Rules, London's oldest restaurant, has been donated to the National Trust to safeguard its future. The building in Covent Garden has been owned by J-P Mayhew for the last 40 years, but he has decided to 'generously gift' it to the conservation charity on behalf of the nation.
228 years of history
The restaurant began as an oyster house in 1798 and has become a West End institution, known as a meeting place for famous faces – everyone from King Edward VII, who used to rendezvous with his mistress there, to Charles Dickens, Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin, Liza Minnelli, and Madonna. It has survived the Blitz, outlasted empires, and endured as more than 40 Prime Ministers have come and gone from office.
Today it remains a rare example of living heritage, as both the historic structure and its original use remain intact, preserved for more than two centuries of continuous restaurant operation.
Owner's gift to the nation
Mayhew said: 'There are few restaurants in the world that have endured the test of time like Rules. With many years of hard work, and some extraordinary strokes of luck, it has survived everything from redevelopment plans and changing tastes to the Blitz.'
'When John Betjeman defended Rules from the GLC's plans to turn the Strand into a dual carriageway in 1971, he spoke not only of the paintings, sculptures, stained glass and red plush seats, but of its "invisible atmosphere". My gift to the National Trust is in answer to that appeal. The Trust will protect this place in a way that no-one else could, safeguarding its bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere too. I am grateful to them for believing in this idea and for protecting this building and two centuries worth of stories for people to enjoy forever.'
Future measured in generations
Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, adds that the donation will give the 'beloved place' a future measured 'not in years but in generations', with its stories, traditions, and character intact.
Online, fans of the restaurant have been singing its praises and sharing their joy at the news. Taking to Instagram, @hayley_.m._ said: 'This is what millionaires and billionaires should be doing.' As @the_flamingo_hiker_uk shared: 'I ate there once, such an experience.' While @lindawest1234 commented: 'I love Rules; it helps you to slip into a more elegant and gentle time. Please don't ever change.'
'Love this place. The food is amazing. The service is incredible. Looking forward to going back,' wrote @thegoldenchild72. And @london_wizard added that it's 'such a wonderful place'.
In Google reviews, the food has been hailed as 'amazing', 'brilliant', and 'outstanding', with many loving the menu of classics such as sticky toffee pudding, potted shrimp, and steak.
Mahtab Marefatkhah posted: 'We had a reservation at Rules and visiting London's oldest restaurant had been on my list. It absolutely lived up to my expectations. The service, food, and atmosphere were all outstanding, and we had a wonderful experience. The moment I walked in, I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful décor. It truly felt like stepping back in time. The historic charm of the restaurant is something special. We ordered the soup and steak, and both were absolutely delicious.'
And Peach P shared: 'We had the most amazing birthday celebration at Rules! The food was exceptional, but two dishes really stood out for both their presentation and flavour are the following: the shin of veal and the ribeye steak! I loved that it's the oldest restaurant in London and feels like you're dining in a museum. We explored all the floors and admired the beautiful artwork covering the walls. I also loved that it has been featured in many classic movies, which made the experience feel even more special.'
