Raffles London at the OWO, nestled in the restored Old War Office building in Whitehall, presents a captivating afternoon tea inspired by the top-secret World War II Operation Mincemeat. This audacious plot, which shifted the war’s momentum in Britain’s favor, features edible tributes like a chocolate briefcase, plane propeller, mini submarine, and vintage telephone—each crafted as delectable cakes.
Operation Mincemeat: A Historic Deception
The mission originated in a basement room beneath the panelled drawing room of Winston Churchill’s Old War Office. Spies, including Bond author Ian Fleming and his MI5 colleagues, devised a ruse to divert Hitler’s 100,000 troops from Sicily. They released a fake British officer’s body off Spain’s coast, carrying documents suggesting an invasion of Sardinia. The ploy succeeded, clearing the path for Allied forces.
The Grade II-listed building underwent an eight-year, £1.4 billion renovation before reopening as a luxury hotel in September 2023. Now, this heritage site hosts an afternoon tea that transports guests back to those pivotal days.
Standout Themed Cakes
The chocolate briefcase mirrors the one carried by the fictitious officer, blending coffee and barley malt flavors reminiscent of wartime rations. The ‘Unspoken Hero’ propeller cake evokes a Sicily plane crash with lemon, olive oil, and basil notes from the island.
The Intelligence Room cake, shaped like a rotary telephone, combines dark chocolate and whisky for a robust, army-mess-inspired taste. The Navy submarine cake honors HMS Seraph, which delivered the body, incorporating Spanish turron for authenticity.
Fresh Savouries, Scones, and Inclusivity
Afternoon tea begins with generously filled sandwiches, highlighted by premium smoked salmon. Warm scones arrive with clotted cream and preserves. The pastry finale shines, with the team offering a near-identical vegan version alongside diabetes-friendly, nut-free, and gluten-free options—an inclusive touch rare in such settings.
A nearby customer praises the experience, noting, ‘They’re all style over substance,’ but adds that this one delivers triumphantly, much like the original mission.
Immersive Setting and Service
Panelled walls, formal portraits, leather Chesterfield sofas, and comfortable armchairs create an officer’s mess ambiance. A daily pianist from 3pm enhances the mood, while staff deliver precise, attentive service, anticipating every need.
The hotel brims with history, from long corridors once traversed by bike-riding messengers and generals to heritage Pashley bikes in the reception.
Tours and Booking Details
Served daily in the Drawing Room from 12pm to 5:30pm, Classic Tea and Tours run around four times monthly at £155 per person, including hotel history. Spies Tours, held Mondays and Tuesdays, explore Whitehall starting at the Old War Office for £157 per person.
Ideal for celebrations, dates, or pre-theater visits to the award-winning West End musical based on the operation, this afternoon tea offers a delicious dive into MI5 intrigue.
