Caring for 34-34 Maiden Lane, the historic home of London’s oldest restaurant, Rules

Traditional cocktail bar with ornate dark wood panelling, a large decorative mirror, and a wide selection of illuminated spirits and liqueurs displayed on shelves and behind the counter. — Cocktail bar at 34 - 35 Maiden Lane, London | © Megan Taylor

From Autumn 2026, 34–35 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden is in the care of the National Trust. It’s home to Rules, widely recognised as London’s oldest restaurant. This remarkable building has been gifted to us, ensuring its long-term protection and continued place at the heart of London life.

Light-filled winter garden with a glass roof, abundant tropical plants, wicker chairs, patterned rugs, and intimate seating areas arranged among large potted palms and greenery. — View of the winter garden 34 - 35 at Maiden Lane, London | © Megan Taylor

A rare piece of living heritage

Founded in 1798, Rules has welcomed generations of diners for more than two centuries. It is the last survivor of a group of historic London restaurants and remains a vibrant part of the West End today.

Unlike many historic sites, this is a place where the building and its original use still go hand in hand. From its Grade II-listed interiors to its long-standing traditions, 34–35 Maiden Lane offers a rare glimpse into London’s social and cultural history.

Over the years, it has been visited by well-known figures from the worlds of literature, theatre and public life, reflecting its long-standing place within the capital’s cultural scene.

The acquisition has been made possible through a generous gift from a private donor, alongside the transfer of a significant collection of historic objects connected to Rules.

J-P Mayhew, who has donated the building to the Trust, said: “There are few restaurants in the world that have endured the test of time like Rules. With many years of hard work, and some extraordinary strokes of luck, it has survived everything from redevelopment plans and changing tastes to the Blitz.

“When John Betjeman defended Rules from the GLC’s plans to turn the Strand into a dual carriageway in 1971, he spoke not only of the paintings, sculptures, stained glass and red plush seats, but of its “invisible atmosphere”.

“My gift to the National Trust is in answer to that appeal. The Trust will protect this place in a way that no-one else could, safeguarding its bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere too. 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 gift also includes historic collection items that tell the rich cultural story of Rules. These include visitor books, menus, caricatures, photographs, stained glass and signs which reflect the personalities, conversations and traditions that have shaped the restaurant over time.

By bringing the building and these collections into its care, we will ensure they are protected and shared for everyone, forever.

Museum-style display featuring a whisky-bottle chess set inspired by Our Man in Havana, with dozens of miniature spirits bottles arranged on a chessboard and illuminated shelves of vintage miniatures set against patterned wallpaper. — Whiskey chess set from Our Man in Havana displayed at 34 - 35 Maiden Lane, London | © Megan Taylor

A working restaurant with a rich past

Today, the restaurant business is owned by Ricky McMenemy, who has worked at the restaurant for 35 years, and will now become a commercial tenant of the National Trust. Rules will continue to operate as a restaurant, maintaining the character and traditions that have shaped it for over 200 years. The annual rent will provide income for the charity and will be used to support its vital work.

Caring for London’s heritage

Since the 19th century Rules has maintained the tradition of English ‘country house’ cuisine – surviving the privations of WWII and rationing, when much of it was lost in Britain. Its culinary customs have been maintained by head chefs, many of whom have developed prominent careers and been influential in the promotion of English cuisine.

The Trust cares for 39 historic pubs, which continue to operate today, including the George Inn in Southwark and the Crown Bar in Belfast. 34-35 Maiden Lane will be the first building in the Trust’s care to house an historic restaurant that is still in operation.

The move comes at a time when many iconic central London buildings are at risk from redevelopment pressures and economic challenges.

View through an elegant cocktail bar with dark wood panelling, red upholstered seating, framed artwork, and ornate lighting, leading towards a bright glass-roofed winter garden filled with greenery. — View through the cocktail bar to the Winter Garden at 34 - 35 Maiden Lane, London | © Megan Taylor

Looking ahead

This acquisition reflects our commitment to caring for historic places from all periods, including those that continue to play an active role in modern life.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “This place is an outstanding piece of living history, with its corners where kings dined and writers and politicians plotted, to the traditions it kept alive through wars and upheaval. It has defied the odds to be standing here today, doors still open and treacle sponge still on the menu.

“Mr Mayhew's extraordinary generosity, and the care he has poured into Rules over many decades, mean this beloved place has a future measured not in years but generations. His gift ensures that one of London's great living institutions will remain part of the city's cultural life, with all its stories, traditions and character intact."