Raffles at the OWO appoints Mark Hastings as director of food and beverage

Mark Hastings has been appointed as director of food and beverage at the Raffles London at the Old War Office (OWO) hotel, which is to open in spring 2023.

He has had over twenty years’ experience in luxury hospitality, having worked as general manager of Gordon Ramsay and Hakkasan restaurants, director of restaurants at Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park, and most recently at Jason Atherton’s the Social Company.

Hastings will oversee the food and beverage operations at the 120-bedroom, Grade II listed Raffles hotel in London’s Whitehall, as well as for the 85 private OWO residences, all of which have undergone a six-year restoration programme.

The building will house three dining experiences from Mauro Colagreco, the chef behind the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur in France, as well as three destination bars. It will also be home to six independent restaurants and the Whitehall Ballroom, which is set to be one of the largest in London.

Hastings said: “I am absolutely delighted to be heading up the food and beverage operations for Raffles London at The OWO. Working alongside one of the world’s most highly acclaimed chefs and his team, this landmark destination is being transformed into the capital’s most exciting culinary hub. I am looking forward to bringing together these talented operators at one of London’s most historically important addresses.”

Philippe Leboeuf, managing director of Raffles London at the OWO, who was previously at Claridge's, added: “We are thrilled to have Mark onboard. With food and beverage playing such a significant role in the transformation of the hotel, Mark’s experience and expertise in luxury hospitality will be key in helping us create a new culinary destination in London. Mark and his team will be integral to welcoming our guests, taking them on an unparalleled culinary journey when we open next year.”

The Raffles at the OWO project has been led by restoration and renovation business the Hinduja Group and private investment group Onex Holding.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts was founded in Singapore in 1887 and is part of Accor. It has international locations in Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali and is due to open flagship sites in Doha, London and Boston.