Rules
London's oldest restaurant, a Covent Garden temple to British game, pies and Edwardian splendour.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling as a couple and history and culture matter to you.
Why
- 01
Plush red banquettes, oil paintings and a deeply traditional menu — touristy at the edges, but the game and the room are the genuine article.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Rules works.
History and culture matter to you
For history & culture, Rules delivers.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Rules delivers.
You care about the visual experience
For beauty & photography, Rules delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Rules isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Rules is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
You are traveling solo
Solo, it depends on the day.
The plates that decide it
- Seasonal game (grouse, venison) — the historic specialism — the reason to come in autumn
- Steak & kidney pudding — a proper British classic
- The traditional British dishes over the modern specials — the kitchen is strongest on its heritage game, pies and puddings
Plan it well
- Cost
- £60–90 per head
- Allow
- 2 hours