Rules

Established in 1798, Rules is the oldest restaurant in London, and the menu, ambiance and clientele all reflect the eatery's enduring reputation.

Its red canopies a landmark of Covent Garden, Rules has been a respected fixture of London dining for over two centuries, with numerous celebrities frequenting its lavishly decorated interior throughout the ages – Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and Buster Keaton, to name a few, not to mention Ralph Fiennes filming a scene for 2015’s Spectre here.

Beyond its longstanding reputation, Rules' appeal lies in its culinary offering. With the restaurant’s proprietors owning an estate in the English countryside, they are able to offer classic game delicacies such as rabbit and guinea fowl, as well as other traditional British dishes. The menu might include mains such as steak and kidney pie, roast duck breast, pan-roast rump steak, Dorset crab salad or potted shrimps, with an array of comfortingly familiar puddings such as Eton mess, apple crumble, sticky toffee pudding or a plate of English cheeses to round things off. All of Rules’ ingredients are carefully sourced, showcasing seasonal British produce at its finest.

Rules' luxurious setting, with padded red booths, carpeted floors, golden trim and paintings and pictures on the walls recording the restaurant’s distinguished clientele and longevity, is also available for private hire, with two charming rooms dedicated to novelist Graham Greene and Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. If you’d rather just pop in for a drink, however, the Upstairs at Rules cocktail bar is considered to be one of the best in the city.