Lavazza Highest New Entry Award

Raffles London at The OWO

London

History, secrecy and heritage combine in one of London’s new luxury hotspots

What’s the story? 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.

Heritage and historic design: 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.

Signature suites: The Edwardian Baroque building once housed politicians, spies and government officials and if 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 on the menu? With nine restaurants on site, guests aren’t exactly short of dining options. Legendary Spanish 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.

Sip like a spy: A hidden bar located in the underground interrogation rooms once used by MI6 and MI5 agents 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. A full-scale Aston Martin dominates the bar, right above a well-curated selection of spirits. Photography and phone cameras are banned in the bar, adding to its mystique.

The Highest New Entry Award is given to the highest-ranked hotel that has entered the list for the first time.

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