Who owns the restaurant business at Rules?

The restaurant business at Rules is owned by its longstanding general manager, Ricky McMenemy.

Will the National Trust change the restaurant's menu?

No, the National Trust has stated that the menu will remain largely the same and will not include items like scones.

London's Oldest Restaurant Building Donated to National Trust

The historic home of Rules, established in 1798, has been gifted to the heritage charity to ensure its preservation.

2026-10-13 · Updated 2026-10-13

The building housing Rules, London's oldest restaurant, has been donated to the National Trust by its owner, J.P. Mayhew. The gift, valued at £11 million, marks the National Trust's first venture into the restaurant business, though it already manages numerous historic pubs and hotels.

Rules, founded in 1798 on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, has a rich history, having been frequented by notable figures such as Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, and Charlie Chaplin. The restaurant's interior, with its playbills, caricatures, and antlers, remains largely unchanged from the 19th century.

While Mayhew has donated the historic building and its contents, the restaurant business itself was sold to its general manager, Ricky McMenemy, in 2022. McMenemy will operate as a commercial tenant of the National Trust.

Lucy Porten of the National Trust stated that the charity's involvement will be light-touch, with the restaurant continuing to operate as a business. The menu will remain largely the same, and there will be no changes for National Trust members, such as preferential access or pricing.

The National Trust plans to explore options for virtual visits to allow people to experience the space remotely. The charity views the restaurant as an opportunity to tell different histories and preserve a significant slice of London's social history.

FAQ

Who owns the restaurant business at Rules?: The restaurant business at Rules is owned by its longstanding general manager, Ricky McMenemy.
Will the National Trust change the restaurant's menu?: No, the National Trust has stated that the menu will remain largely the same and will not include items like scones.