Rules has served diners in London’s Covent Garden since 1798. Now J-P Mayhew has given its historic building to the National Trust, together with menus, visitor books, photographs and other objects documenting the restaurant’s long life.
The restaurant will remain an independent business, with its proprietor becoming the Trust’s tenant. The gift places the building and interiors in the charity’s care without turning the dining rooms into a museum. Rent from the restaurant will also support the Trust’s work.