Raffles London at The OWO
CLIENT:
Ardmore
PROJECT LOCATION:
London, United Kingdom
PROJECT VALUE:
N/A
ARCHITECT:
N/A
PROJECT MANAGER:
N/A
CONTRACTOR
Ardmore Group
Located within the iconic The OWO Building on Whitehall, Raffles London at The OWO represents one of the most prestigious hospitality redevelopments in the UK. The Grade II*-listed former Old War Office has been beautifully restored and transformed into a landmark destination, housing a 120-room luxury hotel, 85 private residences, nine destination restaurants, and three bars.
Vision Commercial Kitchens was appointed to deliver the supply and installation of commercial catering equipment across this vast and historically sensitive site. Working within a building of immense architectural significance, and joining the project during the construction phase, Vision played a critical role in delivering operationally robust kitchens while preserving the integrity and heritage of one of London’s most important addresses.
70 Locations over 10 Floors
Vision was appointed during the construction phase of the project, with pre-existing designs provided by the client and Tricon foodservice consultants. The brief covered the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of commercial catering equipment for nine restaurants and three bars, spanning more than 70 individual kitchen and back-of-house locations across 10 floors.
Each dining space within Raffles London at The OWO offers a distinct culinary identity, led by internationally renowned chefs and restaurateurs. The scope required Vision to coordinate equipment installation across a wide range of concepts and operational requirements, while maintaining consistent standards of quality, finish, and performance throughout the building.
Delivering within a Grade II* listed landmark
Delivering commercial kitchens within a Grade II* listed building demanded an exceptional level of planning, coordination, and attention to detail. Ceiling height variations, restricted service routes, and protected architectural features required continuous collaboration with the wider project team to ensure installations met both operational and heritage requirements.
Although the kitchen designs pre-dated Vision’s appointment, adjustments were required throughout the installation phase to align equipment specifications with the evolving condition of the building. Vision implemented a series of sustainable and practical modifications, ensuring the kitchens remained fully functional without compromising the original design intent or the historic fabric of the structure.
One notable challenge involved the conversion of a former messenger room into a pastry kitchen. Due to heritage restrictions, the existing 850mm doorway could not be altered. Vision worked closely with manufacturers to modify large bakery equipment, including a proofer, deck oven, and convection oven, allowing them to be safely installed without breaching conservation constraints.
Complex logistics, coordination, and change management
The scale, location, and duration of the project introduced significant logistical and programme challenges. Central London access restrictions required extremely detailed delivery planning, with Vision’s project management team coordinating loading bay access, delivery sequencing, and on-site storage across multiple phases.
Following a revised fire strategy issued by the London Fire Brigade, substantial changes were required to the building’s M&E services. High-level services were replaced, and previously installed equipment, including canopies, cold rooms, and fabrication, had to be protected on site for extended periods. Some equipment was remanufactured to suit the updated services layout, with Vision working closely with its supply chain to mitigate delays.
To support prolonged storage requirements without impacting the client, Vision expanded its warehouse capacity and managed off-site storage and retrieval across multiple locations. Throughout the programme, Vision maintained a full-time site presence, managing daily safety checks, quality assurance documentation, and more than 25 coordinated site variations, ensuring continuity and control across a two-year delivery period.
Testimonial
“Ardmore were the main contractor on site at The OWO. From the initial consultation to the completion of the project, the Vision team demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication. Communication throughout the project was transparent and consistent, with the team readily accessible to address any challenges that arose. We were able to collaborate efficiently to see through a great project and foster a valuable working relationship.”
Colm Gallagher
Construction Director, Ardmore Group
