The stunning Old War Office (The Owo), an Edwardian masterpiece in the heart of London, has been transformed into a luxury haven, spanning a staggering 76,000 square meters, with opulent residences and a boutique hotel managed by Raffles. Once the headquarters for military leaders like Winston Churchill, this historic building is steeped in intrigue, entwined with the world of British spies, and is even rumored to have inspired the creation of James Bond.
Old War Office, the former base of British spies
Let’s take a closer look. Built between 1901 and 1906 by William Young, The Owo served as the administrative center for the British Army until 1964, hosting Secretaries of State like Lord Haldane, Lord Kitchener, David Lloyd-George, and John Profumo. As fears of a German invasion loomed, the Secret Service Bureau joined forces with the War Office in 1909, marking the dawn of British espionage. Figures like Mansfield Cumming, the first director of the Secret Intelligence Service, were granted access through the Whitehall Court entrance, which is still known today as the “Spies’ Entrance”.
The Spy Bar, a speakeasy at The Owo
It was within these walls that MI5 and MI6 were born, and where Ian Fleming dreamt up the legendary James Bond, inspired by Churchill’s spymaster, the enigmatic Menzies “M”, and the Royal Horse Guard’s “Smiley”. In the basement, where candidates for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) were once interviewed, a hidden gem now awaits — The Spy Bar at Raffles London at The Owo. Accessible through a hidden elevator, guests are greeted by none other than an Aston Martin, the famous car of Agent 007, prominently displayed above the bar. The space is enveloped in deep burgundy brick walls, with lightcolored armchairs providing a striking contrast to the dark palette.
The drink list at The Spy Bar
Here, bar manager Sotirios Konomi welcomes guests with a drink menu that pays homage to the classic Martini and its many variations, along with nods to the notable figures who once walked the halls of The Owo. The signature Vesper Martini is a must-try, crafted with three parts gin, one part vodka, and half a measure of vermouth. For those with a taste for the finer things, it can be ordered in a vintage version, featuring spirits from the 1960s.
The Whisky Mouthwash is a tribute to Churchill, a renowned connoisseur of grain spirits, who famously started his day with a whisky and soda “mouth rinse”. This cocktail is a sophisticated blend of those ingredients, enhanced with umami infused vermouth, red dulse seaweed, and garnished with a cherry. And for those who like a bit of adventure, a playful twist is offered — cocktails can be ordered with a scratch card, with the possibility
of uncovering a golden ticket that rewards the finder with a Vintage Vesper Martini.
This article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers magazine. Order your copy here
Images courtesy The Spy Bar
