The historic Old War Office building on Whitehall, London has been transformed into a 5* Raffles hotel and luxury apartments. The old Edwardian Baroque building has been an iconic landmark in central London for over a century. Once the building where all the administration for the British Army took place, it played a key role during the World Wars and Cold War, and holds Winston Churchill’s former office.

The Grade II listed building now comprises 120 hotel rooms and 85 private residences. Operating as The OWO, the site also has nine restaurants and three bars.

Tricon Foodservice Consultants joined the project in 2020 and were responsible for developing the kitchen, bars, laundry & housekeeping designs, based on F&B concepts developed by the client and Accor, the hotels selected operator, which were specifically tailored to suit the Raffles brand.

Following the appointment of one of the world’s most recognised chefs, Mauro Colagreco, to run three of the nine restaurants, including the Chef’s Table, some adaptation had to be made to the equipment specified for the scheme. The critically acclaimed, multiple Michelin Starred chef’s dishes are also available for in-room dining, curated events and for residents of The OWO Residences by Raffles.

Philippe Leboeuf, MD Raffles London at The OWO, added: “The culinary offering will truly be the heart and soul of the hotel, featuring unique experiences in which guests and locals will come together to celebrate, meet, entertain and delight.”

Tricon worked across many floors in the spectacular building developing the F&B master planning to ensure a seamless and discreet service throughout the property which includes a basement Level 04 ballroom production and service kitchen. Basement 01 houses the pre-function pantries and bars. The Lower Ground Floor is home to the staff canteen, Winter Garden kitchen, room service, laundry and uniform dispense. The Ground Floor holds the Horse Guard bar, Chef’s Table kitchen and residential kitchen. The Upper Levels have maids and butler pantries.

As would be expected working in any old or listed building, work at The OWO came with its own set of challenges, namely complying with heritage and MEP regulations. There were heritage components that could not be moved and lots of coordination was needed as the building was not designed to be a hotel.

Benjamin Donaldson, Tricon Lead Designer comments, “The hotel and building is stunning. The design is in-keeping with its tradition and many of the original features have been kept and restored. The grand marble staircase leads into the ballroom and looks incredible. Anyone who visits will fall in love with the building.

“From Tricon’s point of view this has been one of the most historically prestigious projects we have ever worked on and will live long in the memory. The beautiful show-kitchen for Chef Mauro is a particular highlight of mine but the whole project has been really special.”