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July 2019: Rules has introduced an afternoon tea; it's served on the first floor where once Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry dined in private.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“If one wants to wow a visitor to London” then this superbly atmospheric Covent Garden “old timer” – the capital’s oldest restaurant to operate continuously on the same site (since 1798) – is just the ticket. The “amazing”, “traditional” panelled interior is “very impressive”; and although the “classic British cooking” (rib of beef, game in season, steak ’n’ kidney) is decidedly “not cheap” and doesn’t please everyone, it mostly makes a decent fist of flying the native culinary flag. Given its prime location, it can inevitably be “overrun with tourists” at times, but it’s still a big hit with many locals too.
Summary
“Like stepping into a time warp” – London’s oldest restaurant (in these Covent Garden premises since 1798) is a magnificent period piece, complete with a gorgeous panelled interior. Inevitably it’s “very touristy”, although many Londoners also harbour a very soft spot for the old place. That said, its “old-school British cooking” has been better in living memory and many reporters continue to find “prices are high for rather indifferent food”: “our American friends were happy, but we were not impressed and the steak ’n’ kidney pudding was not as good as we remembered!” Top Tip – “unbeatable game in season”.
Summary
“Step into London’s history” on entering the capital’s oldest restaurant (established 1798), whose “stunning” panelled premises near Covent Garden have a “timeless feel – Victorian diners wouldn’t look out of place, nor modern, open-collared business folk”. For “so-traditional British fare” (“wonderful game” and “top steak puddings”) it can still deliver “old-school perfection”, and though “foreign visitors love it”, it’s still “an absolute favourite” for many locals. That said, they need to watch the ever-more “inflated prices” here: “step this way and empty your wallet!”
Summary
“History oozes out of the walls” of London’s oldest restaurant (established 1798) – still one of its most “iconic”, whose “olde-worlde, panelled interior” has a “priceless warmth and depth”. Many a Londoner still considers it “a reliable old favourite” for “traditional British roasts, games, pies and oysters”, but it has seemed more and more “overpriced” in recent times – any more, and it will achieve the Covent Garden tourist-trap status it’s heretofore miraculously avoided.
Restaurant details
Rules Restaurant Diner Reviews
"As a customer experience its great..... It’s a very very focussed restaurant, the decor is all about their history and is unique. My waitress was very keen, even complimenting me on my tie! The menus has reasonable choices and quite a lot I would eat. Starter was a spiced grilled Quail, really nicely cooked and presented. Main was a slightly strange veal escalope in a very very slightly odd sweet Marsala sauce that seemed like it had been sitting a while as it had a hint of a “skin”. Dessert was a sensational lemon and raspberry posset Service was great although it took ages to get my bill Toilets very clean"
"Everything as solid as the building itself. No regrets with repeat visits."
"OK..a bit touristy, but still a wonderful British restaurant."
"Reliable old favourite. Trad old-British fare, very well executed, with a hint of the more modern. Some business men at lunch though there can be a feel of it catering more for well heeled tourists. Great service, Very competent, unflustered service. Love the timeless British feel - Edwardian or Victorian diners would not look out of place, nor modern open collared business folk. Glad it is not swamped in the City or Mayfair."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.95 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
35 Maiden Ln, London, WC2E 7LB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-10:30 pm |
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