Rishi Sunak and other dignitaries grace the opening ceremony
Mumbai : The Hinduja Group, a 109 year old multinational today inaugurated The Old War Office (OWO) London’s premier luxury hotel. Britain's World War II era Prime Minister Winston Churchill opened its doors as a brand-new luxury hotel in London with a glittering launch event, with surprise musical performances by musicians Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli.
The historic Old War Office (OWO), a collaborative venture between the Hinduja Group and Raffles Hotels & Resorts was inaugurated in the heart of Whitehall. Princess Anne – the Princess Royal, the sister of King Charles III, officially unveiled the plaque for The OWO after a tour of the hotel with Hinduja Group chairman GP Hinduja.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also made a quick stopover, along with parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, hoteliers and stars of film and television.
“We have always been working to see what best we can do between India and the UK because we believe our responsibility is to act as a bridge between the host country and the motherland,” said GP Hinduja chairman Hinduja Group.
“It took us eight years and in these eight years we had a lot to do, but finally this iconic building has been converted into a symbol of peace and solace and not World Wars. The OWO will represent the legacy of the Hinduja Group and emerge as London’s iconic destination. Everyone who lands in London will first come here to see what it is,” said GP Hinduja.
The launch event showcased the food of 3-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco as the chef partner for The OWO, the hotel will welcome its first guests starting this Friday, September 29th.
Raffles London at The OWO, as it is officially known, has been developed in partnership between the Hinduja Group and French multinational hospitality group Accor.
“When we came to Whitehall, the team were blown away by the size and beauty of this majestic building. No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. Along with Raffles London at The OWO, we hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed," said Sanjay Hinduja, who has overseen the project.
The OWO's grand inauguration ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Sadiq Khan - The Mayor of London, Adil Ray- British Actor and Comedian, Natalie Pinkman - British Television Presenter, Richard Caring - British Businessman and Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar and wife Twinkle Khanna. Other Notable figures from the Royal Family, world leaders, and celebrities also came together to witness the rebirth of this iconic building.
The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with live entertainment by world-renowned music icons Andrea Bocelli and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Guests were treated to an exquisite culinary experience with canapés prepared by the acclaimed 3-Michelin starred Chef Mauro Colagreco, who is also the chef partner for Raffles London at The OWO.
The transformed OWO also houses 85 Residences by Raffles as part of the building's reimagining as a new culinary district for London, complete with nine new restaurants and three bars, including a rooftop with panoramic views of Buckingham Palace.
Shalini Dheeraj Hinduja explaining the project to Princess Anne along with Gopichand P Hinduja
About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
About The Hinduja Group
The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerates, employing about 200,000 employees across 38 countries and owns businesses in automotive, information technology, media, entertainment, and communications, banking and financial services, infrastructure project development, cybersecurity, oil and specialty chemicals, power, real estate, trading, and healthcare. Founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja whose credo was "My duty (dharma) is to work so that I can give", it supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.
