In defense of Rules.... Rules, like St. Paul's is eternal. With its odd traditional and wonderful offerings It stands the tests of times; the Blitz, politicians, the sexual revolution and the frequent tourists in from the provinces for a "night at the Theatre". I find great comfort in dining here. It is consistently fine. The service is superb. Like Rules, our family's London roots go back to the early 1800's. For generations Rules has fed our family through lunches and late nights. I will never forget the maitre di greeting my mother by name after a 20+ year absence in the late-70's and gently joking that is was a bit early in the evening to be seeing her. I call "foul" on those declaring this old friend a tourist trap. Perhaps that sort of comment speaks more to the yelper's not possessing the appropriate demeanor to pass as a Londoner. read more

Dining at Rules feels a bit like being transported back to a bygone era (as in the fantasy rose-tinted version, rather than how things probably really were for most people in the 1800s). It's not hard to imagine having just stepped out of your carriage as the doorman opens the door and sweeps you in from the cold to be cloistered in a velvet covered booth beneath the antlers and copious wall ornaments. The oldest restaurant in London is literally steeped in history and it's all on display. The waiter was happy to discuss and explain the various pictures adorning the walls and encouraged a little tour around on the way to the bathroom to get a good look at everything, which was nice. With so much effort invested in the venue, one might fear the food wouldn't come up to par, but it so did! For lunch I went for the blade of beef with bone marrow and parsley mash, which was melt in your mouth delicious. And the pies, particularly the steak and kidney pie, were also extremely good, with a thin pastry crust filled with proper meat and accompanied by a rich gravy. Rules is exclusively supplied beef from the Gilmonby herd of pedigree Belted Galloways farmed in the north-east near the Pennines, where they also own Lartington Hall Park estate from which their game is sourced. So that accounts for the quality of the meat. You need to order some sides of vegetables to go with the dishes, and the green beans were cooked perfectly with a bit of crunch still. And everything got washed down with a rather lovely bottle of Saint-Émilion selected from a decently ranging wine list (particularly if you have a preference for French). The choux pastry dessert with creme patissiere, praline & almonds was so light it felt like no effort to eat it all, and it looked exquisite as well. The warm chocolate fondant was also just right, with a hint of mint to take the edge off the richness. It's necessary to book ahead as it was a full lunch service on a Saturday, although there is the option of eating the same menu upstairs in the cocktail bar, which wasn't busy. Throughout the meal the service was attentive without being intrusive but it was a long and relaxed lunch at two and a half hours (although didn't drag - it had just the right balance), so be prepared to take your time, sit back and enjoy it. The cocktail bar looked like the kind of inviting place you could easily lose an entire evening, so certainly something to go back for! read more

For my friends birthday, we came for a late lunch at Rules. They accommodated us very quickly and easily. The menu here is phenomenal. Seeing as we don't do big fancy lunches or dinners often, the five of us decided to just go for it. Why not right, we are at the oldest restaurant in London after all. We started off with one of their speciality drinks called The Grouse, which is Famous Grouse, Ginger Wine and Bitters. If you've never had one, think of a Whiskey Sour but WAY better. My friends tried both styles of oysters available, they preferred the Duchy Native Oysters over the Frenchman's Creek Rock Oysters. I didn't partake, mostly due to the whole being allergic to all seafood thing. They seemed to quite enjoy it. I had the crisp wild rabbit, which was okay, but would have preferred frog legs or quail. For the main course, two of my friends decided to split the Deer loin and what was called Jugged Hare. We asked the waiter what exactly Jugged Hare was as we had never heard of it. It consists of wild hare stewed and cooked in its own blood. IN.ITS.OWN.BLOOD!. In the spirit of the afternoon, it was ordered. None of my friends liked it at all, complaining of a sharp after taste. When I gave it a go, I immediately loved it. Later on, our waiter informed us that only about 1 in 5 people that order it like it. On this afternoon, I was the one. Overall, the service was fantastic, our waiter was very friendly, helpful and put up with us when we got a bit out of hand. My rib eye steak was massive and cooked to perfection. Everything that I tried off of others plates was spectacular and the overall experience here was great. I would definitely recommend coming here if you are looking for a real nice outing. read more

Opening Remarks: -Opened by Thomas Rule in 1787, making it the oldest restaurant in London. -The restaurant owns Lartington Estate in the High Pennies where a lot of hunting goes down, hence the restaurants' emphasis on game birds, roe deer and Belted Galloway beef -In addition to obviously being a restaurant, Rules offers a Cocktail Masterclass for those interested in learning more about classic mixology -On their website, they feature reviews and letters about Rules submitted by famous people including Nigella Lawson circa 1991 Ambiance: -Old school doesn't even begin to describe the room there at Rules- the restaurant has been standing since the 1700s and they apparently have not changed a single thing. There are old photos, paintings and busts on the wall of significant British figures, and an abundance of antlers and other hunting gear all around. -The wooden tables are draped in white linens, but in no way will this resemble the high-end dining experience one may be accustomed to. Seriously, the room is more haunted house than Michelin Star. -There are two private dining rooms (which I popped by head into) -The demographic is largely 70+ wealthy folk who are well dressed and definitely not tourists- with my cute summer dress and my camera strapped around my waist, I stood out like a sore thumb. Service: -Service at Rules is professional to say the least- the mature servers wear white collars and black suits and approached the table with a level of sophistication. Despite the high-brow approach, the servers were surprisingly friendly and laid back. -Water glasses were refilled, cutlery replenished as needed, and the meal moved at a very comfortable lunch time pace - in and out in approximately 1 hour Drinks: -A short list of British cocktails like the Black Velvet (Champagne and Guiness-yikes), and the Kate Middleton (Sipsmith, Pinky Vodka, Lillet, Crystallised Violets, and Rose Petals), with London Pride and Draught Guinness on tap. They also serve wine by the glass and bottle. -We had a long day ahead of us so asked for an off-the-menu unsweetened iced tea, which the chef made for us from scratch. Food: -Old school British with a heavily focus on game meats like Guinea Fowl, quail, rabbit, duck, pigeon, roe deer and more -The menu is divided into Oysters, First Courses, Pies, Mains, Veggies, and Puddings and Cheese -Upon our visit it was Grouse season so they had a separate menu for items featuring this game meat (which I had never tasted before!) Pea & Bacon Soup with Crème Fraiche (7.95) Simple but delicious. Very smooth with deliciously salty bits of bacon and just enough luxurious crème fraiche to smooth it out. Dorset Crab on Toast with Heritage Tomatoes & Herb Mayonnaise (15.95) My favourite savoury dish of the meal- the tomatoes were absolutely stunning, and the crab salad was plentiful and not overly dressed with mayo. Grouse Salad with Watercress, Pickled Giroulles, Blackberries and Cobnuts ( 12.50) I definitely liked the flavour of the gamey grouse with the sweet blackberries, but the meat was unpleasantly overcooked and dry. Potatoes Anna (4.50) Simple and comforting, the potatoes were cooked nicely with a good crispy crust and tender interior, but I found them underseasoned. Treacle Sponge Pudding with Custard & Clotted Cream (7.95) Wow. I am so glad I finally got to try treacle because I am officially obsessed. It is a lot like a sticky toffee pudding, but brighter, lighter and sweeter, the pudding had a fabulous citrus flavour to counteract the sweet sticky treacle. Topped off with a generous pour of custard to cut some of that sugar, and I was one happy girl. Closing: -65 including tax and tip ($106 Canadian) - very expensive considering we thought we had eaten relatively light. -While it's certainly not a place I would ever see myself as a regular, I am glad I checked it out for the old school British experience. read more

The atmosphere alone warrants a 5 star rating. Fun, lively and truly British. This restaurant made us smile as we looked at great art and historical figures. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the truffle mashed potatoes were insanely good. read more

Gives whole new meaning to the term "history" It's hard to comprehend that Rules has been around almost as long as the United States has been a country. Started in 1798. 1798!! Not a whole lotta places can brag about that. Rules knows this and takes great pride in letting everyone know it as well. To tell the truth though, I don't blame 'em for bragging just a little. If I owned something almost as old as dirt itself, I'd brag too. Rules specializes in game cookery. What's game cookery, you ask? Well, it's when you shoot sumthin' and cook it up. In America, game cookery occurs in places like Alabama and Mississippi where folks shoot critters like possum, squirrel, and... other folk. In England, game cookery is much more civilized. Rules apparantly owns some pristine hunting grounds in the High Pennies fittingly named, Lartington Estate. If you so desire, you could even reserve some time at Lartington Estate and shoot yourself up some critter for your own version of game cookery. Personally, I prefer that Rules does the cooking. The menu's intriguing, stuff you rarely see in the states like pheasant, rabbit, snipe, grouse, and such. Rules tries hard to keep it old school and very traditional in every aspect. From the old-world dining room with mounted deer horns and stuffed animal heads, to the classic fruit accompaniments and condiments served with your meal. This place has got a huge novelty factor, but there is definitely an element of uniqueness about both the surroundings and your food. After all, it isn't everyday you tuck into a "potted rabbit with mulled scrumpy apple chutney" or a "steak, kidney, and ale pudding". Even better, the menu warns diners that the occasional buckshot might still be found in your dinner, so eat carefully. The food's surprisingly good. The kitchen does have some skill as game meat is difficult to cook well and maintain tenderness because it's so lean. My main complaint was service. Our server was gruff and unhelpful. When I asked him if there was anything outstanding he would recommend, his answer was, "everything on the menu is fine." He then took our order and proceeded to ignore us the rest of the evening. Throughout our meal, there was a distinct sense of urgency. Usually when I eat, it's because I'm lactose intolerant. But at Rules, urgency occurs because management sets a 2-hour time limit on your table and tells you up front when they need it back. This was a major turn-off. To spite Rules, wifey and I took our time and dawdled at our table until the very last minute. To sum it up: tasty critters, crappy service. Rules. read more

So the oldest restaurant in London unfortunately held too high of expectations for me. I made a reservation for lunch for my family. The day of the meal, I received an email saying that there was no formal dress code, but men could not wear shorts. My brother left to go back to the hotel, got stuck in London traffic, and decided not to come. For an American, it's hard to understand this no shorts rule, so I was a bit miffed at the whole experience alreKiady. I tried to cancel and the manager said he would have to charge me for cancelling the reservation. I could understand for a Friday or Saturday night, but a Tuesday lunch cancellation fee? At 1:45PM? Not exactly high season. The atmosphere is as stuffy as you would expect. Crowded quarters, and lots of game related decor. Service was nice. My water glass never was empty for too long. Food was mediocre. I was told by my London friend to order the specials, so I had the beef tongue. It was okay, but the 7GBP beef tongue I had at John's Salt Beef in Fitzrovia was way better. We also tried the rabbit. Standard. Kidney and steak pudding was super disappointing. Granted, I have never been a fan of kidneys, but the steak was just bland and slightly overcooked. The pudding covering was soggy and flavorless, just an ugly piece of food as well. Not really sure how this place has survived, but I suppose it's just traditional London. read more

Totally Rules!!! Was recommended to eat here when I asked a flight attendant what to try while in London. She told me about to visit the oldest restaurant in London and have " the rib of beef on the bone," which I tried. I made reservations a few days before and was welcomed upon my arrival with a doorman in the front. The really wasn't a strict dress code, but noticed a lot of people in suits, which mad me feel kind of under dressed. The place was decorated with dear heads and old paintings and sketches. The menu had aot of game meat like rabbit,duck,goose, and deer. It also had steak, cod, and, halibut. I had the rib of beef with my wife, which was good enough for two people. It was kind of like slices of prime rib sliced, with fried potatoe balls,which reminded me of giormous tator tots, peace carrots, and Yorkshire pudding. The food was very good and the service was above and beyond making the dinner experience nice and elegant, and is highly recommended while in London. However, I had better in LA and has no competition to, which is why I couldn't give it 5 stars. read more

Rules is quite the place, to say the least! My friend and I stopped in for lunch on a weekday afternoon while the restaurant was empty, and we had the greatest experience! We decided on the restaurant after reading about it on the internet and and finding that the restaurant had a great deal of consistently positive reviews. It is a bit expensive, but London is an expensive city; we decided that this meal was going to be our "splurge." We found classy decor and a relaxing dining environment, with good service to boot (even though we were a tad under-dressed) when we arrived. We were seated at a table right by the window, which had a good view of both the outside and the other tables inside the restaurant. I ordered the Steak and Kidney Pie, which was absolutely phenomenal! I had never before tasted anything like it in my life, making it even more exciting. The flavors all stood out boldly with every bite, and the perfectly-cooked mashed potatoes complemented the dish exquisitely. My friend ordered the duck, which he thoroughly enjoyed, as well (although I think we both decided that the Steak and Kidney Pie was the best). For dessert we got the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which was absolutely delicious and left us desperately desiring more. On a side note, this restaurant is really quite formal. While they don't mind tourists walking in from the street wearing "touristy" clothing, the practice is frowned upon and really downright tacky. My friend and I felt horribly under-dressed (it's true, we were!), but we were made to feel comfortable. However, I will certainly dress more nicely if I ever get to go again. Totally recommend this place! Give it a try! read more

Items experienced: Whole Wheat Bread with Butter Cured Duck Breast with Endive, Candied Nuts, Stilton Dressing Chicken, Bacon, Tarragon Pie Double Cooked Chips Americano Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramelized Walnuts Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding with Custard Proudly presenting itself as London's Oldest Restaurant I generally knew that venerable Rules Restaurant on Maiden Lane was unlikely to wow after lunch at The Fat Duck but with modest expectations of British classics served in a storied environment I booked a table for one at 7:00pm, several hundred World Cup revelers crowding the streets and unfortunately rendering me nearly ten minutes late. Officially listed as a historic building and serving patrons since 1798 in grand confines heavy with wood and ornamentation it was by a rather stiff maitre d' that I was greeted on entry and with my tardiness duly noted I offered my apologies, his mood somewhat softening as he showed me the way to a spacious two-top with a wide view of the room. Obviously a space frequented by tourists but seated with natives both left and right it was after a short wait that my server arrived and with menus for food and wine offered I declined the later and briefly perused the specials, none particularly enthralling and thus leaving me to the things I'd targeted before walking through the doors. Bustling and busy with service not particularly as refined as the tuxedos would indicate it was again after some delay that my first plate arrived and requesting some bread to accompany the salad my starter would prove pleasant, the funky stilton and tender duck finding their foil in crisp greens and sugared nuts. With the kitchen apparently finding its footing after my first course as four tables received food in a near-simultaneous fashion it was in another duo that I indulged for my main course and although the soufflé-style chips proved a touch less crisp than I'd have preferred the golden pie was delicious - a tall and proud pastry teaming with tender chicken, smoky pork, and earthy aromatics. At this point impressed enough by food to say I'd made a suitable choice it was to desserts that I turned and with an Americano requested in accompaniment the two classics I'd sought on several prior menus soon arrived - the sticky toffee pudding a toothache inducing classic but nowhere near as rousing as the subtle vanilla sponge, a sort of booze-less baba ready to soak up every drop of warm custard served at its side. read more

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Devastating. I used to frequent Rules as a child and always recommended my friends abroad to dine here for a truly magical British experience. Pies overflowing the with gravy, everything is bountiful and steaming hot with hushed tones and austere dining with wonderful wait staff. It's been 4 yrs since I have been here and I repent. I repent for sending anyone to this horrific place. The food was disgusting. The steak and kidney pie is better bought at Waitrose and heated in the oven. The kidneys were grey bullets, the gravy non existent and the greens were sautéed in garlic !! Has this chef been to a canteen in England ?? The pigeon was good but it sat on a bed of ... Watercress with Parma ham with mustard blobs and balsamic reduced liquid ??? Again, has this chef even visited an English kitchen ?? Or is this 2005??? And the cherry on top was the server. God knows it's not his fault. He has been trained by some orangutan of a manager. The gratuity was included in the bill which, I questioned and his delightful answer, in his foreign accent was "in London, you see always". As someone who grew up in London England, this was absolute rot and obscene!! How rude !!! How dare he say this to a paying customer especially when the receipt says specifically that it is not compulsory and can be removed at request. I was devastated. My childhood treat has been ruined on this terrible night. I will tell all my foreign friends visiting what a tourist trap this has become. The portraits on the walls were all weeping for the good old days, ashamed of what this has become. It was recovered however when i went to St John's in Smithfields and had a delicious dessert straight after. Their bill certainly did NOT have the gratuity on it and it was wonderful as always. read more

This place was definitely something to behold. If Rules is to be called a "tourist trap", I'm thankful that it's a tourist trap done right (Not actually sure I'd classify it that way, to be honest!) Apparently, as this is London's oldest restaurant, there was a lot done to preserve its original integrity. Founded in 1798, the decor, the ambiance is so -different- from anything I've ever been to. I'm a bit of a dreamer, and I found myself wondering what it was like, when it opened. Pale women, curly hair framing their face, in their fashionable empire gowns, comfortable, laughing. And their partners, men with short hair, sideburns, carrying their hats as they led their ladies in. It's a thing of wonder to feel the ghosts of generations pass through you when you enter a restaurant - not literal ghosts, of course, but just - hearing the laughter and the warmth that once was. It's not hard to imagine - the floor, the ceiling (oh, the ceiling!) can be stared at for hours. Compared to the feeling you get by being here, the food is nearly inconsequential - but it is solid, good British food. I would've really liked for their to have been a cod option with the fish and chips, but the haddock was still quite nice. This place is only slightly pricey, but not pricey compared to the ambiance and the joy of having eaten here. I've definitely paid more for a burger in the USA. Going to Rules should be a rule! (I almost went with 'Rules RULES!' but that just seemed silly, ha!) read more

When I learned I would be studying in London for three and a half months, there was one place I knew I had to go to no matter what: Rules. I made a reservation just for myself because, alas, none of my fellow study abroad students were willing to shell out pounds for a meal they probably wouldn't like anyway. When I arrived, I affirmed the fact that this was the fanciest restaurant I had been to (this is back in 2006 when I was just breaking onto the dining scene.) I was addressed as "mademoiselle" (isn't this an English place?) and had my coat gently removed from my shoulders and carried off by a smartly dressed host. I was then led to a table with a seat for one person. It was nestled in a comfortable corner, and had an adorable selection of British newspapers above my head (because a single diner needs SOMETHING to do.) Since I didn't want to spend all of my money, I decided to be pretty conservative and only get an entree and dessert. As I waited and sipped my bottled water (be careful about specifying tap or else you'll be spending an extra four pounds) I looked around me. Men as far as the eye can see, and all very masculine. Business-like, buddy buddy. I saw a few couples, but groups of men dominated the restaurant. That being said, I was the only all-female party in the space. Then the food arrived. I decided to have the steak and kidney pudding, because it seemed like a classic and a dish I could never get in New York. It was delicious....except for the kidneys. Not Rules' fault, but I just discovered I don't like kidneys. A side of delicate, buttered savoy cabbage made up for it though. For dessert I went with the warm chocolate cake served with marmalade swirl ice cream and chocolate sauce. Even two and a half years later, I vividly remember being surrounded by three waiters, and how I didn't feel I deserved such attention. One placed the cake down, while another poured the thick chocolate sauce out of a silver gravy boat. Another stood guard, perhaps protecting me, who knows. I remember the bill being somewhere around 35 pounds, but definitely worth it for the experience. Whenever I can afford to return here, Rules will be one of the first stops on my list. read more

I came here for my anniversary with my girlfriend about two years ago and hadn't reviewed it. The experience has stuck with us for so long. Rules has the most home-y and cosy atmosphere of any restaurant I have ever been too. Especially in winter, Rules cuddles you in it's warmth with it's rugged walls and thick, heavy meals. The restaurant is the oldest in London and is absolutely drenched in history. An awesome place to dine at if you're visiting from out of town. We had a huge cheese selection for desert and tons of wine - the way to go! I also remember loving the duck here. We will be coming back for sure! read more

I feel bad writing a negative review for Rules, but it has become a borderline tourist trap. My wife and I went there recently in hopes of a classy experience - me in a suit and tie and her in a new dress. We were seated between a badly sunburned German couple wearing shorts, and two French tourists - one wearing a money belt like a bandolier, and the other with a fanny pack. Hard to fault the restaurant for this, but it's long and decorated history has evidently landed Rules in several tourist books. We ordered two appetisers to start with and after a 20 minute wait the server brought the wrong one for my wife. Famished, I then had the pleasure of waiting another 10 minutes for her correct dish to emerge from the kitchen with a plate of venison carpaccio in front of me. ("please go ahead and start." "no no, I'll wait" etc...) The venison turned out to be the clear high point of the evening - it was fantastic. I can't remember what either of our mains were - both were rather forgettable. Apart from the appetiser snafu the service was overall good, but unfortunately the experience was entirely underwhelming for this price point. read more

30 years ago, when I lived in London, I'd walk thru Covent Garden and let the crowds be my entertainment. London was and is expensive. One day I walked past Rules just as a posh looking couple were entering, and I overheard the warm welcome they received from the staff in the Entry. Ah, to have money, I thought, and walked on... Last week at Rules, I received the first-timers equivalent. Clearly 5 stars. Oldest restaurant in London-1795. Second family of owners. Bless all the chefs. This is a wonderful experience. The service is very good to excellent, the offerings were designed to make Careme unhappy. Visit the website and check it out, it's pricey and very meat oriented. Towards the end of our luncheon, a youngish couple came into our room and were seated to my right. They were Americans, I'm a Yank and can spot us quite well, and very underdressed. He looked about the room and look it all in, and there's alot to take in. She looked at the menu and frowned-clear who chose to 'pop' in, poor fellow. All he got was few minutes enjoying himself before she announced loudly "Let's go" He looked surprised and tried to talk with her, but she got up and walked out with him bringing up her rear... Staff reset the table. Next! Come here if you've a mind to, come for the history and the pace and what can be, from reading other's comments, unsatisfactory, but in my experience it rocked! Sure, it's British and stuffy, but the staff warms after a while and the chow is fabulous. Enjoy! read more

I ate here last year while on Spring Break with my parents. Before I met them for dinner, I had a drink upstairs at the bar--it was amazing to see the difference from a U.S. bar--but also fantastic! This was my first real meal in London, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip. For all the bad things we Americans hear about English food, this place is one that would change your mind. I had the rack-of-lamb and it was excellent. For dessert, we had pudding and it was to die for. The ambience here was also one-of-a-kind. Ontop of the great food and experience, Judy Dench and Alice Kingsley were sitting across from us. It was definitely a memorable meal! read more

Rules Restaurant is truly a place every London visitor should experience. It's one of the oldest restaurants in London and has a rich past as well as an awesome menu. This place has been around since 1798! As an American, I've always enjoyed English food. From the traditional English breakfast and oyster puddings to currys and fish 'n chips, English food has always been satisfying and delicious. I was dining alone and was greeted with pomp and circumstance. Very formal wait staff. I was dressed in a suit and would recommend visitors to be dressed their best. The decor was quite interesting with paintings and trinkets. After I was seated, I was half expecting to see the likes of royalty or celebrities. I started my meal with Cornish Fish Soup with crab & mullet. It was quite delicious and rich. For the main course I had Beef, Kidney, and Oyster Pudding with mashed potatoes. It was fantastic and the mashed potatoes was the very best I've ever had! The service was extremely formal, but grand. This place truly should be on your bucket list! I must while in London! From their website: "Rules still flourishes, the oldest restaurant in London and one of the most celebrated in the world. In over 200 years, spanning the reigns of nine monarchs, it has been owned by only three families . . . just before The Great War, Charles Rule, a descendant of the founder, was thinking of moving to Paris; by sheer coincidence he met Tom Bell, a Briton who owned a Parisian restaurant called the Alhambra, and the two men decided to swap businesses. (During the war Tom Bell was an officer in the Royal Flying Corps, and left the running of the restaurant to Charlie, the Head Waiter, who had served Charles Rule for many years.) During the second world war, Rules stayed open but its structure was reinforced with thick wood. It was only open from 1pm to 3pm and offered the compulsory rationed meals at five shillings but could offer copious rabbits, grouse and pheasants which were not rationed. A lady was the Head Waiter during the war. The restaurant could never open on Sundays because it was on Church grounds and could not get a licence. In 1984 Tom Bell's daughter sold Rules to John Mayhew, the present owner. Today Rules seats around 90 people and employs 90 staff. Rules serves the traditional food of this country at its best - and at affordable prices. It specialises in classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings." read more

Rules - Beef, Kidney, and Oyster Pudding with mashed potatoes. It was fantastic and the mashed potatoes was the very best I've ever had! - British Near Me - London, XGL

Classical English food in a rather ornate setting, Rules has been around for decades. It's a great place for a celebration and the restaurant looks brilliant. However I think it relies more on it's reputation now than the food itself. We had starters which were excellent, game terrine, potted shrimp and a game broth. They were all well prepared and delivered by an immaculately attired waiter. The main course however, could have been better, The roast beef, their special was a little too well done, and the amount that you receive is a little lacking, especially when compared to the vegetables provided. The Yorkshire pudding was overdone as well. The horseradish was delivered in a huge spoonful for my plate though, slightly overdoing it as I didn't even eat half. The lamb was similarly received but the partridge was loved by the recipient. No room left for dessert however so we skipped it and went upstairs to look at the bar, one of the oldest around and very ornate. Not needing another drink, we headed for the entrance, picked up our jackets, were bid goodbye by the doorman and headed off into the evening. read more

LOVE IT!!! Great service great food and nice atmosphere. Be warned, the portions are big and hearty. read more

If you are going to dine alone and plow through a copy of Dickens's Tale of Two Cities, then Rules (Charing Cross) is the place for you. If you are in the company of someone special, doubly so. Rules is an institution, and requires an open mind. I would recommend reservations for a more relaxed experience. I arrived without one and was advised that I could be seated immediately (810p) but would have to finish by (915p). I took this in stride, but I can see why it may be bothersome to people in a party of more than one. Rules has two tables for one, by the way. There is no seating at the bar. My suggestion for Rules is that you have at least one dish you would never in your life order, or much less get where you live. Mine was the Crisp Wild Rabbit with Stornaway Black Pudding and Bacon Salad. This was on the recommendation of my waiter, a fellow foodie and Whole Foods shopper. The rabbit was really, really good. Breaded and fried in delicate strips. But the Black Pudding, which is made from pig's blood, knocked me out! This was food rich and flavor and tradition. Dickens leaped from the pages of my book. The bacon salad consisted of bacon, lettuce, and a light dressing. But it didn't stop there; I went on to have Rack (2) of West Sussex Lamp with Spinach. While the spinach was nothing out of the ordinary, the lamb came excellently prepared and served simply sans sauce. My last suggestion for Rules is this: bring your wallet because it ain't cheap but it's worth every cent. I recently found a great movie that they have on their website http://www.rules.co.uk Look on the lower right for the Clark Gable movie link. read more

Found Rules on Instagram and made our reservation online a month before. I had to put in Credit Card info to hold it, thought that was weird but did it anyway. We showed up a hour early because we were in the neighborhood and got right in. Small quiet atmosphere and very formal and professional. The staff were excellent. We only had desert since we had a late lunch. It was my wife's birthday so we had more desert. Great place for a date night but bring your pounds. read more

Everyhing was excellent in this oldest restaurant in London with decor to match. We had the roast beef on bone for two which was served hot and perfectt cooked to our order of rare and medi rare. The houseradish knocked our sinuses for a loop. We could het enough Another of our party got the lobster neuberg and were pleasantly surprised at the xx read more

We were recommended to eat at rules for experience of one of the oldest restaurants in London and traditional food. The decor is great makes you feel like you are transported 100 years ago with all of the traditions of great service. Food gras was delicious, great appetizer. Pies were pretty good though a little salty for my taste. You can hear some great stories if you ask anyone from the staff. read more

Rules - British Near Me - London, XGL

This restaurant was recommended by our taxi driver. We had a great experience. The service was excellent. The steak and kidney pie was delicious. If you enjoy fish, the sole excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

Charming and elegant, I highly recommend Rules Restaurant. I visited recently for dinner with a few friends and we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The decor is a major part of the experience and was beautiful; think Downton Abbey with some bonus antlers on plaques. The food was very good and reflected a clear respect for the classics. We sampled a few of their heirloom beef specials, the foie gras terrine with blood orange coulis, venison carpaccio, the roasted beef rib and yorkshire pudding for two, the chocolate fondant, and the rhubarb crumble. read more

Since discovering this place a couple years back, I've made it a point to visit Rules on every trip to London. This time, my wife was with me. Note: we did not have time to go back and change at the hotel before dinner, so we were both wearing jeans although she had a blouse (and North Face jacket) and I had a sport/dress shirt. We did feel a bit out of place although there were a couple others in jeans and one guy with jeans and a T-shirt. However, 95% were wearing suits or sport coats and the female equivalent. Everything we got was delicious: asparagus (hot) and crab salad to start, venison and steak for main, and chocolate pudding and toffee pudding for desserts. As the daughter of a hunter, my wife especially liked the venison and said it was the best she had ever had. I really dislike game meats, but enjoyed this venison. Highly recommended! read more

Our favorite experience at a restaurant abroad - there is nothing like an old school amazing menu, and amazing service. The food is ridiculously good, and the people watching is even better - you could sit next to a duke headed to the newest symphony in town, or tourists from Sydney enjoying their anniversary (actually, exactly who we were sandwiched between). Order... everything. You can't go wrong. read more

Frommers recommends eating at Rules as one of the things you must do while in London, and I would somewhat agree with them. Rules is the oldest restaurant in London, and has an incredibly rich history. That alone is reason enough to check it out if you're touring London. The service is top notch, as one would expect from an establishment of this kind. The decor is what you would expect. They use a lot of antlers in their decorating, which considering that they come from what was later served on a plate, is cool. And I love that the menu has little notes for items like warning you that there may be some shot left in your game, so be careful, or that if you have a driver waiting for you, let them know and they will bring him refreshments, The food is good. I'm not a huge fan of the style of food, so I tried to appreciate it from an unbiased review. If you like English cooking, Rules is the place to eat. read more

This restaurant's claim to fame is being the "oldest" restaurant in London...I'm a bit of a sucker for history so I had to check it out. I had dinner here before going to see the "Producers" and it is located conveniently from "theatreland" about a 5min walk from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane where the Producers was playing at the time. Anyways, on to the food. For a started I had the smoked salmon. Best smoked salmon I've had (in London). For my main, I had a steamed lobster with a side of mash...the lobster was succulent, well prepared, and tasted divine. The mash was also very good, just the right hint of butter. I finished with a Golden Treacle Sponge Pudding with custard. Their menu does change frequently and they have all the traditional English favorites (i.e. Brown Windsor Soup, Steak & Kidney Pie, etc.) They also feature fresh game and when it's in season, Grouse...if you're into Grouse. I like how they have a little disclaimer on the menu stating that the fresh game may contain "shot" lol. I recommend this place even though some would argue it's a tourist trap. They have a very respectable selection of Scotch too. read more

Rules is an unforgettable experience. It has a old gentlemen's club like feel. There is so much to take in. I felt a bit underdressed in my jeans. The staff is very welcoming and accommodating. I suggest getting a drink upstairs while you wait for your table. The food... so delicious! Wasn't feeling adventurous enough to try a game dish so got the rib-eye.. one of the best steaks I've had. And for dessert I had the golden syrup pudding- this is a must. I couldn't finish my steak but had no problem eating every last bite of my dessert. read more

Got a 8:30pm reservation for 1 on Sunday night. That's a bit later than I'm used to but boy am I glad I got it and kept the reservation! So so: fish soup. Good and Interesting: beer in a silver mug. I had Guiness and it stayed cold to the last drop! All the desserts looked great...I had the dark chocolate...it was moist and the bottom was crunchy (maybe toffee?) Great: I tried 2 of all three oysters. Except for the size, I couldnt tell the difference in taste asnthey were all so fresh! My main was rabbit. I got to say it was the best rabbit I've had....juicy, not gamey at all and the roasted/baked peppers and potatoes complemented the duck very well. I think the sauce had white wine and some tomato puree (not sure) but it was perfect! A must visit for anyone who wants to try great English cuisine with a wealth of history! read more

I had a business dinner here several years ago, which involved a foie gras. Both the foie gras and the dinner companions made me sick immediately and for some time thereafter. i would recommend staying away from both. In its defense: the place is famous for its age, which may explain the quality of the foie grass. read more

From walking past this place in one December afternoon, my eye was caught but what looked like a very classic, cosy, almost dickens land of christmas. Rules prides itself on being 'London Oldest Restaurant' and its reputare of previous famous customers. To name a few, Charles Dickens, William Makepeice, and Rules has appeared in several books. I came here for an english tea, and actually really enjoyed my time here. Sure it has its slightly private school nature about it, and you imagine someone shouting ' Jolly Hockey Sticks!' but for me, that all adds to the quintessentially english experience. Nothing to be ridiculed, more like a classic book which is to be savoured over a malt whiskey. read more

Everyone, stop what you are doing and go get a Rules Cocktail. Yes, the cocktail at Rules called The Rules. It rules. The atmosphere was eclectic, old school and very fun. Service was great, food was great, and it served as a perfect place to end our vacation. Skip the wine list and go straight for the cocktails. Well balanced cocktails that don't scream "I have alcohol in me!" and are crafted with care. I started with a green salad. Not sure it was worth the 9 quid but it was REALLY good. For a main course I had the lamb special with mint sauce. Very nice size portion of the lamb, a little fatty though. The mint sauce cut through the fat and lightened it up a big which was nice. The vegetables were cooked to perfection. I finished my meal with the Blood Orange Parfait. Delicious. Blood Orange Sorbet on a crunchy granola crust, very refreshing and unique. The actual blood oranges on the plate had no flavor, however, could have done without. Prices are not for the shallow pocketed. But, you do get a well cooked meal. A knocked off a star because I think the prices were a little too high, though not by much, and our table for two was, quite literally, slanted. read more

We came here just for the sticky toffee pudding (which was sublime), but enjoyed the rest of the meal just as much. I had the filet, and while it wasn't the best I've ever had, it was enjoyable, juicy, and flavorful. The salad was fresh and made with quality ingredients. A cozy place, decorated like the living room of a fine manor staffed by people with a similar disposition. Definitely not the most relaxed place in the world. It was quiet and a tad stuffy, but we never felt uncomfortable. The waiter and maitre d' were both gracious and attentive. read more

My mom and I had so much fun eating at this historical restaurant. We did not know that it was formal or a reservation was necessary, however we were able to get in for an early lunch and it was so worth it. Rules felt like being transported back to Old Timey London with the greeter and the authentic decor. The food was very good, and the presentation played into the overall feel of the place. Definitely worth the time and cost. read more

Had a wonderful pre-theatre dinner here. Service was excellent, food was very traditional and spot on. Will return when back in London town. read more

An American boy raised on meat and potatoes knows 5-star aged beef when he finds it. It's at RULES. Was lucky to have had a Galloway sirloin from RULES' own herd which is served annually during the first weeks in the year. My wife's rib eye was likewise delectable. The upstairs bar is world class. The elixirs and mixology advice from London's top drinkmaster Brian Silva are not to be missed. If you recognize violet, chartreuse and rose as not just colors but also delightful cocktail ingredients, come thirsty. read more

We came following a suggestion of a friend of us. Nice ambient. Really British. Food disappointing: roast monkfish without salt The butler steak good but nothing special Overvalued One visit in your trip to London is more than enough read more