Transformed Over Eight Years and £1.4 Billion: The Revamped Raffles London at The OWO Hotel, Former Bond's Birthplace
The Old War Office (OWO), a historic building in London, was constructed in 1906 and served as the headquarters of Britain's War Office and later the Ministry of Defence. With a rich history deeply intertwined with British espionage, the OWO played a significant role in the formation of key intelligence agencies such as MI5, MI6, and the Special Operations Executive (SOE), and was instrumental in the planning of critical events like the D-Day landings during World War II[1].
The building's association with espionage is evident. The OWO was the operational hub where Britain's intelligence services coordinated efforts and managed wartime secrets. Its influence extended to the realm of popular culture, inspiring elements of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels[3]. The building's legacy is still palpable, with a secret Spy Bar located in the basement of the current Raffles Hotel, the OWO's modern incarnation[4].
After decades of service as a military and intelligence hub, the OWO was meticulously restored and transformed into Raffles London — a luxury hotel and residences that seamlessly blends historical heritage with modern design. Despite its new role, the building’s legacy as a pivotal site for British espionage and military strategy remains a distinctive part of its identity[1][3].
The suites at the OWO are named to honour women who worked in British intelligence, many of whom were signatories of the Official Secrets Act and never revealed their wartime work. Vera May Atkins CBE, an intelligence officer who oversaw SOE's female agents and tracked down missing operatives after the war, is one of the women honoured by naming a suite at the OWO[2]. Another is Christine Granville, a Polish-born SOE agent whose daring behind enemy lines was said to have been the inspiration for Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale[2].
The OWO has undergone a transformation, with the former library now being Saison, a light-filled brasserie overseen by three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco[5]. The mysterious metal grills that once concealed telephone cables have inspired the design of British hand grenades, while the double-height underground pool at the Guerlain spa feels very Bond-like[6].
The OWO has made appearances in several James Bond films, playing MI6's headquarters[7]. Its Art Deco majesty and modern amenities make it one of the most extraordinary places to stay in London[8]. The building's history is also marked by intrigue, such as the time when the Dorchester hotel concealed a number of spies, both homegrown and imported[9].
The OWO has been a witness to significant events in British history. Sir Winston Churchill was Secretary of State for War at the Old War Office between 1919 and 1921[10]. Churchill visited the OWO frequently during the Second World War and addressed his staff from a balcony[11]. The gaps in the mosaics are due to the old tradition of chipping off pieces to make cufflinks for retiring officers[12].
The OWO's influence extends beyond its walls, having inspired Ian Fleming to create the James Bond character. The mysterious metal grills, the secret Spy Bar, and the espionage history that permeates the building all contribute to the allure of this extraordinary London landmark[13].
References: 1. The Old War Office 2. The OWO Suites 3. The Spy Bar 4. The Old War Office: A Secret History 5. Saison 6. The Guerlain Spa 7. James Bond Films 8. The OWO: A Luxury Hotel in London 9. The Dorchester Hotel and Spies 10. Sir Winston Churchill 11. Churchill at the OWO 12. The Chipped Mosaics of the OWO 13. The James Bond Connection
- In addition to its role in the country's military history, the Old War Office (OWO) has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring elements of the home-and-garden and lifestyle domains, such as the design of British hand grenades and the setting for James Bond novels.
- The legacy of the OWO continues to captivate the entertainment industry, with its Art Deco majesty and Bond-like features gracing various movies-and-tv productions, blurring the lines between actual espionage history and fictional storytelling.
