Rules Restaurant in London is the oldest restaurant in the city. It was founded in 1798 by Thomas Rule. Amazingly, the restaurant has changed hands only twice since; Tom Bell took over in the early 1900s, and John Mayhew bought the establishment in 1984.

In its more than 200 years of operation, Rules has become a much beloved and popular landmark in the London dining scene.

Over the years, celebrities of the London literary and theatre worlds made Rules their unofficial “green room” where they could meet and relax, and the establishment has been mentioned in almost countless novels. Even now the downstairs at Rules is adorned with numerous cartoons, drawings and paintings courtesy of the generations of artistic customers.

The decor at Rules is in traditional English style, complete with antlers, and the walls are lined with paintings and drawings. Polished wood, stained glass, and warm lighting throughout make this a very welcoming spot indeed.

There are several private dining rooms which can be booked for events and the restaurant offers special set menus for these rooms, as well. One of the rooms is named after Graham Greene who spent every birthday at Rules, and the walls of this room are covered with framed letters from Greene to his sister Elizabeth.

The food at Rules is quite traditional, but also quite unique. They offer a wide variety of game meals which are sourced from John Mayhew’s Lartington Estate in the High Pennines. There is a disclaimer on the menu warning those ordering game to be on the lookout for stray bits of shot which might remain.

Clearly this is not a restaurant catering to the vegetarian market, but for those of you looking for a traditional British experience, this is the place. Where else would you find a dish like Rabbit with Stornoway Black Pudding, Quail’s Egg & Cox's Apple or Venison Loin with Pear, Roast Chicory & Spiced Ruby Plums?

Rules Restaurant in London is a touchstone to Old London and a delightful experience for visitors to the city.

Visiting Rules

Address: Rules, 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB

Telephone: 020 7836 5314

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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