London's Oldest Restaurant, Rules, Gifted to National Trust

Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, has been gifted to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Covent Garden establishment, which first opened its doors in 1798, has a rich history, having hosted notable figures ranging from Charles Dickens and Edward VII to Madonna and David Bowie.

The freehold of the building, along with its historic collection of visitor books, menus, and photographs, was valued at £11 million. Under the terms of the gift, Rules will continue to operate as a commercial tenant of the National Trust, with rent payments contributing to the conservation of the building.

![The interior of Rules restaurant. It is a visibly old building with some wooden beams, low light, red and gold carpet, lamps, white table cloths. A painting of an older man in military uniform hangs on the wall to the left of the photo.]( "Rules is an "outstanding example of living history", the National Trust said")

Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, described Rules as an "outstanding piece of living history" that has defied the odds to remain open through wars and upheaval. She highlighted the "extraordinary generosity" of the building's owner, J-P Mayhew, in ensuring the restaurant's future.

Mayhew stated that the trust would protect the restaurant's "bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere, too," safeguarding "two centuries' worth of stories for people to enjoy forever."

The restaurant's proprietor, Ricky McMenemy, who has worked at Rules for 35 years, expressed his relief, noting that the arrangement provides "security and peace of mind that our home will be in very good hands."

Rules has a storied past, having survived development threats and two world wars. It was a favorite spot for poet John Betjeman, who once delivered a passionate speech in its defense. Writer Graham Greene also frequented the establishment and featured it in his novel "The End Of The Affair."