London's Oldest Restaurant, Rules, Donated to National Trust
£11 Million Freehold Gift Secures Future of Covent Garden Institution Operating Since 1798
Carla Rooney
Rules, London's oldest restaurant, has been donated to the National Trust.
The donation includes the building at 34-35 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, along with its visitor books, menus, caricatures, photographs, stained glass, and signs.
Rules has operated continuously as a restaurant since 1798, originally opening its doors as an oyster bar.
J-P Mayhew, who acquired Rules in 1984, affirmed, "There are few restaurants in the world that have endured the test of time like Rules."
This place is an outstanding piece of living history, with its corners where kings dined and writers and politicians plotted, and the traditions it kept alive through wars and upheaval.
The National Trust characterized the building as a "rare example of living heritage," where both the historic structure and its original use remain intact.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, confirmed, "This place is an outstanding piece of living history, with its corners where kings dined and writers and politicians plotted, and the traditions it kept alive through wars and upheaval."
McGrady further stated the restaurant "has defied the odds to be standing here today, doors still open and treacle sponge still on the menu."
The building has hosted numerous famous figures over two centuries, with ownership tracing back through only four families since its founding.
Rules previously faced demolition in 1971 by the Greater London Council, having reportedly survived redevelopment plans and the Blitz.
J-P Mayhew asserted the National Trust would protect the establishment in a manner no one else could, safeguarding its bricks and mortar, its famous interior, and its invisible atmosphere.
Mayhew declared, "My gift to the National Trust is in answer to that appeal."
He expressed gratitude, stating, "I am grateful to them for believing in this idea and for protecting this building and two centuries’ worth of stories for people to enjoy forever."
The National Trust's extensive portfolio includes 39 historic pubs and several country house hotels.
Lucy Porten, Assistant Director of Operations at the National Trust, claimed their day-to-day involvement would likely be very light touch.
Porten also claimed the building would always function as a restaurant, with the Trust overseeing the structure and its contents while acknowledging the necessity for evolution to meet diners’ needs.
Ricky McMenemy, the restaurant's proprietor, will transition into a commercial tenant of the National Trust.
As an independent business, it gives us both the security and peace of mind that our home will be in very good hands and be protected and secure going forward. Having already established a very amicable working relationship with the Trust, we look forward to another two centuries in this, our home.
McMenemy stated, "As an independent business, it gives us both the security and peace of mind that our home will be in very good hands and be protected and secure going forward."
He concluded, "Having already established a very amicable working relationship with the Trust, we look forward to another two centuries in this, our home."