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Rules Restaurant

Rules Restaurant Rules Restaurant is a British restaurant located in the heart of lively and fashionable Covent Garden, close to the Royal Opera House and numerous theatres. Established in 1798, Rules is the oldest restaurant in London and has an excellent reputation for offering fine British food, delightful décor and impeccable service. Specialising in seasonal and game cooking, Rules also has one of the best cocktail bars in London as well as two beautiful and historical private dining rooms ideal for up to 25 guests.
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Recent social media posts

One of today’s specials from our pastry team 🍋✨Lemon Meringue Pie Sundae — layers of zesty lemon, smooth cream, and cris...
30/05/2026

One of today’s specials from our pastry team 🍋✨

Lemon Meringue Pie Sundae — layers of zesty lemon, smooth cream, and crisp meringue, brought together in a refreshing twist on a classic favourite.

The perfect sweet treat for a summer’s day.

Summer has arrived at Rules ☀️🍹A crisp Pimm’s Cup — the ultimate British summer tipple.Join us for a refreshing taste of...
27/05/2026

Summer has arrived at Rules ☀️🍹

A crisp Pimm’s Cup — the ultimate British summer tipple.

Join us for a refreshing taste of the season.

One of today’s specials at Rules 🍓✨Our Strawberry Sundae — layered with strawberry ice cream, smooth vanilla cream, rich...
27/05/2026

One of today’s specials at Rules 🍓✨

Our Strawberry Sundae — layered with strawberry ice cream, smooth vanilla cream, rich strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries, all finished with a delicate tuile for the perfect crisp finish.

A beautiful seasonal treat to enjoy today.

Today’s special at Rules 🍓✨Pimm’s Panna Cotta — smooth vanilla panna cotta served with a vibrant Pimm’s jam and finished...
26/05/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🍓✨

Pimm’s Panna Cotta — smooth vanilla panna cotta served with a vibrant Pimm’s jam and finished with a refreshing Pimm’s garnish for the perfect taste of the British summer season.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant dessert special.

Today’s special at Rules 🐟✨Pan Roasted Skate Wing, served with rich brown caper butter and minted Jersey Royals — a time...
22/05/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🐟✨

Pan Roasted Skate Wing, served with rich brown caper butter and minted Jersey Royals — a timeless combination celebrating classic British flavours at their very best.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant seasonal special.

Today’s special at Rules ✨Diver Scallops, served with silky salsify purée, rich black pudding, and crispy bacon — a beau...
11/05/2026

Today’s special at Rules ✨

Diver Scallops, served with silky salsify purée, rich black pudding, and crispy bacon — a beautifully balanced dish full of depth and flavour.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant seasonal special.

Today’s special at Rules 🐑✨Roasted Sussex Downs Lamb Rump, served with confit garlic, sweet Chantenay carrots, fresh pea...
07/05/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🐑✨

Roasted Sussex Downs Lamb Rump, served with confit garlic, sweet Chantenay carrots, fresh peas, and a rich, flavourful lamb broth — a beautiful celebration of seasonal British produce.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant special.

One of today’s specials from our pastry team 🍑✨Apricot & Almond Crumble, served with an almond whipped ganache — warm, c...
29/04/2026

One of today’s specials from our pastry team 🍑✨

Apricot & Almond Crumble, served with an almond whipped ganache — warm, comforting, and perfectly balanced with sweet, nutty flavours.

Join us today and enjoy this indulgent dessert special.

Another special we have today is from our pastry team 🍰✨Egg Custard Tart, served with lemon & thyme infused blackberries...
28/04/2026

Another special we have today is from our pastry team 🍰✨

Egg Custard Tart, served with lemon & thyme infused blackberries — a refined take on a classic, balancing creamy richness with bright, aromatic flavours.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant dessert special.

One of our specials today, St George’s mushrooms 🍄✨Served with bacon, sourdough, and finished with a rich red wine sauce...
28/04/2026

One of our specials today, St George’s mushrooms 🍄✨

Served with bacon, sourdough, and finished with a rich red wine sauce — a simple yet deeply flavourful dish celebrating this special seasonal ingredient.

Join us today and enjoy it while it’s at its best.

We have some beautiful St George’s mushrooms on the specials today at Rules 🍄✨Served with bacon, sourdough, and finished...
28/04/2026

We have some beautiful St George’s mushrooms on the specials today at Rules 🍄✨

Served with bacon, sourdough, and finished with a rich red wine sauce — a simple yet deeply flavourful dish showcasing this wonderful seasonal ingredient at its best.

Join us today and enjoy this special on the menu.

Another special on the menu at Rules today 🐟✨Steamed Cornish Halibut, served with fragrant wild garlic, seasonal morel m...
24/04/2026

Another special on the menu at Rules today 🐟✨

Steamed Cornish Halibut, served with fragrant wild garlic, seasonal morel mushrooms, and classic Jersey Royal potatoes — a beautifully balanced dish celebrating the best of spring produce.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant seasonal special.

One of today’s specials at Rules 🐟✨Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fish Cake, served with classic tartare sauce and a fresh mi...
24/04/2026

One of today’s specials at Rules 🐟✨

Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fish Cake, served with classic tartare sauce and a fresh mixed leaf salad — a comforting and flavourful dish, perfectly balanced for the season.

One of today’s specials at Rules from our pastry team ✨Rhubarb Eton Mess served with refreshing raspberry sorbet — a lig...
22/04/2026

One of today’s specials at Rules from our pastry team ✨

Rhubarb Eton Mess served with refreshing raspberry sorbet — a light, vibrant dessert celebrating the flavours of the season.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant sweet special.

One of today’s specials at Rules 🌱✨Portwood Farm English Asparagus, served with a perfectly poached egg, vibrant blood o...
17/04/2026

One of today’s specials at Rules 🌱✨

Portwood Farm English Asparagus, served with a perfectly poached egg, vibrant blood orange hollandaise, and crisp sourdough crumbs — a beautiful celebration of the British asparagus season.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant seasonal dish.

Today’s special from the Pastry team at Rules 🍍✨Pineapple and Rum Steamed Sponge, served warm with smooth crème fraîche ...
17/04/2026

Today’s special from the Pastry team at Rules 🍍✨

Pineapple and Rum Steamed Sponge, served warm with smooth crème fraîche — a comforting classic with a tropical twist and the perfect finish to your meal.

Join us today and enjoy this indulgent dessert special.

Today’s special at Rules 🐟✨Roasted Fillet of Cornish Cod, served with charred broccoli, mussels, and finished with a vib...
16/04/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🐟✨

Roasted Fillet of Cornish Cod, served with charred broccoli, mussels, and finished with a vibrant lemon, garlic & anchovy dressing — a beautifully balanced dish full of fresh coastal flavour.

Join us today and enjoy this elegant seasonal special.

This weekend at Rules, we’re celebrating one of the highlights of the British season… 🌱✨Portwood Farm English Asparagus,...
16/04/2026

This weekend at Rules, we’re celebrating one of the highlights of the British season… 🌱✨

Portwood Farm English Asparagus, served with a perfectly poached egg, vibrant blood orange hollandaise, and crisp sourdough crumbs. A fresh, elegant dish that truly captures the flavours of spring.

Join us this weekend in Covent Garden and enjoy this beautiful seasonal special.

Today’s special at Rules 🍰✨A classic Gypsy Tart, rich and indulgent, served with smooth vanilla cream and finished with ...
10/04/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🍰✨

A classic Gypsy Tart, rich and indulgent, served with smooth vanilla cream and finished with a touch of dark chocolate for a perfectly balanced sweet treat.

A nostalgic favourite with timeless appeal.

Today’s special at Rules 🍫✨A beautifully crafted Pistachio Tart served with a rich, silky dark chocolate ganache — a per...
31/03/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🍫✨

A beautifully crafted Pistachio Tart served with a rich, silky dark chocolate ganache — a perfect balance of nutty sweetness and deep chocolate flavour.

An elegant treat from our pastry kitchen.

A sneak peek of what we’ll be serving this Easter Sunday at Rules 🐑🌿✨Roasted English Lamb Saddle, accompanied by lamb’s ...
26/03/2026

A sneak peek of what we’ll be serving this Easter Sunday at Rules 🐑🌿✨

Roasted English Lamb Saddle, accompanied by lamb’s kidney, fresh peas, broad beans, sweet Chantenay carrots, and classic Jersey Royals — a beautiful celebration of the season and traditional British flavours.

The perfect centrepiece for a memorable Easter gathering.

Today’s special at Rules 🍒🍨✨Our Black Forest Sundae — a decadent twist on the classic favourite, layered with rich choco...
24/03/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🍒🍨✨

Our Black Forest Sundae — a decadent twist on the classic favourite, layered with rich chocolate, Black Forest compote, and creamy indulgence for the perfect sweet finish to your meal.

A timeless dessert with a touch of elegance.

Today’s special at Rules 🥗✨Our Smoked Chicken Caesar Salad with crispy bacon — a classic favourite elevated with rich sm...
23/03/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🥗✨

Our Smoked Chicken Caesar Salad with crispy bacon — a classic favourite elevated with rich smoky flavour, crisp leaves, and perfectly balanced dressing for a satisfying and elegant light dish.

Fresh, flavourful, and timeless.

Today’s special at Rules 🐑✨Roasted English Lamb, perfectly cooked and served with wild garlic mash, charred sprouting br...
20/03/2026

Today’s special at Rules 🐑✨

Roasted English Lamb, perfectly cooked and served with wild garlic mash, charred sprouting broccoli, peas, and finished with a rich, deeply flavoured red wine sauce.

A true celebration of seasonal British produce.

Today’s special from our pastry team at Rules 🍰✨A beautifully crafted Pistachio Cheesecake, rich and creamy with a delic...
17/03/2026

Today’s special from our pastry team at Rules 🍰✨

A beautifully crafted Pistachio Cheesecake, rich and creamy with a delicate nutty flavour, finished with a crisp pistachio brittle for the perfect balance of texture and sweetness.

An elegant indulgence not to be missed.

Address

35 Maiden Lane
London
WC2E 7LB

From the Covent Garden Tube Station, head southeast on James Street towards Long Acre Road, then turn right onto Endell Street. Turn left onto Short's Gardens, then turn right onto Neal Street. Turn left onto Shelton Street, and then take a right onto Garrick Street. Turn left onto Floral Street, and continue straight to Bow Street. Turn right onto Russell Street and then take a left on Maiden Lane.

If driving, take the A4 highway towards central London until you reach Trafalgar Square. Take the Strand exit towards Aldwych and continue straight until you reach Drury Lane. Follow Drury Lane until it intersects with High Holborn, and turn left on Shaftesbury Avenue. Drive for about 500 meters and turn left again at Neal Street. Continue straight until you reach Shelton street, then follow directions as above.

Parking is limited in Central London but there are several nearby parking garages such as Covent Garden Car Park on Parker St or NCP Car Park on Drury Ln.

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 11:45pm
Tuesday 11:30am - 1:30pm
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 11pm
Thursday 11:30am - 1:30pm
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday 12pm - 11:45pm
Saturday 12pm - 11:45pm
Sunday 11am - 10pm

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What people say

British restaurants are known for their fine food, delightful decor, and impeccable service. Rules Restaurant in Maiden Lane, London is no exception. As the oldest restaurant in London, established in 1798, Rules has an excellent reputation for serving the best in traditional British cuisine.

Specializing in seasonal and game cooking, Rules offers a unique dining experience that is both delicious and memorable. The restaurant's cocktail bar is one of the best in London, offering a wide range of drinks to complement your meal.

In addition to its main dining area, Rules also boasts two beautiful and historical private dining rooms that are perfect for hosting intimate gatherings of up to 25 guests.

Located in the heart of lively and fashionable Covent Garden, close to the Royal Opera House and numerous theaters, Rules is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of British cuisine. With its delightful decor and impeccable service, it's no wonder why Rules has become such a beloved institution over the years.