But amongst the transport systems and landmarks are the more humble, maybe less-known historic parts of London that deserve some attention of their own. London has plenty of restaurants but only one can claim to be the oldest, and that would be Rules. Opening back in 1798, the restaurant is more than 200 years old and has seen more than nine monarchs while being owned by just three families throughout its time.
A post shared by David Stafford | Chef (@chefstaffy) Rules was founded by Thomas Rule, serving traditional British cuisine and stayed as part of the family until World War One. Tom Bell, a Brition who owned a Parisian restaurant called the Alhambra but wanted a change swapped his restaurant with the former owner of Rules. Bell was able to keep the restaurant open during the Second World War from just 1pm to 3pm.
During the war, the structure was reinforced with thick wood and they only served the compulsory rationed meals . For some time, Rules was unable to open on Sundays as it was on Church grounds and could not get a licence. A post shared by Rules Restaurant (@rules_restaurant) In 1984, Rules was sold by Tom Bell's daughter to John Mayhem who is today's current owner.
Before the restaurant was sold, it at one point faced threats of being demolished in 1971, seeing John Betjeman complain to Greater London Council to stop the demolition. Today, Rules continues to serve traditional British food including game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings. RECOMMENDED READING W.