London’s oldest restaurant, Rules (established in 1798), had Georgian writers lauding its “porter, pies, and oysters” and remarking on the “rakes, dandies, and superior intelligences who comprise its clientele.” In the ensuing two centuries, the dining institution has attracted a string of literary greats through the same doors, including Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, and Kingsley Amis, while in 1971, John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, extolled it as “unique and irreplaceable and part of literary and theatrical London.” The venue has also been immortalized in the textual world in novels by Evelyn Waugh, John le Carré, and Graham Greene, whose heroine Sarah falls in love over a war-rationed meal in The End of the Affair. Not much has changed at Rules, which has retained its traditional paneled interior and muted-lighting ambiance, while the same hearty pies and puddings still populate the menu, augmented by game and beef from the restaurant’s own Teesdale estate. View this post on Instagram

Founded in 1798 and still based in its original Covent Garden premises, Rules is the oldest restaurant in London. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more traditional British menu of pies, puddings and roast game – embracing the nation’s cuisine at its finest. Expect time-tested classics like steak and kidney pie, roast haunch of venison and sticky toffee pudding to feature, served in hazily lit surroundings of regal reds and homely browns.

The oldest of golden oldies, Rules still holds sway as Covent Garden’s ultimate culinary aristocrat, a magnificently antiquated institution with a rich history dating back to 1798. As a proud purveyor of stout British food, Rules pleases the old guard with Yorkshire game and beef, but the kitchen also deals in simple but carefully cooked classics ranging from potted shrimps to golden syrup sponge pudding with custard.

Established by Thomas Rule in 1798 it’s one of those places that every historical figure seems to have frequented. Charles Dickens, H.G Wells, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Joan Collins, you name them – they’ve all popped in for the traditional British dishes served in the ground floor restaurant, while the upstairs bar is a former private room where Edward VII used to entertain his mistress Lillie Langtry.

If you’re interested in cosplaying being a member of the House of Tudor, then Rules is your restaurant. The historic spot has no need for rose-tinted glasses as this place leans maroon, velvet, and murals of Maggie Thatcher. It claims to be London’s oldest restaurant, taking its place in Covent Garden a couple of centuries ago or so, and who’s to argue with that.

Most notably, it's said to be London’s oldest restaurant – having been founded in 1798 – and has entertained the likes of Charles Dickens, HG Wells and Charlie Chaplin over the years. More recently, it served as a meeting place for M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw) and Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) in Spectre, the 24th film in the James Bond franchise. You can ask to be sat at M’s table at the restaurant, easily recognisable in its position under a large painting at the back of the room.

Serving London with classic British plates since 1798, Rules holds the esteemed title of the city’s oldest restaurant. A charmed setting steeped in history and tradition, this culinary institution, located in the heart of Covent Garden, is revered for its elegant ambience and mouth watering gastronomy. From hearty game dishes to traditional British puddings, every menu offering encapsulates the spirit of the age-old cuisine, prepared with obsessive attention to flavour and decoration.

Established by Thomas Rule in 1798, Rules is widely considered to be London’s oldest surviving restaurant, something that not only earns it a place at the top of this list, but also no doubt offers up some strong marketing potential. Sitting inside, it’s not difficult to imagine what it would have been like to dine here two centuries ago, and also easy to assume that the menu has remained largely unchanged. Dishes are gloriously British, with a particular focus on game.

For over two centuries, Rules has been a respected fixture on the city’s dining scene, offering classic game delicacies such as rabbit and guinea fowl from the proprietors’ countryside estate. There are other traditional British dishes such as steak and kidney pie or Dorset crab salad available as well, and an array of familiar puddings to round off your meal in this opulent restaurant with a distinguished clientele that includes celebrities. 34 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden

Best for: Classic old school London glamourLocation: 34-35 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7LBPrice: ££££ GBP for a cocktail. Found – you guessed it – upstairs at the iconic, historic Rules restaurant in Covent Garden, this bar by bartending icon Brian Silva is as classic and vintage as it gets. This is where cocktails are made how they used to be and Silva turns out the classics with his own special twist, usually with the addition of a rare or interesting ingredient.

Everyone from the Downton cast to James Bond have been filmed dining at this, one of London's oldest restaurants. But while the history and decor could have made this Covent Garden institution rest on its laurels and settle for the tourist market, Rules is a genuine gem and one that every Londoner should make a booking at, at least once. The cocktail bar upstairs has legendary bartender Brian Silva in place making it yet another reason to go.

This London treasure is the oldest restaurant in London, but that hasn’t stopped it from dishing out incredible British fare for over 220 years. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Rules does a fine job of satisfying not only the older generations but also younger London foodies who are hungry for a slice of history. Inside, things are charming and quintessentially British with dark wood, red velvet seating, and walls covered in paintings.

Rules, the oldest and best fine dining restaurant in London 2024, has been doing things the right way since 1798. As a matter of fact, nights should start with a classic martini at the Winter Garden cocktail bar, a bastion of fine British service. Also, the interior is decorated in crimson velvet, with lacquered ceiling fans as well as banquettes so deep and comfortable that they encourage a return to the three-bottle lunch.

What: London’s oldest restaurant has been flying the flag for British dishes since 1798. Old-fashioned it may be, but there’s nothing stale about the quality of cooking – you won't find game, oysters and puddings done better anywhere. Upstairs you'll find Rules' reinvented cocktail bar where Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry once dined in private.Where: 35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LBBook now: Rules

Stop 5: Enjoy Lunch At Rules Restaurant In London After enjoying some of the smaller museums and displays in the city, head to Rules, the oldest restaurant in London!. Opening in 1798, Rules takes pride in its British menu offering numerous classic dishes including beef wellington for 4 or more people on request. It is a yummy place to grab lunch during your 4 day London itinerary.

Located in Convent Garden, Rules has a long and storied history of serving up all the British classics that its patrons love for around £40-50 per person for 3 courses without drinks. Rules has earned a reputation as one of the best/top British restaurants in London. It has been doing its thing since 1798, which makes it the oldest restaurant in the city.

It’s London’s oldest restaurant which was established back in 1798 by Thomas Rule. Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier and Charlie Chaplin are just some of the famous folk who have graced this place with their presence. The heritage restaurant offers game dishes, oysters, pies and puddings, so you’ll be in for a hearty meal.

Officially London’s oldest restaurant, Rules has been around since 1798, so if you want an experience of British food history without plodding through a museum, Rules restaurant is truly iconic and the place to go. Rules Restaurant & Private Dining Rooms34-35 Maiden Lane London WC2E 7LB, UKVisit website: Rules Restaurant

The previous two places are mere babies compared with the patriarch of London restaurants, Rules in Covent Garden, which was founded in 1798. The interior has thick carpets, old paintings, and dark wood. The wood-paneled private dining rooms are particularly convivial and you get your own personal waiter for the evening.

This traditional British food restaurant has a winter garden cocktail bar with perfectly balanced drinks in an elegant environment. The luxurious red seating and bar are for enjoying cocktails with friends. The cocktails menu has the duchess of Cambridge, the Rules Royale, black velvet champagne, and London pride.

Hidden away atop one of London’s oldest and best-respected restaurants, Upstairs at Rules is a serious delight. The decor here looks a little like stepping into a glasshouse, and then the ah-may-zing cocktail list is the stuff your dreams are made of. It’s straight up one of the prettiest places in London.

London’s rich history can be felt in every corner of Rules, the city’s oldest restaurant. Walking in felt like stepping back in time, with dim lighting, vintage decor, and a menu that leans into traditional British comfort food. I couldn’t resist ordering the classic Steak and Kidney Pudding.

It is London’s oldest restaurant, founded by Thomas Rule in Covent Garden in 1798. This restaurant was frequented by Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, and Charlie Chaplin. The entire wall of the restaurant is adorned with drawings, paintings, and sketches that enliven and depict its past.

For example, "Rules," a restaurant founded in 1798 (the oldest in London), is located in Covent Garden. Rules have a Victorian decor and a menu focusing on classic British dishes. The whole setting and ambiance offer diners a dining experience that feels like a trip back in time.

Widely regarded as London’s oldest restaurant, Rules still thrives in the heart of Covent Garden, thankfully not succumbing to the tourist trap. The upstairs bar is dark and cosy, with a gentlemen’s club feel to it, offering a historical take on the best cocktail bars in London.

For a high-end kitchen that takes British cuisine seriously, go with an icon. Rules is London’s oldest restaurant (est. 1798), and its patrons have included Graham Greene, Charles Dickens, Evelyn Waugh, and Edward VII, who regularly dined here with his paramour Lillie Langtry.

Rules is the grandfather of London restaurants – old, dignified, and unapologetically British. Located in Covent Garden, this British institution has over 220 years of service under its belt. It’s practically a historical landmark.

Established in 1798, one of London’s oldest restaurants is still on fine form; game is a speciality, the opulent dining room still sparkles, and the bar is one of the finest in all of the city and serves one of its best martinis.

Meanwhile, Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, has been serving patrons in Covent Garden since 1798. Expect impeccable service, rich interiors and hearty British dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

A delightfully old-school, classically furnished, cocktail lounge with NO music, purees, weird infusions or even beer. Cocktails here are classically led and spirit-forward.

Established in 1798, Rules is London's oldest restaurant, offering a quintessentially British dining experience. The menu focuses on games, oysters, and hearty classics like

For a traditional British roast duck experience, visit Rules (34-35 Maiden Ln, WC2E 7LB). Established in 1798, it’s the oldest restaurant in London.