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The launch of Raffles London at The OWO this summer will bring a oneof-a-kind venue with remarkable history at every turn. Sitting pride of place in the heart of Whitehall, the Old War Office – now reborn as The OWO – is one of London’s most fascinating landmarks.

The site has evolved from the former Palace of Whitehall when it was home to King Henry VIII and other monarchs to the main base of Britain’s Ministry of Defence in 1906 where Lord Haldane and Sir Winston Churchill held office. As a Grade II*-listed building, The OWO’s grand dimensions and design make it a fabulous example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

One of the most notable transformations in the building is The Whitehall Ballroom, perfect for large celebrations of up to 600 guests. Other event spaces consist of The Lawrence, a dramatic pre-function space for your drinks reception, the Morse & Code Rooms and more intimate gatherings can be held in the hotel’s historic Heritage Suites. For something truly spectacular, book a range of interconnecting suites on the Whitehallfacing side of the building with panoramic views of London’s most famous buildings.

In addition to these spaces, The OWO boasts nine restaurants and three bars and The Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing will offer wellbeing and fitness, as well as hair and make-up services on the day in the Guerlain Atelier. The hotel’s legendary Heritage Suites and Corner Suites, named after famous female spies, make for an opulent retreat at the end of the night.

Piazza Italiana

020

7256 7223 | www.piazzaitaliana.co.uk

Housed in a historic Grade-II listed building, the former home of the British Linen Bank, lies Piazza Italiana. The backdrop of high ornate ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, Neoclassical Corinthian columns and floor-to-ceiling arched windows, provide a modern setting in the heart of the city.

Couples can exclusively hire the whole venue, or opt for something more intimate by booking one of the chic and characterful event spaces.

With decor inspired by Venetian palaces, The Ante Chamber seats groups of 14 around a show-stopping marble table, with a huge arched window providing natural light. Upstairs, The Mezzanine PDR accommodates up to 18 guests with its own private bar, panelled floor- to-ceiling walls, and a rare whisky collection adding a special touch. The Mezzanine seats 48 guests or 60 standing, with its own private bar and arched windows providing views across the garden.

The entire venue can be yours for the day, accommodating up to 180 guests. The Banking Hall main dining space is a stunning spot to say your vows and then transition from day to night with plenty of room for a dancefloor.

Doubling up as a highly regarded luxury Italian restaurant, the venue boasts exquisite menus for the wedding breakfast, made up of classic dishes from all over Italy. Whether you’re looking for a formal sit-down dinner or sharing cicchetti and bowl food, the venue can offer up a range of options.

100 QUEEN’S GATE HOTEL

020 7373 7878 | www.100queensgate.com

The former home of Victorian aristocrat and explorer, William Alexander, 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel is steeped in an eclectic and fascinating history where no two rooms are the same. With the hotel’s unrivalled South Kensington location, it’s the perfect spot for a city wedding.

Botanica is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Its elegant glass atrium adorned with cherry blossom and lavish greeneries is a true reflection of South Kensington’s calm and leafy Victorian heritage. The space seats 30 for your ceremony and 24 for your wedding breakfast. Alternatively, The Knightsbridge and The Kensington rooms are both stunning choices for intimate gatherings of up to 10 guests. Cento is a light and spacious room with its own bar. Featuring its own private entrance, this room can seat up to 80 guests for your wedding dinner. Discovered on the lower ground floor, ESQ is perfect for an after party and with its own piano, it’s a relaxed, luxury venue that can host up to 80 guests.

For a night of complete luxury, the happy couple can spend the night in The Queen’s Gate Suite. The most luxurious suite at 100 Queen’s Gate, visitors will have access to a Champagne mini bar with a plush and comfortable living room. With an idyllic location overlooking Queen’s Gate and Old Brompton Road, the Queen’s Gate Suite boasts its own exclusive entrance.

SPRING AT SOMERSET HOUSE 020 3011 0115 | https://springrestaurant.co.uk/

Situated in the arts and cultural centre of London, Spring is housed in a restored 19th-century drawing room within Somerset House. Home to the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, which is centered around the iconic dancing fountains and surrounded on all sides by glorious 18th-century architecture, this Grade I-listed building is filled with natural light and high ceilings, creating a grand backdrop for your day.

The garden dining room, known as The Salon, sits in an enclosed interior atrium cloaked with flora and fauna designs by acclaimed landscape designer Jinny Blom. This space is perfect for an intimate wedding of up to 36 guests. For larger celebrations of up to 116 seated guests or 150 standing, you can exclusively hire the main dining room, Spring. Couples choosing the main dining room for their big-day setting are offered a complimentary food and wine tasting for the wedding party, the room will be dressed in linen and the venue’s team will happily write place setting cards for your guests.

Wagtail London

020 8161 4442 | https://wagtaillondon.com

Promising an unforgettable experience, atop a stunning 1920s building in the heart of the City of London, Wagtail Rooftop Bar and Restaurant not only provides an incredibly stunning location, but a late licence until 1.30am to keep the party going with a fully heated rooftop terrace bar. Views are unparalleled, with iconic London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie building feeling just a stone’s throw away.

The Restaurant accommodates 60 guests for a sit-down meal and up to 180 for your reception. Adjacent to the main restaurant, the ninth-floor terraces can be hired out individually for events with up to 60 guests standing or 30 seated, or together with the main restaurant as a drinks reception before your meal. The seating on the terraces is heated, and blankets are available for chilly evenings. The tenth floor fully heated and covered terrace is a stunning space with unbeatable 360 degree views of the capital. Feel like you’re on top of the world as you marvel at the iconic London skyline. The terrace can accommodate up to 120 guests, and comes with a private bar, your own sound system, bespoke heated seating and dedicated servers. The majestic Cupola crowning the building is home to the exclusive private dining room, which is perfect for up to 10 guests.

The entire venue can be hired and tailored to your requirements and combined, the spaces can cater for up to 180 standing guests.

Pan Pacific London

020 7118 6888 |

www.panpacific.com

Nestled in the heart of the city in Bishopsgate and moments away from Liverpool Street station, Pan Pacific London is surrounded by 800-year old history and numerous iconic landmarks that are perfect for those all-important photo opportunities. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, it stylish interiors boast a fusion of south-east Asian vibrancy and the refined elegance of the area’s local history. From the sophisticated gardenthemed rooms to tropical rainforest and green woodland public areas, the tranquil surroundings are accompanied by contemporary pop of colour finishes.

With exclusive access from Bishopsgate Plaza via an impressive glass escalator and lift, the majestic double-height Pacific Ballroom features a neutral colour palette, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and state of the art technology. Ideal for larger gatherings, this room accommodates 250 for your ceremony and 400 guests for the evening reception.

Located on the fifth floor and offering magnificent views over Bishopsgate Plaza through floor to ceiling windows, Green Dragon, which represents good fortune, is perfect for more intimate nuptials of up to 50 guests.

Located next to the Pacific Ballroom, the VIP Bridal Suite comes complimentary with any Pacific Ballroom booking. Equipped with a private washroom, vanity station and relaxing lounge this suite provides a sanctuary for pre-wedding jitters, or a place to take a breath as newlyweds.

Situated in Greenwich World Heritage Site, The Fan Museum is the only museum dedicated entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan. Our Grade II* listed buildings are the perfect site for our internationally significant collections, and our Orangery is the perfect venue for your special day.

To arrange a viewing, please get in touch. The