A beloved London restaurant with roots stretching back to the reign of George III has been handed over to a heritage charity after remaining in the same ownership for centuries. Founded in the 18th century, the establishment has preserved its original decor—including antique playbills and ornate antlers—alongside a traditional menu centered on rich, game-heavy dishes. Despite surviving multiple monarchs and prime ministers, the restaurant has only changed hands three times in over two centuries. Its historic interior and enduring legacy make it a rare survivor of Britain’s culinary past.
Historic eatery in capital’s theatreland given to heritage charity after changing hands only three times in 228 yearsWhen Thomas Rule served his first oyster to diners on Maiden Lane in London’s Covent Garden, “mad” George III was on the throne of England, John Adams was US president and William Pitt the Younger had just come up with a wheeze called income tax to pay for the Napoleonic wars.More than two centuries later, Rules, the restaurant Thomas founded in what became the capital’s theatreland, has outlasted nine British monarchs and 45 prime ministers – but has changed hands only three times. The interior of its four-storey home, stuffed with historic playbills and vintage caricatures and gilded antlers, is little changed from the 19th century, nor has the tone of its determinedly meaty menu – think rabbit rillettes, shin of veal and roast guinea fowl. Continue reading...
