The National Trust will take ownership of Rules, London's oldest restaurant, after its 78‑year‑old owner Jean Pierre Mayhew donated the £11 million property and its associated artifacts on Wednesday.
The move locks the building out of the market, ensuring it cannot be sold or redeveloped despite its prime Covent Garden location.
Mayhew, who bought the restaurant in 1984, said the donation was “a secure way to protect the place in a way no one else could.” He added that the Trust would safeguard the building’s bricks, interior and “invisible atmosphere.”
Rules will continue to operate under the Trust’s umbrella, with current owner‑chef Ricky McMenemy becoming a commercial tenant. McMenemy, who has worked there for 35 years, welcomed the arrangement, noting it would give staff and patrons “peace of mind” about the restaurant’s future.
The 228‑year‑old establishment, founded by Thomas Rule, has hosted royalty, writers, musicians and film stars, from Edward VII’s clandestine visits to the Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein. Its menu still features oysters and steak and kidney pie, and it has survived wartime rationing and a 1971 demolition threat.
The Trust’s stewardship will focus on restoration and ongoing conservation work, funded by the restaurant’s rent. The first phase of preservation is expected to start early next year, keeping Rules’ historic charm alive for another two centuries.
While the National Trust will own the site, the day‑to‑day service will remain unchanged, allowing diners to continue enjoying the storied ambience that has attracted generations of patrons.
The donation underscores the Trust’s commitment to preserving iconic London heritage, and sets a precedent for protecting other historic commercial properties.
The next step: the Trust will review the building’s conservation plan and begin scheduled work in 2027, ensuring Rules remains a living piece of history.