Rules

Reviews

• Justin R.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  Please note, this review is based off of having drinks/cocktails upstairs, NOT food downstairs.  With that said, I had a wonderful experience, great decor, good service and wonderful cocktails.  No reservation needed for cocktails upstairs, but I would certainly check first if coming with a group of 6 or more.  Alone you have to come here for it being one of the oldest establishments in London.  
  
  If you're sitting upstairs, ask to sit in the King Edward VII section.  Not going to give it away, but there's a great story behind it!
  
  But back to the cocktails.  In particular the Rules 98 was very good, which is their version of a French 75.  Also we liked the Hemingway which was a rum based drink with various blends of fruit syrup.  But not to worry, it's sweet but not candy sweet.
  
  Last but not least, they get a 5th star just because  of bathrooms and overall cleanliness.  Yes I said bathrooms!  They're incredibly clean, fresh smelling and simply refreshing.  After I left the men's room, I asked my gf to confirm if the women's room was the same.  She went in and came out a few minutes later, like damn, you were right their sooo clean.  The same can be said for the tables and floors.  Which is pretty amazing considering the fact this place opened in 1798.  If Im ever back in town, definitely going to eat here.  If the bathrooms/tables/floors are any indication of the kitchen, then it's going to be clean & fresh eating.

• Mariana D.

  star star star star star 9 June 2026

  Yassss to the oldest restaurant still standing  in England established  in 1978 and giving me Cheers/Pub/Poldark/Sherlock/very period  drama made!
  
  We had reservations for dinner (first floor) and missed it but were able to catch some cocktails before our 7pm broadway show ! We were escorted to the second floor which is an Intimate cocktail area with small tables - enough to seat 2-4.
  
  Luckily we snagged the Kings table in the rear and ordered the Hemingway (recommenced) and my date asked the sommelier for a scotch recommendation and ended up loving the 15 year aged Glen Livet! Drinks are pricey ~£16+ but you're going for the ambiance, service and Culture in this dark, somber yet mysterious room. Also loved the mixed nuts on the table seriously good!
  
  Background: Its called the kings table due to the fact kindly Edward VII used to meet his sidech--- ... I mean paramour- Lille Langtry in the early 20th century . He configuration has changed but there used to be a side entrance leading from the stairs to this section, and there were drapes to provide extra privacy for his majesty. Now it's an open area and the door is sealed.
  
  Also- amazing bathrooms. God it puts America to shame :-/

• Trixie N.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  The true WOW factor at Rules! I have been wanting to dine at Rules for over a decade and after numerous trips to England, I finally made it to London's oldest restaurants. Upon my travels, I gravitate to the oldest or restaurants with history. Rules was founded in 1798 and has survived numerous reigns, wars and current food trend changes. This historical dining establishment needs to be on your culinary tour list of London, especially if you are into fine dining with a dash of history.
  
  I came in during lunch time without a reservation which is normally against my 'Rules'. Even as a solo traveler, I will make a reservation if I it is offered, that is just one of my 'Rules'. After my jacket was brought to the cloak room, I was seated promptly in one of the main dining rooms and offered a cocktail. I will never say no to a pre-dinner cocktail so I decided on The Dandy. Oh by the way, Rules is also known for their beautiful bar (upper level) and delicious cocktails- such a divine place!
  
  When it came to ordering off the menu, I decided to lunch on traditional British cuisine which entailed Split Pea soup with a touch of cream and mint for starts. It was delicious and the added cream made the soup smoother, with the hint of mint updated this traditional dish.
  
  The chicken Leek and Mushroom Pie is a definite must for those who are choosing to dine here. It is perfect and comforting and beats an American pot pie hands down. When you break open the flaky crust you will find a creamy mixture of fresh leeks, tender mushrooms and large pieces of white chicken. It is a true traditional masterpiece.
  
  When it came to desserting, I was debating but I overheard that Rules makes one of the best Sticky Toffee Puddings in London and how could I say no to that. I had no resistance and I grew that second dessert stomach. If you are not familiar with traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding it is quite different from the custard like puddings of the states. It is a heavy, rich flavorful little cake like dish served with sticky caramel and topped with nuts. It was very indulgent and I decided to take half of it back to the apartment so I could eat it later. They packed it up nicely except for the cream and it made me very happy when I snacked on it later.
  
  I do love giving Five Stars especially when it is deserved. I waited a decade to try out the oldest London restaurant and I wanted to do it right. I did it and by all means, please do it too!

• Jeff H.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  What can anyone write about Rules Restaurant that hasn't been written.  Located in Covent Garden this is London's oldest restaurant having been founded in King George III's reign in 1798. It serves up the best of English cooking in dining rooms filled with old paintings and charm.  If you blink for a moment, you might even think you spot some of the characters from Downton Abbey dining here.  Even their airy palm-tree filled upstairs cocktail bar is worth seeing and the perfect place to enjoy a Pimms.  
  
  I began a recent special meal with a friend by ordering the Potted Shrimps on toast points.  This dish was probably the only one of the night that slightly disappointed.  I guess I like more of a shrimp flavor than was present.  My main course of Roast Suckling Pig with a baked-apple sauce was very nicely prepared - tasty and ample. The accompanying green salad was just right.  My friend enjoyed very much his braised leg of rabbit with courgettes. For dessert I had to order the old British favorite Arctic Roll with raspberry compote.  That's a favorite from schoolboy days.  A Languedoc Saint-Chinian wine proved to be the right choice to adorn this feast.
  
  I can't tell you that Rules isn't on the expensive side.  It is. But for the quality of the service, food, wine, and atmosphere, it's a well-worth-it treat!  After all, Rules has been pleasing diners for more than 200 years!

• Steve L.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  Still every bit the wonderful" Ye Olde English Restaurant" As I said in my previous review, it's not just about the food. This is London's oldest restaurant. Wonderful pictures and caricatures from fictional characters to MPs adorn every surface and there are always people of distinction eating here. And me as well!!!
  The Wellington was sublime. Perfectly cooked tenderloin in a wonderful light flaky pastry. And traditional British Sticky Toffee pudding. I rolled out of the place rather than walked.
  No breakfast tomorrow!!!!!