Rules
ADDRESS
35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB
TELEPHONE
020 7836 5314
PRICES
Main Courses £16.95 - £24.50
Nearby Rules
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- Visitor Information
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- Opening Times
Named after Thomas Rule who founded the place in 1798, Rules is the oldest restaurant in London yet manages to keep up with even the most audacious of young pretenders. Owned by John Mayhew for the past twenty or so years, since 1984. Literary and acting stars have dined here over the years and today's customers often make the trip to sit in the same restaurant as their heroes - Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, John Galsworthy and H G Wells, right up to Evelyn Waugh and Graham Greene have all frequented Rules. As have Laurence Olivier, Buster Keaton, Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and John Barrymore. The portraits of its well known patrons are diplayed on the walls for all to see. Maggie Thatcher as St George with oversized bouffant is particularly eye-catching. A fittingly traditional menu includes British staples like steak and kidney pie and fish and chips, served the old fashioned way: in newspaper - though not just any old newspaper, the pink pages of the Financial Times. So if the conversation trails off at least you can check how your shares are doing while you wait for your sticky date and toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce.Rules images
Rules
Rules
Opening and closing times for Rules
Monday:
12.00
-
23.45
Tuesday:
12.00
-
23.45
Wednesday:
12.00
-
23.45
Thursday:
12.00
-
23.45
Friday:
12.00
-
23.45
Saturday:
12.00
-
23.45
Sunday:
12.00
-
22.45
Location map of Rules
Underground Stations
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Car Parks
Further articles featuring Rules on LondonTown.com
May in London 2012
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The Savoy A Fairmont Managed Hotel
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 15% off from £565
Strand, WC2R | 2 minutes from Rules
...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 15% off from £565
Strand, WC2R | 2 minutes from Rules
...More
Strand Palace Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 77% off from £95
372 Strand, WC2R | 3 minutes from Rules
This West End Art Deco hotel right on the Strand and next to Covent Garden is in a fantastic location for accessing central London and theatreland. ...More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 77% off from £95
372 Strand, WC2R | 3 minutes from Rules
This West End Art Deco hotel right on the Strand and next to Covent Garden is in a fantastic location for accessing central London and theatreland. ...More
One Aldwych
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double/Twin Rooms: 19% off from £375
1 Aldwych, WC2B | 4 minutes from Rules
...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double/Twin Rooms: 19% off from £375
1 Aldwych, WC2B | 4 minutes from Rules
...More
Porters English Restaurant
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
17 Henrietta Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 1 minute from Rules
Positioned just off Covent Garden Piazza, this restaurant aims to please those with a love for the stodgy comfort food of our native isle. The selection ...More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
17 Henrietta Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 1 minute from Rules
Positioned just off Covent Garden Piazza, this restaurant aims to please those with a love for the stodgy comfort food of our native isle. The selection ...More
Adam Street
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
9 Adam Street, The Strand, , London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from Rules
Part members club...More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
9 Adam Street, The Strand, , London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 2 minutes from Rules
Part members club...More
The Harp
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
47 Chandos Place, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
British cuisine. ...More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
47 Chandos Place, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
British cuisine. ...More
Porterhouse Stout & Oyster Bar
London > Restaurants > Brasseries
21 Maiden Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
Brasseries ...More
London > Restaurants > Brasseries
21 Maiden Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
Brasseries ...More
da Polpo
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
6 Maiden Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
A wonderful addition to Covent Garden (which itself is undergoing quite an impressive revival), da Polpo is the fourth restaurant joining the Polpo, Polpetto ...More
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
6 Maiden Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
A wonderful addition to Covent Garden (which itself is undergoing quite an impressive revival), da Polpo is the fourth restaurant joining the Polpo, Polpetto ...More
Fire and Stone
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
31 - 32 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, , London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
This cavernous pizza joint takes its style cues from Belgo and Wagamama, with long, convivial tables and lots of stripped pine. Comfortable red benches add a ...More
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
31 - 32 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, , London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | At Rules
This cavernous pizza joint takes its style cues from Belgo and Wagamama, with long, convivial tables and lots of stripped pine. Comfortable red benches add a ...More
Party Hard Or Go Home!
London > Events > Clubbing and Nightlife Dates: Sunday 27th May 2012 - 12midnight-3.30am
Zoo Bar, 13-17 Bear Street, WC2H | 6 minutes from Rules
...More
London > Events > Clubbing and Nightlife Dates: Sunday 27th May 2012 - 12midnight-3.30am
Zoo Bar, 13-17 Bear Street, WC2H | 6 minutes from Rules
...More
Leicester Square Re-opens
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 24th May, 25th May, 26th May and 27th May 2012
Leicester Square, Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 7 minutes from Rules
Leicester Square, home to London's film premieres, re-opens after a Ā£15.5 million makeover and hosts a four day programme of free events from 24 to 27 ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 24th May, 25th May, 26th May and 27th May 2012
Leicester Square, Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 7 minutes from Rules
Leicester Square, home to London's film premieres, re-opens after a Ā£15.5 million makeover and hosts a four day programme of free events from 24 to 27 ...More
4D Cinema at The London Eye
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: Every day 10am-9.30pm
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 11 minutes from Rules
The London Eye is one of the most cherished tourist attractions in the capital and has been since its opening in 2000. Now, thanks to a ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: Every day 10am-9.30pm
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 11 minutes from Rules
The London Eye is one of the most cherished tourist attractions in the capital and has been since its opening in 2000. Now, thanks to a ...More
Savoy Theatre
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 3 minutes from Rules
Situated alongside the Savoy Hotel, the building of the current theatre with its Art Deco auditorium, was financed by Richard d'Oyly Carte with the considerable profits ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 3 minutes from Rules
Situated alongside the Savoy Hotel, the building of the current theatre with its Art Deco auditorium, was financed by Richard d'Oyly Carte with the considerable profits ...More
London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO)
London > Entertainment > Theatres
St Martin's Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
London Coliseum is a magnificent historic building and an excellent venue in which to enjoy the soaring sounds and high drama of some truly thrilling operas. ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
St Martin's Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
London Coliseum is a magnificent historic building and an excellent venue in which to enjoy the soaring sounds and high drama of some truly thrilling operas. ...More
Royal Opera House - Covent Garden London
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Bow Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 4 minutes from Rules
This impressive building in the heart of Covent Garden has been playing host to major stars of the classical music world since 1858. The third ...More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Bow Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 4 minutes from Rules
This impressive building in the heart of Covent Garden has been playing host to major stars of the classical music world since 1858. The third ...More
St Paul's Covent Garden
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Bedford Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
Affectionately known as "The Actors' Church", St Paul's in Covent Garden is in the heart of theatreland and has long been associated with the theatre community. ...More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Bedford Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
Affectionately known as "The Actors' Church", St Paul's in Covent Garden is in the heart of theatreland and has long been associated with the theatre community. ...More
London Transport Museum
London > Attractions > Museums
Covent Garden Piazza, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back through ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
Covent Garden Piazza, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back through ...More
London Film Museum Covent Garden
London > Attractions > Museums
45 Wellington Street, London, WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
The London Film Museum, located on the site of the Theatre Museum in the original Flower Cellars in the heart of Covent Garden, is the second ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
45 Wellington Street, London, WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
The London Film Museum, located on the site of the Theatre Museum in the original Flower Cellars in the heart of Covent Garden, is the second ...More
Australia Shop
London > Shopping > Specialists
27 Maiden Lane Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 1 minute from Rules
Especially for homesick Australians, this shop sells all manner of goods you would find on the shelves of a general store Down Under, from Vegemite to ...More
London > Shopping > Specialists
27 Maiden Lane Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 1 minute from Rules
Especially for homesick Australians, this shop sells all manner of goods you would find on the shelves of a general store Down Under, from Vegemite to ...More
Godiva
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
17 The Piazza, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
Belgium's finest export, the first Godiva was opened in Brussels approximately 75 years ago by master chocolatier Joseph Draps and named after the legendary Lady Godiva. ...More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
17 The Piazza, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
Belgium's finest export, the first Godiva was opened in Brussels approximately 75 years ago by master chocolatier Joseph Draps and named after the legendary Lady Godiva. ...More
Lush
London > Shopping > Perfume and Cosmetics
Unit 10 The Piazza Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
An overpowering mix of perfumes assaults the nose before you even enter these premises, which offer a huge mix of fizzing bath bombs to suit all ...More
London > Shopping > Perfume and Cosmetics
Unit 10 The Piazza Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
An overpowering mix of perfumes assaults the nose before you even enter these premises, which offer a huge mix of fizzing bath bombs to suit all ...More
Courtauld Institute of Art
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ...More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ...More
King's College Medical School
London > Education > Medical Schools
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the obvious ...More
London > Education > Medical Schools
Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the obvious ...More
English [Out There!]
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, London, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 11 minutes from Rules
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ...More
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, London, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 11 minutes from Rules
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ...More
The Sanctuary
London > Leisure > Fitness
12 Floral Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll soon ...More
London > Leisure > Fitness
12 Floral Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 2 minutes from Rules
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll soon ...More
Thai Square Spa
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
25 Shelton Street, 40 Earlham Street, London, WC2H | 5 minutes from Rules
Let the Thai Square Spa transport you to the shores of Asia with their traditional Thai spa treatment rooms, smack bang in the centre of Covent ...More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
25 Shelton Street, 40 Earlham Street, London, WC2H | 5 minutes from Rules
Let the Thai Square Spa transport you to the shores of Asia with their traditional Thai spa treatment rooms, smack bang in the centre of Covent ...More
Phoenix Garden
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
21 Stacey Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2H | 8 minutes from Rules
In the shadow of both Centrepoint and St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, hidden from most tourists and residents alike, lies this beautiful West End garden. Originally a car ...More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
21 Stacey Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2H | 8 minutes from Rules
In the shadow of both Centrepoint and St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, hidden from most tourists and residents alike, lies this beautiful West End garden. Originally a car ...More
Lamb & Flag
London > Nightlife > Pubs
33 Rose Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
One of the oldest pubs in London, the Lamb & Flag was once known as the Bucket of Blood, thanks to the bare-knuckle fights held here. ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
33 Rose Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 3 minutes from Rules
One of the oldest pubs in London, the Lamb & Flag was once known as the Bucket of Blood, thanks to the bare-knuckle fights held here. ...More
The Marquess of Anglesey
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
39 Bow Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 4 minutes from Rules
Gastropub ...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
39 Bow Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 4 minutes from Rules
Gastropub ...More
The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych
London > Nightlife > Bars
1 Aldwych, London, Covent Garden, London WC2B | 4 minutes from Rules
Named one of the top five hotel bars in the world by the Sunday Telegraph, the Lobby Bar at the chic One Aldwych hotel is renowned ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
1 Aldwych, London, Covent Garden, London WC2B | 4 minutes from Rules
Named one of the top five hotel bars in the world by the Sunday Telegraph, the Lobby Bar at the chic One Aldwych hotel is renowned ...More
Gordon's Wine Bar
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 5 minutes from Rules
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern. Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd ...More
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 5 minutes from Rules
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern. Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd ...More
Detroit Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2H | 5 minutes from Rules
Covent Garden "style" bar serving cocktails and a chilled out, trendy vibe. Considered to be one of London’s original “style” or “concept” bars, despite being on the ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London, Covent Garden, London WC2H | 5 minutes from Rules
Covent Garden "style" bar serving cocktails and a chilled out, trendy vibe. Considered to be one of London’s original “style” or “concept” bars, despite being on the ...More
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Meeting venue hire near Rules
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near Rules.
Royal Society Of Arts
London > Business > Venue Hire
8 John Adam Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
8 John Adam Street, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
...More
St Martins Lane Hotel
London > Business > Venue Hire
45 St. Martin's Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
To enter the stunning St Martins Lane Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland you pass through the tallest revolving door in London, a luminescent yellow-glass ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
45 St. Martin's Lane, London, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 3 minutes from Rules
To enter the stunning St Martins Lane Hotel in the heart of London's Theatreland you pass through the tallest revolving door in London, a luminescent yellow-glass ...More
Silver Fleet - Woods River Cruises
London > Business > Venue Hire
Somerset House South Wing Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
Enjoy a luxury cruise on the Silver Fleet. Departing from the Savoy Pier and cruising along the Thames. A classy way to see the Thames....More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Somerset House South Wing Strand, London, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 6 minutes from Rules
Enjoy a luxury cruise on the Silver Fleet. Departing from the Savoy Pier and cruising along the Thames. A classy way to see the Thames....More
Also in Maiden Lane
Our recommendations in the same street as Rules
No.
Title
Category
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What's On Today Near Rules The City Of London Symphonic Winds Concerts | On 27th May 2012 St Paul's Covent Garden 2 minutes walk from Rules The group performs Ellerby's New World Dances, Grainger's Molly On The Shore, Bennett's Reflections On A 16th Century Tune, Holst's ...More Minn Diarabi, Djala & The White Tiger Society Concerts | On 27th May 2012 The Africa Centre 2 minutes walk from Rules World blues and Afrobeat by the London-based band....More  Mind the Map Exhibitions | Until 28th October 2012 London Transport Museum 3 minutes walk from Rules Covent Garden's London Transport Museum is putting on a new (free with entry to the main museum) exhibition called Mind ...More  Madam Butterfly Concerts | Until 2nd June 2012 London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO) 3 minutes walk from Rules The ENO is reviving this masterpiece at the London Coliseum as a tribute to Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella. He ...More Caligula Concerts | Until 14th June 2012 London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO) 3 minutes walk from Rules Young Australian director Benedict Andrews brings his production of Albert Camus' Caligula to the London theatre scene. Composed by Detlev Glanert, this ...More Pete's Piano Lounge Concerts | Until 27th May 2012 CellarDoor 3 minutes walk from Rules The pianist plays jazz standards....More SUM Concerts | Until 2nd June 2012 Royal Opera House 4 minutes walk from Rules German composer Max Richter debuts a new chamber opera at the Royal Opera House, entitled SUM, based on a best-selling book and ...More  Ballo Della Regina / La Sylphide Concerts | Until 15th June 2012 Royal Opera House 4 minutes walk from Rules The operatic double bill of Balle Della Regina / La Sylphide is set to wow London crowds in the summer ...More Falstaff Theatre | Until 30th May 2012 Royal Opera House 4 minutes walk from Rules Verdi's final masterpiece returns to Covent Garden after a ten year gap, this time under the direction of Robert Carson, ...More  Hay Fever Theatre | Until 2nd June 2012 Noel Coward Theatre 4 minutes walk from Rules Written by one of the UK's most famous playwrights, Noƫl Coward, Hay Fever has been described as one of the ...More 
Hotels near Rules
From cheap budget accommodation to luxury 5 star hotels see our discounts for Rules hotels, including Strand Palace Hotel London from 77% off. |
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