Rules
London's oldest restaurant since 1798, serving timeless British cuisine in a theatrically elegant Covent Garden setting.
London's oldest restaurant, established in 1798, Rules is a storied institution in Covent Garden serving traditional British cuisine with an emphasis on game, oysters, and classic puddings. Set within an elegantly appointed dining room adorned with period furnishings, oil paintings, and literary memorabilia, it offers an immersive experience of historic British dining culture. The restaurant's refined atmosphere, impeccable service, and heritage-rich setting make it a destination for those seeking timeless elegance and authentic British fare.
A brief summary to Rules
- 34-35 Maiden Ln, London, WC2E 7LB, GB
- +442078365314
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Reserve well in advance, particularly for dinner service and weekends. The restaurant's popularity and limited seating mean tables fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Explore the game menu during autumn and winter months when seasonal offerings from the restaurant's own estate are at their finest, including grouse, pheasant, and partridge.
- The wine list emphasises Rhône Valley selections; ask staff for recommendations that pair well with your chosen dishes rather than selecting by price alone.
- Note that the bathrooms are located on the first floor, accessed by a steep and narrow staircase—not ideal for those with mobility limitations.
- Visit during lunch for a more relaxed atmosphere and potentially better value than dinner service, though prices remain substantial.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Rules location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Rules
A Living Monument to British Dining Heritage
Established by Thomas Rule in 1798, Rules stands as London's oldest continuously operating restaurant, having served generations of diners across more than two centuries. Situated at 34–35 Maiden Lane in the heart of Covent Garden, this venerable institution has witnessed the evolution of London's culinary landscape while remaining steadfastly committed to its original vision: the celebration of traditional British food and hospitality. Over its remarkable history spanning the reigns of ten monarchs, Rules has been owned by just four families, a continuity that has preserved its unique character and heritage. The restaurant's longevity is not merely a matter of age but a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, consistency, and the timeless appeal of British gastronomy.The Theatrical Splendour of Historic Interiors
Stepping into Rules is akin to entering a carefully curated museum of British culture and dining tradition. The restaurant's interior is a masterpiece of period aesthetics, featuring dark burnished wood panelling, crimson and gold carpets, and an array of classical figurines, oil paintings, and vintage prints that line the walls. Clocks chime on the quarter hour, their tinkling sounds muffled by the plush velvet that lines the discreet booths, creating an atmosphere of hushed elegance and old-world refinement. The decorative scheme evokes the grandeur of a country estate hunting lodge, complete with roaring fireplaces and the kind of theatrical opulence that transports diners to an imagined past of British aristocracy. This immersive environment has attracted not only tourists seeking authentic British experience but also literary figures and celebrated patrons who have found inspiration within these walls. The restaurant's aesthetic consistency—maintaining its distinctive character across multiple dining rooms—ensures that every visit feels like a step back in time, yet the space remains welcoming and comfortable rather than stuffy or pretentious.A Culinary Tradition Rooted in British Classics
The menu at Rules is a celebration of British culinary tradition, with particular emphasis on game, oysters, and time-honoured dishes that require considerable technical skill to execute properly. The restaurant's own Lartington Estate in County Durham supplies much of the game served during the season, including grouse, pheasant, partridge, and rabbit, each prepared according to classical methods that honour both ingredient and tradition. Signature dishes include steak and kidney suet pudding, Dover sole grilled or meunière, Cornish crab salad, and Belted Galloway beef, alongside lighter options such as dressed crab and creamy scallops. The wine list is notably focused on Rhône Valley selections, carefully curated to complement the hearty, flavour-forward nature of the cuisine. Desserts follow the British tradition, with golden syrup sponge pudding, treacle tart, and orchard fruit crumbles appearing alongside more contemporary offerings. Everything is prepared with meticulous attention to ingredient quality and classical technique, reflecting the restaurant's philosophy that serious food need not be fancy—it need only be lovely, carefully executed, and rooted in genuine culinary tradition.Service and Hospitality as Core Values
The service at Rules exemplifies the standards of a bygone era of hospitality, where attentiveness, discretion, and genuine warmth characterise every interaction. Staff members, often identifiable by their formal attire including bow ties, move through the dining rooms with quiet efficiency, anticipating needs without intrusiveness and responding to requests with the kind of professionalism that suggests nothing is too much trouble. The greeting upon arrival sets the tone for the entire experience, with hosts ensuring diners feel welcomed and valued from the moment they enter. This commitment to service excellence extends from the initial seating through to the final farewell, creating an experience that feels both formal and genuinely hospitable. The consistency of service standards across the restaurant's multiple rooms and throughout its long history speaks to a deep institutional commitment to hospitality as a core value rather than a mere operational requirement.A Destination for Occasions and Traditions
Rules functions as more than a restaurant; it serves as a venue for marking significant moments, conducting business, and participating in a living tradition of British dining culture. The establishment offers private dining rooms—the Graham Greene and Sir John Betjeman—designed for intimate gatherings, business meetings, and special celebrations. The upstairs bar, known as Upstairs at Rules, provides an alternative setting for cocktails and evening socialising, featuring signature drinks such as the Kate Middleton cocktail and classic offerings like the Black Velvet. Many patrons return repeatedly across decades, treating Rules as a personal institution where they celebrate milestones, entertain guests, and reconnect with a sense of continuity and tradition. The restaurant's ability to accommodate both the tourist seeking an authentic British experience and the regular patron honouring decades of personal history demonstrates its unique position within London's dining landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: David Garrick
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Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
John Adam St & Adam St
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Strand
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Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
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A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Henry Fawcett Monument
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A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
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A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Bow St
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Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
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Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Eleanor Cross
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A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
Agatha Christie memorial
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Cleopatra's Needle
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Victoria Embankment
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Experience the tranquility of Victoria Embankment in London, a beautiful riverside promenade perfect for leisurely strolls and iconic views.
Embankment station
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Grand Building
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Historic Seven Dials
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vaudeville Theatre
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Adelphi Theatre
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Experience world-class musicals and rich theatrical history in the elegant Art Deco setting of London’s Adelphi Theatre on the iconic Strand.
St Paul’s Church Covent Garden
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Experience the tranquility of St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, a historical sanctuary for the arts in the heart of London.
Covent Garden, street shows
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Experience the vibrant legacy of Covent Garden’s world-famous street performers, bringing daily magic and artistry to London’s historic piazza.
Punch & Judy
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Historic Covent Garden pub named after iconic puppet shows, blending lively atmosphere, traditional fare, and vibrant street views.
Covent Garden
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Discover Covent Garden’s lively markets, iconic theatres, vibrant street performances, and charming hidden courtyards in the heart of London’s West End.
Jubilee Market
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Historic Covent Garden market with antiques, crafts, and vibrant food stalls in a lively, iconic London setting.
Music at Covent Garden
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Experience the vibrant live music and rich cultural heritage at Covent Garden, London's iconic West End soundscape.
Floral Street
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Discover Floral Street’s vibrant, sustainable floral fragrances in London’s stylish Covent Garden flagship store.
London Transport Museum
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Explore over 200 years of London’s transport history through iconic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and hidden underground tours in Covent Garden.
Savoy Theatre
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Historic West End theatre famed for Gilbert and Sullivan premieres, blending Victorian roots with stunning Art Deco elegance.
Goodwin’s Court
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Step into Goodwin’s Court, a hidden Georgian alley in Covent Garden where history, mystery, and cinematic magic blend in timeless charm.
London Film Museum
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Explore the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles in London’s vibrant Covent Garden hub.
Lyceum Theatre
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Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Royal Ballet and Opera
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Experience world-class ballet and opera in the historic and stunning Royal Opera House at London’s vibrant Covent Garden.
Essential places to dine
Rules
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London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
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Flat Iron Covent Garden
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Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
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Chez Antoinette
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Palm Court Brasserie
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Clos Maggiore
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Balthazar
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Sarastro
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Circus
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
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Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
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Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
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Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Urban Outfitters
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Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Rokit Covent Garden
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Unique Britain
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Good
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Henry Pordes Books Ltd
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House of Spells
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Charing Cross Rd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Upstairs At Rules
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Mrs Riot
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All Bar One Covent Garden
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Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
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Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
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Crusting Pipe
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Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
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Beaufort Bar
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American Bar
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The Harp, Covent Garden
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Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
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Blind Spot London
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Plume Wine Bar
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Mr Fogg's Tavern
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Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
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Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Heaven
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London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
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Zoo Bar & Club
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Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Ivy Club
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Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Roxy
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Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Penthouse London
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A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Carwash Nightclub
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TSQ Club
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Club49Soho
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Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Luxe Club
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Tiger Tiger London
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Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
La Capannina Club
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Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
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London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
