London's oldest restaurant Rules donated to National Trust

Rules, which is recognised as London's oldest restaurant, has been donated to the National Trust. The Daily Mail, The Guardian, the BBC, LBC, Londonist, and the London Evening Standard all reported on the handover of the historic establishment located in Covent Garden. [1][2][5][6][7][8]

The establishment opened on Maiden Lane in 1798 when Thomas Rule served its first oyster to customers, according to The Guardian. The Guardian reported that the restaurant had changed hands only three times over its 228 year history before being given to the heritage charity. [2]

The Daily Mail reported that the historic venue hosted royal mistresses and served as an unofficial green room for celebrities. The restaurant also featured in Graham Greene's 1951 novel The End Of The Affair, which was later adapted into films in 1955 and 1999, the Daily Mail added. The Telegraph separately reported that author Charles Dickens was among the famous historical figures who favoured the restaurant. [1][4]

The National Trust functions as a heritage and nature conservation charity in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. King Edward VII, who ruled the United Kingdom from 1901 until his death in 1910, was among the prominent historical figures linked to the social history of the site. [1][9][10][12]

The London Evening Standard reported that the donation was made to safeguard the future of the historic venue for coming generations. [5]