Inside the Remarkable Rebirth of London’s Old War Office

For more than a century, the walls of The OWO have held London’s secrets. Built in 1906 as the headquarters of Britain’s War Office, this imposing Edwardian landmark stretches across an entire block of Whitehall, directly opposite Horse Guards Parade, where the King’s Household Cavalry still mounts guard. Once the nerve center of Britain’s military and political life, its corridors were walked by Sir Winston Churchill, military leaders and spies whose stories would become the stuff of legend.

Today, those same corridors lead somewhere rather different: to Raffles London at The OWO, which opened in 2023 as the brand’s first UK property. Grand offices have become suites, historic passageways lead to award-winning restaurants and a building once devoted to affairs of state has been transformed into one of London’s most intriguing addresses. The history hasn’t been erased; it has simply been given a new chapter—and guests are invited to discover it.

A Living Legacy

That sense of discovery continues from the moment you step inside. Created in collaboration with the late, great New York-based designer Thierry Despont, whose portfolio includes the refurbishment of the Statue of Liberty, the interiors interlace The OWO’s past into every detail, from bespoke carpets inspired by the building’s original floor grills to window treatments that echo the uniforms of the Horse Guards. Custom furniture and lighting bring the story into the present, while bathrooms offer a signature Azzi Glasser scent of Sicilian bergamot, neroli, vetiver and rich woods.

For those who want to go deeper, Raffles London at The OWO’s five Heritage Suites lead to some of the most storied rooms, once the offices of the political and military figures who shaped Britain’s history. The Granville Suite, named for Christine Granville, the adopted name of the country’s first—and longest-serving— female agent and Churchill’s favorite spy, pairs rich wood paneling and ornate plasterwork with antique fireplaces and a giant gold-plated bathtub. The Churchill Suite was once the setting for key Second World War decisions, while the two-level Turret Suite crowns the building with sweeping views towards St James’s Park.

There are eight Corner Suites, too, tucked beneath the building’s majestic turrets and named for notable women and female spies connected to its history, including Clementine Churchill. Each features Art Deco touches and custom furniture inspired by the RMS Queen Mary. They’re an especially intimate way to connect with the building’s past, and our Vice President of Marketing’s stay in the Nearne Suite—named after World War II secret-agent sisters Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne—revealed that it’s perhaps the only hotel suite in London where you can watch the changing of the Horse Guards from your window.

A Feast for the Senses

From the suites, follow the corridors and the plot thickens. The OWO is home to nine restaurants and three bars, each offering another way to explore the world within these historic walls. At Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco, the Argentine chef lets the moon, the weather and the wisdom of the earth guide his ever-changing dishes, with the seasons of the English garden shaping the menu. For a more intimate experience, reserve Mauro’s Table, where his team serves an immersive tasting menu from an open kitchen, with space for up to 20 guests. Even the wine list carries the building’s storied heritage forward, following the routes of Britain’s historic trade networks under the guidance of Head Sommelier Joanna Nerantzi. Elsewhere, Saison by Mauro Colagreco brings a more relaxed French Brasserie style. For something quintessentially British, settle into The Drawing Room for the Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea, a playful nod to The OWO’s past. Sculpted cakes and pastries honor the secret history and the characters who once passed through its doors, with fascinating stories served alongside them.

The OWO’s dining scene extends beyond Raffles London, with Kioku by Endo serving Japanese-inspired cuisine; Langosteria channeling the energy of Milan’s fashion world; and Paper Moon pairing classic Milanese fare with a lively aperitivo bar.

As day gives way to night, begin at The Guards Bar & Lounge, the hotel’s main gathering place, with its own entrance facing Horse Guards, the official entrance to St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace. Raise a bumper before delving deeper into The OWO’s secrets. Reserved for hotel guests, The Spy Bar is tucked within the building and pays tribute to the brave men and women who served King and country. This shadowy corner has its own spy credentials, having once housed MI5 and MI6 documents and served as a briefing ground for recruits to the Special Operations Executive, the secret British organization created during the Second World War to conduct espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance behind enemy lines. Today, the intrigue lives on over cocktails, including the celebrated Vesper Martini, famously dreamed up by Ian Fleming for Casino Royale. As an officer in Naval Intelligence, Fleming himself occasionally worked in the former War Office, and his time in these very corridors helped shape the world of James Bond. Photography, naturally, is strictly forbidden in the bar.

The Art of Escape

There’s another story told through the hotel’s art collection, where 2,000 works bring a contemporary perspective to these historic walls. Female artists are particularly well represented, adding new voices to a building once dominated by politicians, military figures and spies. In the concierge lobby, Saad Qureshi’s Convocation makes an immediate impression, soaring approximately six meters above the space. Its sweeping sculptural form celebrates the many cultures that have come together to shape Britain today.

When the time comes to trade discovery for downtime, retreat below the grand corridors to the only Guerlain Spa in the UK. Spanning 27,000 square feet across four floors, this hidden-in-plain-sight sanctuary trades espionage for exhalation, with a 20-meter pool beneath a towering double-height ceiling, a vitality pool, sauna and steam rooms.

An Invitation to Explore

For those curious to see more, the property offers guided experiences that peel back another layer of its history. The Spies Tour of London leads guests through hidden passageways and little-known corners, bringing to life tales of double agents and covert missions, while a private Heritage Tour takes a deeper look at the building before culminating in Secrets & Spies Afternoon Tea.

There’s plenty for younger guests to uncover, too, from treasure hunts to movie nights and the playful Mini Butler Experience. And when it’s finally time to step outside, Whitehall makes an excellent launchpad for London adventures. Horse Guards Parade, St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are all within an easy walk, while the West End, Covent Garden and Soho are close by for theater, dining and nightlife.

Perhaps that’s the magic of Raffles London at The OWO: the deeper you delve, the more the building seems to reveal. The footsteps of Churchill, the secret work of MI5 and MI6, Ian Fleming’s visits and the James Bond legacy all linger in its corridors. Yet today, those storied walls have taken on a new role, bringing history, hospitality and contemporary London together under one roof. The story, it seems, is far from over.

P.S. Coming September 18–19, New York’s fashion-forward Raf’s takes over Saison by Mauro Colagreco for a two-day London Fashion Week residency, pairing a four-hands menu with Chef Mauro Colagreco, signature cocktails at The Guards Bar & Lounge and a specially curated wine list.