Rules Restaurant

Rules Restaurant Summary

  • Cuisine(s): British
  • Opening Times: Mon - Sat: 12:00 - 23:30
    Sun: 12:00 - 22:30
  • Avg Price: £55.00
  • Party Planner: Group bookings & Party planner
 

(Avg Price is the average cost per person for two courses, coffee, half a bottle of house wine and tip/service)

Rules Restaurant Description

In the year Napoleon opened his campaign in Egypt, 1798, Thomas Rule promised his despairing family that he would say goodbye to his wayward past and finally settle down.

No sooner said than he opened an oyster bar in Covent Garden. To the surprise and disbelief of his family, this enterprise proved to be not only successful, but lasting.

Contemporary writers were soon singing the praises of Rules' "porter, pies and oysters", and remarking on the "rakes, dandies and superior intelligences, who comprise its clientele".

Amazingly, it has only ever been owned by three families. Once as faded and reminiscent of past eminence as the former British Empire, Rules has undergone a renaissance in the last few years under its latest proprietor, John Mayhew, whilst the kitchen is in the very experienced hands of top chef David Chambers.

Famous for its game, most of which comes from John Mayhew's estate in Northern England, Rules also shows a mastery of other English dishes, both traditional and modern.

Rules demonstrated its continued mastery of the genre when it featured in the Tio Pepe Carlton London Restaurant Awards.

It clearly demonstrates that an institution can change with the times, and still retain its former glories and comfort. Wines include those from the former colonies, which turn out to be American!

Fixed Dinner

  • £18.95 (2 courses), Mon - Thurs

Your Reviews of Rules Restaurant

Joe Massey (8 December 2006)

When you first walk in to this restaurant you start to wonder what you have let yourself in for. You would never think you were in central London, but after the staff have greeted and seated you, you begin to change your mind. The service is second to none and the selection of good English food is excellent. There is no side stepping the price that comes with this, but the high standard of cooking is plain and simply worth it. I have now dinned here on several occasions and would quite happily part with half a week’s wages for the experience alone. If you like game and fancy taking a night off from the city and enjoying a good meal in a wonderful place, I strongly recommend you give it a go.

Mike Turvey (7 September 2005)

This was a memorable meal. It is not inexpensive, but included in your bill is the strong, decisively British tradition of dining in the oldest restaurant in London, choosing from the most extensive menu available, and being assured of the perfectly prepared and complete meal, from the superb wine list to the amazing dessert line-up. My wife and I were impressed. It was a rare and elegant treat.

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Additional Info for Rules Restaurant

  • Yes Children welcome
  • Yes Groups allowed
  • Yes Air conditioning
  • No Outside seating
  • Yes Reservations
  • No Cover Charge
  • House red: N/A
  • House white: £14.95
  • Service charge: 12.5% (optional), card slips closed
 
  • American Express
  • Delta
  • Diners Club
  • JCB
  • Mastercard
  • Switch
  • Visa

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