Mark Hastings has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage for Raffles London at The OWO.
Marks will oversee all aspects of the food and beverage operations both for Raffles London at The OWO as well as for The OWO Residences by Raffles.
The monumental Grade II* listed building is set to be transformed into a new destination in the heart of Whitehall. Raffles London will feature three signature dining experiences from acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco alongside three destination bars.
The building will be home to a further six independent restaurants, led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs. Additionally, the building will be home to The Whitehall Ballroom, set to be one of the largest in London, which will be a spectacular venue for celebrations when the hotel opens in spring 2023.
With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Mark spent his early career as General Manager at well-established dining groups Gordon Ramsay and Hakkasan restaurants.
He moved to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in 2014 as Director of Restaurants, responsible for the hotel’s restaurants and bars. These included the two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Bar Boulud and The Mandarin Bar. Most recently Hastings joined Jason Atherton’s The Social Company, overseeing the re-launch of the Michelin-starred City Social in 2021.
Mark shared, “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, MD Raffles London at The OWO, remarked, “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.”
Over the past six years, the landmark Old War Office building in Whitehall has been meticulously restored and will open to the public for the first time as ‘The OWO’, home to a flagship Raffles hotel with 120 rooms and suites, 85 Raffles branded residences, 9 restaurants and 3 bars, and dedicated wellness concept.