We're gearing up for the launch of The OWO and Raffles London at The OWO which, as you'll have read here, is packed full of new bars and restaurants. The latest we're hearing about is The Guards Bar and Lounge which is the first of two bars opening on the hotel side.
It's set in one of the corners of the classic Old War Office building and overlooks the Household Cavalry at the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. In charge are Alice Taraschi (ex-Claridge's, Artesian) as Bar Manager and William Campbell-Rowntree (ex-Artesian) as Head Bartender. It's a pretty smart-looking space too, with lots of wood panelling giving it that classic look.
As for the cocktails, there's a specific focus on the Singapore Sling (which was originally created at Raffles Singapore). They'll have three versions of it here, including the London Sling, which is an all-British concoction served over cherry ice. They're very serious about their cherries too. Using only British cherries, they'll be using a whopping 100kg of them blended with gin and other spirits and in the cocktails. So if you're a fan of cherry cocktails, you should be taking specific note of this.
The same goes if you like your cognac. The bar has teamed up with French cognac House Louis XIII (one of Winston Churchill's favourites) to create a special trunk (in the King's Household Cavalry colours) that will feature a 6L crystal Louis XIII decanter. This is apparently the first place you'll be able to try the very expensive cognac by the glass, which you can pair with caviar.
In all, this adds up to one more must-try place to visit in the undeniably impressive roster at the OWO.
More about The Guards Bar and Lounge
Where is it? The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
When does it open? 29 September 2023
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @raffleslondon.theowo
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