Mastodon
Raffles London at The OWO Gruffalo family experience and afternoon tea
Raffles London at The OWO will launch a Gruffalo family experience featuring themed amenities and afternoon tea from 21 September 2026

Raffles London at The OWO will launch a new family experience this autumn inspired by Gruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo book in 20 years from authors Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

From 21 September 2026, the hotel will offer a Gruffalo Experience as part of its Family Celebration package and as an add-on to selected existing offers.

The package includes a second room at 50% off when booking a room, or a complimentary second room when booking a suite. It also includes breakfast for two adults and two children, children’s amenities and other family-focused additions.


Gruffalo Afternoon Tea to Launch on 21 September

Raffles London will serve the Gruffalo afternoon tea in The Drawing Room from 21 September.

Priced at £50 per child, the afternoon tea will be available until early January 2027. The menu takes inspiration from the Gruffalo stories and the new Gruffalo Granny book.

The sandwich selection includes Roasted Fox, Little Brown Mouse, Deep Dark Wood and Scrambled Snake.

Traditional buttermilk scones will be served with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. Meanwhile, the pastries will feature characters and elements from Gruffalo Granny, including The Gruffalo, The Mouse and Owl’s Pot of Soup.

The afternoon tea will be served in The Drawing Room, which overlooks the mounted soldiers at Horse Guards.


Story-Inspired Amenities for Children

Families booking the Gruffalo Experience will receive a selection of themed keepsakes and gifts for children.

The package also includes a Toniebox audio player with a Gruffalo figurine, allowing children to listen to the story in their room during their stay. The Toniebox and figurine will also be available to purchase for families who want to take them home.

According to Raffles London, the experience is intended to bring storytelling into the hotel stay while giving younger guests a familiar activity after exploring London.


Exploring London Around The OWO

Raffles London at The OWO is located on Whitehall, close to landmarks including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park and the West End.

Families can also follow a specially created trail around London before returning to the hotel for afternoon tea and story time.

The experience combines the Gruffalo theme with the hotel’s setting in the former Old War Office. The project transformed the former Old War Office into a hotel and mixed-use destination in 2023.

The building retains its State Rooms, oak-panelled walls, mosaic floors and Grand Staircase. The property also has 120 rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, and a 2,500-square-metre Guerlain Spa.


Check Accommodations

Travelers planning their trips can compare prices for hotels, tours, and travel experiences across multiple booking platforms

  • Compare hotel prices on Trip.com
  • Explore tours and travel experiences on Klook
  • Book hotels on Traveloka
  • Disclosure: Affiliate links included. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travellers visiting different destinations can pre-book activities and guided tours through GetYourGuide which offers sightseeing tours, museum tickets, and local experiences in cities worldwide.


Raffles London Partners With Magic Light Pictures

Raffles London and Magic Light Pictures are developing the Gruffalo Experience as a partnership.

The collaboration introduces the Gruffalo stories to the historic Whitehall property while offering families activities and amenities linked to the new Gruffalo Granny book.

The Gruffalo Experience can be added to the Family Celebration package from 21 September 2026. It will also be available as an add-on to a selection of Raffles London at The OWO’s existing offers.

Raffles London at The OWO – The Gruffalo Experience


Raffles Unveils London Chapter of Iconic ‘The Butler Did It’ Campaign, Elevating Luxury Hospitality

An exclusive look inside Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Named Cambodia’s Best City Hotel in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Shanghai Fairmont Peace Hotel to Join the Glamorous Raffles Portfolio


Paul Lo

Paul Lo is an independent travel journalist and editor focused on global hotel openings, airline lounges, and hospitality industry developments. Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Shanghai, he previously worked at South China Morning Post, Apple Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Global Times, covering news and developments across Asia.