This autumn, Raffles London at The OWO invites families to step into a world of imagination with a new Gruffalo family experience – inspired by Gruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo book in 20 years from the beloved creative duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Marking the launch of the latest addition to this much-loved storybook collection, Raffles London at The OWO will introduce a unique Family Celebration package with exciting The Gruffalo additions to the stay, including The Gruffalo afternoon tea and in-room children’s The Gruffalo amenities.
The Gruffalo afternoon tea, especially for children, will launch in the hotel’s Drawing Room on 21 September – just in time to help plan the perfect October half term for the family.
A Storybook Stay
Set within the historic former Old War Office on Whitehall, the experience brings together the grandeur of one of London’s most storied addresses with the timeless pleasure of reading, exploring and spending time together as a family.
The Family Celebration package with The Gruffalo additions gives families the opportunity to stay together with a second room at 50 per cent off when booking a room, or a complimentary second room when booking a suite, alongside breakfast for two adults and two children, children’s amenities and other family-friendly touches.
For a limited time, families booking The Gruffalo Experience will receive a collection of story-inspired surprises designed to make the stay as memorable as the story itself.
Each child will receive a selection of The Gruffalo-themed keepsakes and gifts. Families will be supplied with a Toniebox audio player featuring The Gruffalo figurine to listen to the story read aloud in their guest room while staying at the hotel. This is also available for purchase if parents would like to take home and encourage their children to listen to more enchanting stories via audio. The experience is designed to bring storytelling into the stay, giving younger guests the opportunity to settle in with a familiar tale after a day exploring London. The package also includes The Gruffalo’s playful afternoon tea.
The Gruffalo Afternoon Tea
Available in The Drawing Room from 21st September (at £50 per child) until early January 2027, families will be welcomed with a specially created The Gruffalo Afternoon Tea, inspired by the imaginative world of the stories and created especially to celebrate the arrival of Gruffalo Granny.
Taking its cue from the deep dark wood, the menu will introduce playful interpretations of classic afternoon tea alongside a selection of seasonal treats. Expect references to familiar characters, woodland adventures and the spirit of curiosity that has made the stories such enduring family favourites.
Sandwiches are named: Roasted Fox, Little Brown Mouse, Deep Dark Wood and Scrambled Snake. Traditional buttermilk scones are served with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. And the pastries are shaped and named after characters and features from the new Gruffalo Granny story: The Gruffalo, The Mouse, and Owl’s Pot of Soup.
Served within the elegant surroundings of The Drawing Room, overlooking the mounted soldiers at Horse Guards, the experience brings a little woodland magic into one of London’s grandest settings, with the focus firmly on enjoying tea, storytelling and time together.
A London Adventure
With Raffles London at The OWO positioned on Whitehall, close to some of the capital’s most celebrated landmarks, the partnership offers families a natural starting point from which to explore London.
From the Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace to St James’s Park and the wider West End, the city becomes part of the adventure. Families can follow the specially created trail, discovering London along the way before returning to the hotel for afternoon tea, story time and the comfort of their own room or suite.
The experience reflects Raffles London’s approach to family travel: thoughtful, immersive and rooted in a sense of place, allowing younger guests to discover the capital while parents enjoy the hotel’s heritage, design and signature service.
A New Chapter for Family Stays
Raffles London at The OWO is housed within one of the capital’s most significant historic buildings. The former Old War Office was transformed into a landmark destination in 2023, retaining its grand State Rooms, oak-panelled walls, mosaic floors and celebrated Grand Staircase while introducing 120 rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, and a 2,500 sqm Guerlain Spa.
The Gruffalo partnership with Magic Light Pictures, brings a more playful chapter to the building’s history, inviting a new generation of guests to create their own memories within its storied walls. Beyond family stays, the hotel continues to expand its offering with immersive experiences such as an immersive frequency-hydration experience and a three-month wellbeing transformation programme.
The Gruffalo Experience can be added to the Family Celebration package from 21 September 2026 and will also be available as an add-on across a selection of Raffles London at The OWO’s existing offers, allowing families to bring the experience into their chosen stay. https://www.raffles.com/london/the-gruffalo