Hinduja Group Unveils London’s Old War Office as Luxury Hotel, Inaugurated by Princess Anne
Mumbai, 28th September 2023: In a grand ceremony, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, officially opened The Old War Office (OWO) in London, now transformed into a luxury hotel by the Hinduja Group in partnership with Raffles Hotels & Resorts and French multinational Accor. The event, held in the heart of Whitehall, was attended by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, parliament members, entrepreneurs, and celebrities from both film and television.
GP Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, emphasized the project’s significance as a “bridge between India and the UK,” stating, “It took us eight years to convert this iconic building into a symbol of peace and solace. The OWO will stand as a testament to the Hinduja Group’s legacy and become an iconic London destination.”
The event featured performances by musical legends Andrea Bocelli and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Guests also enjoyed a culinary experience curated by 3-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, who will serve as the hotel’s chef partner. The hotel will open its doors to the public on September 29th.
Sanjay Hinduja, who managed the project, said, “We were awestruck by the building’s grandeur. No expense was spared in restoring it to its former glory while infusing it with new life.”
The revamped OWO will include 85 Residences by Raffles and will serve as a new culinary hub for London, featuring nine restaurants and three bars, including a rooftop with sweeping views of Buckingham Palace. The guest list for the grand opening included notable figures like HRH Princess Beatrice, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, among others.
