Home of London's oldest restaurant Rules given to National Trust

London’s oldest restaurant, Rules, a historic establishment that has welcomed illustrious guests from Charles Dickens to Madonna over its more than two hundred years, has now been entrusted to the National Trust. Founded in 1798 at 34-35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, Rules has witnessed the passage of empires, endured the hardships of the Blitz, and resisted numerous redevelopment attempts. The National Trust’s acquisition includes the £11 million freehold ownership of the restaurant building, along with its rich collection of artifacts such as visitor books, menus, and photographs, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.

Despite the change in ownership, Rules will remain fully operational as a restaurant, now leasing the property from the National Trust. The rental income generated will be reinvested in maintaining and conserving the historic fabric of the building. Rules boasts a remarkably well-preserved interior that has hosted a succession of notable figures, including Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, Liza Minnelli, and Harrison Ford. Additionally, King Edward VII famously used the venue’s secluded second-floor corner—which featured draped curtains and a secret private door—to meet his mistress, actress Lillie Langtry.

The restaurant also holds literary significance. Poet John Betjeman was a passionate defender of Rules during times when it faced the threat of redevelopment, and writer Graham Greene celebrated it by featuring the establishment in his novel *The End of the Affair*, where he also marked his birthday meals. Rules’ reputation for discretion continues under current proprietor Ricky McMenemy, who has served for 35 years. He notes the careful consideration given to seating arrangements, often keeping rival film directors or competing politicians apart to maintain an atmosphere of privacy and respect.

J-P Mayhew, the building’s owner, expressed confidence in the National Trust’s stewardship, saying, “There are few restaurants in the world that have endured the test of time like Rules. The trust will protect this place in a way that no-one else could, safeguarding its bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere, too.” Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, described Rules as “an outstanding piece of living history,” highlighting its remarkable survival through wars and social upheaval, and praised Mr Mayhew’s generosity in securing the restaurant’s future for many generations

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More