Rules

Hands down the greatest place in London for a family pre-Christmas celebration- as has become our tradition.

I have been coming here for many years, but will not do so again for a long time. We were told that as we had arrived early we should go to the bar as our table was not yet ready. One of our party couldn't negotiate the steep climb to the bar so we elected not to comply and were made to feel unwelcome - it was explained that it was our fault for arriving early. Worst of all the Ladies lavatory was absolutely disgusting. It made one wonder about the standard of behaviour of ones fellow customers, the likely standards in the kitchen and the restaurant's attention to detail. There are many restaurants in London which are superb - sadly Rules is certainly no longer one of them.

Disappointing and overpriced. £12 for a glass of sparkling wine, £8.50 for one of an average Pinot Grigio. Too many items on the menu were not available (why not do a daily menu that accurately reflects what is on offer, than a permanent laminated one that has to have numerous items ruled out by the waiter?). Oysters? "No oysters: they have a virus". Game? "Only this, and this, but not that, or that, or that, or that. Out of season" (If out of season, why include it on the menu?) Scallops? "No, all gone." Delicious Steak Tartar starter, but the roast fish main course was dry and flavourless, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding (once a highlight) a tad dull. Coffee was overboiled and bitter. Pity. I used to very much enjoy going to Rules, but I fear it shall be a long time before I return.

We went to Rules to celebrate a PhD graduation but were very disappointed. After waiting for 45 minutes for our main courses, the waiter said that they will arrive imminently. After another 15 minutes wait I asked him how long it will be, only to be reminded that he already told me. When I said that this was 15 minutes ago, he just walked off. Once the mains arrived, one was rather burnt (meat) and the fish wasn't fully cooked. On top of this experience, they added £15 service charge which I refused to pay. No apology from the manager, no complimentary desserts or drinks to make up for their mistake. For this price level (very expensive), we were very disappointed and can't recommend this restaurant. We certainly won't be eating there again!

Food was fine, but service was laughable. We took our boss from the States to Rules and were frankly rather embarrassed. It was like something out of the 70s. The waiter's retort to requests for unusual items like coffeee of "Yes, yes, just a few minutes" were cringing. He spilled a drink on our hapless boss and then said "that wasn't me" ! We should have asked for another wiater, I know, but benefit of hindsight....