Raffles London at The OWO occupies a magnificent Grade II* Edwardian Baroque building in Whitehall, the epicentre of British Government. A sophisticated neighbourhood with a central location overlooking Horse Guards Parade and moments from St James’s Park, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.  A classic English Afternoon Tea offers time to relax and enjoy the finest finger sandwiches, scones and cream and bespoke cakes.  With tea, or champagne or both!

Served with elegance and refinement in The Drawing Room, the Afternoon Tea brings together the classic combination of savoury and sweet flavours first introduced by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s.

A stately British drawing room reimagined, with contemporary furnishings set against historic architectural details, wood panelling, an original fireplace, and a grand piano to keep guests entertained.  And overlooking historic Whitehall through four mahogany sash windows – where the smart mounted Household Cavalry guards the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. 

The Drawing Room is the beating heart of the hotel. This unique afternoon tea pays homage to the secret history and the characters associated with the former Old War Office – today known as The OWO and home to Raffles London. The building played its part in the evolution of the Military Intelligence Service into its modern form of MI5 and MI6. 20th century spies were briefed here. Conceptualised by Executive Chef Roger Olsson and Executive Pastry Chef Dale DeSimone, the team were inspired by this spy heritage. Our chefs worked closely together to curate the unique afternoon tea with cakes and pastries championing a spy pocket watch and the bravery of female spies, many of whom have suites named after them within Raffles London.