Founded in 1798, this culinary institution celebrates its 226th birthday this year, making it the oldest restaurant in London to operate continuously on the same site.
Rules wholeheartedly embraces its history from decor to dish. Framed paintings deck the halls, red velvet covers the dining booths and everything is made out of dark wood. This place is strictly old-school, and it oozes British charm.
The menu venerates classic British cooking, offering pies, roasts and game dishes aplenty. In fact, there doesn’t appear to be any ‘main’ dishes for vegetarians or vegans whatsoever. But if it’s pheasant, partridge, hare or venison you’re after, you’ll do quite nicely. For pudding, it’s just like Granny used to make (if she was British, that is), with sticky toffee puddings, golden syrup sponges, apple and rhubarb crumbles, and so much more.
Rules was supposedly once a bolthole for London luminaries such as Charles Dickens and H.G. Wells. It also features in the literary works of Evelyn Waugh and John Le Carré, amongst others. More recently though, you might have spotted it in a number of Downtown Abbey episodes, which may go some way to explain the sort of vibe you can expect.
Bookend your meal with a visit to the gorgeous Winter Garden Cocktail Bar upstairs, which is apparently where Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry used to secretly dine. It claims to be an exclusive spot for those in the know, where head bartender Brian Silva cares deeply about the quality of his drinks. (Though, he confesses, he isn’t afraid to “breaks the rules” – which is irony at its finest, if you ask me.) There is a huge menu of classic and signature cocktails, and you can also come up here for afternoon tea. After all, what sort of British restaurant would it be if you couldn’t?
It’s an oldie but a goodie, and a perfect spot for guests with traditional tastes.
📍 Location: 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB. Nearest stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Charing Cross.
🕰️ Opening hours: seven days a week. Monday to Saturday, midday to midnight; Sundays, midday-11pm.
💷 Price: you’re looking at about £80 per person for three courses, wine to share and service.
💬 More information: on the Rules’ website.