National Trust acquires Rules, London’s oldest restaurant

Rules, London’s oldest restaurant located in Covent Garden, has been donated to the National Trust. The building and its historic collection were gifted by J-P Mayhew, who has owned the establishment for 40 years.

Established in 1798, the restaurant has served as a cultural landmark frequented by figures such as Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin. The donation includes the building at 34-35 Maiden Lane and its collection of paintings, drawings, and caricatures. Ongoing charitable income from the gift will be directed toward annual conservation efforts to protect the site and its history.