Mauro’s Table, an intimate space focused around an impressive dining table for up to 23 guests. Backed by a dramatic show kitchen, head chef Leonel Aguirre will take diners on a sensory journey through English gardens.

Photo Credit: Raffles London

Mauro’s relaxed dining restaurant, Saison, will put a contemporary spin on the traditional hotel restaurant. Serving seasonal Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day including breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, this elegant space occupies a former historic library of the Old War Office. True to its name, Saison will reflect chef Colagreco’s philosophy and commitment to seasonal cuisine.

There are also a variety of eateries that have opened up on site, including Café Lapérouse, the atmospheric London outpost of a beloved Parisian institution that, naturally, serves up French favorites; Kioku by Endo — Japanese-inspired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi; Paper Moon, which focuses on Milanese cuisine served alongside a bustling bar; and Langosteria, Italian fine dining with its roots in Milan’s fashion world and a contemporary international approach. There’s also the low-key Pillar Kitchen, which isn’t so low-key when you know its story. Pillar Wellbeing is the brainchild of elite trainer Harry Jameson, constructed around the three mainstays of human wellbeing: Movement, Nutrition, and Recovery. Pillar Kitchen is the embodiment of the brand’s ‘Nourishment’ food philosophy, providing food that is functional, sustainable and pleasurable. Pillar has partnered with world-renowned chef Jason Atherton, who joins as culinary director. Jason will be responsible for creating Pillar Kitchen’s quarterly menus – which aim to positively impact gut health and energy, as well as being deeply flavorful – whether guests are dropping in for a quick bite or as a part of their weekly routine. 

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

And then, there’s the bars and lounges. Oh, they’re phenomenal! There’s a proper laboratory buried deep beneath the building where a dedicated bar team churns out a menu of pre-batched cocktails for the Guards Bar and Lounge, which honors The OWO’s long association and historic connections with the Household Cavalry. The lounge presents a thoughtful menu of 16 drinks, with a focus on British ingredients intertwined with flavors from the East, which can best be shown on its “Sling” menu, which includes the Singaporean OG version, as well as a new signature ‘London Sling.’ This also happens to be a prime spot to observe the famous Changing the Guard ceremony which takes place at Horse Guards Parade opposite the hotel.  

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

The, there’s the Drawing Room, an an elegant all-day space situated just off the grand Whitehall entrance to the hotel. It’s the perfect place people-watching via four large mahogany sash windows which look out onto Whitehall and Horse Guards, as well as afternoon tea (which I didn’t try, but, based on everything of the hotel I’ve experienced thus far, I’d hazard a guess saying it’s also sublime). The Drawing Room also boasts a stunning historic fireplace and grand piano; it’s incredibly atmospheric. 

But the wildest experience at the hotel is the subterranean Spy Bar, which is only available to hotel guests and their guests, and owners of the residences that are attached to Raffles. So basically, if you’re an upper class Londoner, you can’t access this bar unless you get a room. There’s something so extra about that — as is its incredibly firm policy that no photos be taken (which is why you may never see the interior lest you stay here).

Photo Credit: Raffles London

The bar is basically an homage to James Bond, and actually features one of the Bond cars hanging above the bar, and with reason. The story goes like this: when Bond writer Ian Fleming was working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service, he was inspired to write the Bond novels; his brother was then also working in The Old War Office. During World War 2 a Life Guard (Menzies – James Bond’s “M”) was “Churchill’s Spymaster.” Fleming worked for “M” and is believed to have based Bond on a Royal Horse Guard (Smiley) who later commanded Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Procession. The Old War Office was first shown in a Bond movie in 1983 – and the last time in 2015. Though this time Bond doesn’t head to the office, but rather escapes from it: at the end of Spectre, he and Madeleine Swann drive off in an old Aston Martin. The building has stints as the MI6 base in the following movies: Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), Licence to Kill (1989), Skyfall (2012) – the ending in which Daniel Craig looks wistfully over London’s skyline next to the turret of the War Office, and Spectre (2015).

So, Spy Bar (aka room 007) makes sense. It’s deeply atmospheric with a hint of the illicit. Situated in a former interrogation room, the bar is reminiscent of the late-night drinks consumed, cloak-and-dagger moments, secret forms of communication, and martini-hour rendezvous. To reach the bar, visitors venture through underground corridors featuring structural reinforcement beams added during WW2 and past the rooms which were once used for debriefing spies. Stepping through the unmarked door, guests are transported through time, greeted by vintage furnishings and antique telephones reminiscent of its past life, before emerging into the plush, Bordeaux-red interiors illuminated by subtle, atmospheric lighting. Originally numbered 006 and 007, the rooms where The Spy Bar is now located formerly functioned as high-security storage vaults for falsified identity papers and mission reports of MI5 and MI6 agents – making this the perfect rendezvous location for any dedicated Bond fan.

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

Also, thanks to a partnership with The Macallan, it features the entire James Bond 60^th Anniversary collection, presented in a limited-edition Globe-Trotter case. The six limited-edition bottles feature original illustrations from the film archives to showcase the creative process behind some of Bond’s most iconic moments throughout the six decades.

The Macallan James Bond 60^th Anniversary Release is a unique single malt created by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell to capture the character of Bond – a single malt with extreme grace balanced by remarkable strength and depth. The expression is presented in six individual packaging designs – one for each decade of the film franchise. Bar manager Sotirios Konomi and his team at The Spy Bar have artfully reimagined the collection, creating a menu of bespoke cocktails and canapes, each inspired by innovations of the past six decades. Guests in search of secrecy and sophistication will revel in this immersive tasting experience which begins at decade one with a poached scallop quenelle served with sauce Nantua. Guests will then enjoy four miniature Bond inspired cocktails featuring The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old.  The journey concludes at decade six with a neat serve of The Macallan James Bond 60^th Anniversary Release, paired alongside a smoky Madong chocolate with roasted cocoa bean.

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

And finally, the final touch to this sublime stay is a visit to London’s only Guerlain Spa. Spanning over 8,000 square feet, set over four floors, the spa space — as designed by Goddard Littlefair — offers an impressive range of facilities and services. These include a cutting-edge gym and movement studio, a stunning swimming pool surrounded by luxurious loungers, a vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms.

Nine exquisitely designed treatment suites are also available, including three spacious VIP Spa Suites and L’Atelier Guerlain, a private beauty and hair treatment space. All Guerlain products are used during treatments, whatever they might be (the Imperial Facial Sculpt will give you a glow and beat post-plane puffiness to a pulp), though the spa’s signature treatments are highlights, too. Those include the Spirit of London, a massage with the enhancement of LED light therapy that targets tensions related to travel and environmental stressors, and the Royal Glow Tech Facial. Developed especially for Raffles London, this treatment combines the power of microdermabrasion and the healing action of photobiomodulation light therapy with Guerlain’s specific facial techniques.

Photo Credit: John Athimaritis

Raffles London at The OWO is located at 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom