London's Oldest Restaurant Saved for Future

Rules, London's oldest restaurant, founded in Covent Garden in 1798, has been gifted to the National Trust by its owner, J.P. Mayhew. This landmark £11m donation ensures the historic four-storey building and its treasured interiors, adorned with playbills and caricatures, will be preserved in perpetuity. The restaurant has a rich history, having served literary figures like Dickens and Thackeray, and film stars such as Charlie Chaplin.

Despite facing numerous challenges over its 228-year existence, including wartime threats and evolving tastes, Rules has maintained its distinct character and traditional, meaty menu. Mayhew's decision to entrust the building to the National Trust guarantees its protection, safeguarding its "bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere."

The National Trust will oversee the building and its contents, marking its first foray into the restaurant business, although it manages numerous historic pubs and hotels. The restaurant operations, however, have been sold to Ricky McMenemy, the general manager, who will lease the premises from the Trust, ensuring continuity for diners.

Lucy Porten of the National Trust emphasized a "light touch" approach, confirming Rules will continue to operate as a restaurant. Diners can expect the cherished menu to remain largely unchanged, with no added scones, as the establishment's success as a business is paramount. The Trust is exploring virtual visit options to allow wider public engagement with the historic site.