Anne Princess Royal inaugurates Churchill`s Old War Office launched as luxury hotel by The Hinduja Group
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.