History of Rules
During World War II, Rules remained open offering essential rationed meals at five shillings while still indulging patrons with the likes of rabbits, grouse, and pheasants.
In 1984, the daughter of Tom Bell sold Rules to John Mayhew, who shouldered the role of stewardship. Today, Rules is owned by Ricky McMenemy who has worked at the restaurant for 35 years. It accommodates around 90 guests and employs a dedicated staff of 90, ensuring its storied legacy continues.
A Star-Studded Past
Rules is a living testament to London’s cultural history, where literary giants like Charles Dikens, Wiliam Makepeace, Thackeray, and H.G. Wells have dined. It has been an unofficial ‘green room’ for the entertainment industry, hosting legendary actors from Henry Irving to Laurence Olivier and cinema icons like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.
When you visit Rules, you’ll see the walls adorned with countless drawings, paintings, and cartoons capturing this star-studded past. Rules stands as a heritage restaurant, fulfilling the desire for the extraordinary and allowing you to dine amidst the echoes of the greats who have graced these rooms.
A Taste of Timeless Tradition
The Rules restaurant has always been synonymous with serving traditional British cuisine at its finest, with a focus on affordability. We specialise in classic game cookery, oysters, pies, and puddings, and the restaurant offers an unparalleled culinary journey through Britain’s gastronomic history.
Rules is more than just a restaurant, it’s a living relic of London’s past. Situated on Maiden Lane, an ancient path that connected the convent garden of Westminster Abbey to St. Martin’s Lane, the restaurant has been a witness to London’s ever-changing history. From J.M.W. Turner’s birthplace to tales of Andrew Marvell, Maiden Lane’s historical significance is woven into Rules’ narrative.
