ESTABLISHED 1798 • 35 MAIDEN LANE, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON

Rules 1798: 228 Years of London Dining

London's oldest restaurant, founded by Thomas Rule. Step into historical alcoves, seat iconic patrons from Charles Dickens to Madonna, and curate authentic period game feasts.

Era: Victorian Literary (1840-1880)

Covent Garden Historic Salon Plan

Select an alcove or table to inspect historical accounts and seat the era's patrons.

GROUND FLOOR: OYSTER BAR & FRONT SALON Original 1798 Shell Bar THE DICKENS NOOK & INGLE RECESS HEARTH 1798 KING EDWARD VII PRIVATE SALON (UPSTAIRS) Private Portico Entrance GREENE LOUNGE & MODERN MEZZANINE Martini Bar Relic Table 12 Dickens Table 8 Literary Royal Rm King & Lillie Table 20 Greene Table 14 Pop Icons
Selected Alcove
Authentic Patron Table
1798 Hearth & Gas Lamps

Dickens Nook (Ground Floor Table 12)

Tucked away by the roaring fireplace, this is Charles Dickens’ documented favorite table, where he dined with fellow Victorian authors and editors while reviewing manuscript proofs.

“A glass of iced claret, oysters fresh from Essex, and a roast bird in the corner of Rules after the evening rehearsals—there is no place in all London so comforting.” — Attributed to Charles Dickens (c. 1852)
Documented Diners of This Era:
Rules Table Ledger

Historic Feast & Guest Ledger

Assemble an era-accurate feast grounded in Rules' legendary British game, Colchester oyster, and pudding archives.

BY APPOINTMENT TO TRADITION
Rules Table Ledger & Bill of Fare
Maiden Lane, Covent Garden • Established 1798
Patron of Honour: Charles Dickens
Alcove & Chamber: Ground Floor Salon - Dickens Nook
Historical Period: Victorian Literary Era (1840-1880)
Native Colchester Oysters (1798 recipe) Course I
Roast Grouse with Bread Sauce & Game Chips Course II
Treacle Sponge Pudding with Custard Course III
Old Bordeaux Claret (1854 Cellar) Spirits
Ledger Seal No. RLS-1850-842 Verified 228-Year Archives
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