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Rules

35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB Full details & map

Restaurant: British

Time Out says 2 Users say 2/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 13 2011

From Charles Dickens to Edward VII, Rules has played host to an impressive list of diners in the 200 or so years since it opened. These days, you're more likely to rub shoulders with business people, families and tourists than royalty, but that doesn't detract from the atmosphere. The dark dining room is kitted out with velvet booths and immaculately set tables. The walls are covered in yellowing pictures.

The restaurant prides itself on pies, puddings and Rhone Valley wines. Game is also a major feature, much of which comes from Rules' own Lartington Estate in Scotland. Sadly, it wasn't in season on our visit, so a generous, potato-topped game pie was filled with farmed venison instead.

Subtle pan-fried cod (served with a fried egg and mustard sauce) had been smoked on the premises. Bright green mussel and parsley soup was served at table from a silver tureen.

The cooking is reasonable, but unlikely to knock your socks off. For a taste of the past or a family celebration, Rules makes a charming choice - the friendly waiters will even sing 'happy birthday' on your big day.

Tags: European, British, Business, Groups, Historic, Late night, Central, Covent Garden, Expensive, Restaurant

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Rules details

Address

Rules

35 Maiden Lane WC2E 7LB

Transport Covent Garden tube

Telephone

020 7836 5314

Rules website

Meals served noon-11.30pm Mon-Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun

Main courses £18.95-£28.95

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable, Separate rooms for parties ( seating 8-18 ), Dress ( smart casual; no shorts )

Rules map

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Comments & ratings 2/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By John - Mar 8 2012

1/5

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.

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By Bill - Jan 30 2012

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.

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By Alex - Oct 5 2010

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!

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By Sleek Lemur - May 14 2010

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....