Rules

Old School glamour

aged rib of beef

Located in Convert Garden, Rules, is the oldest restaurant in the UK. It has always been on my to visit list for a long time, so after seeing it was featured in the latest James Bond film, I feel it is about time to put on my cloth and make a special visit. Rules offers a range of British classic such as wild game meat which is ideal for any serious game lovers, from venison, grouse to hare just to name a few. Current head chef David Stafford has worked in a number of high profile restaurants across London, such as The River Cafe and Galvins.

whiskey cocktails

We weren't too hungry, so went straight for the mains. We shared an aged rib of beef with some good old fashioned Yorkshire pudding and potato. The meat was cooked wonderfully, it had the perfect smoky and crispy texture on the outside, very moist and tender from the inside and really well seasoned. Deseret of rum Baba was also a winner, the aroma of the rum was defined. It had the perfect balance of bitter sweetness and I especially enjoyed the black cardamom, which it really lifted up the warmth spice element on the plate without being too dominating, it was indeed a very fine winter pudding.

got to love the Yorkshire pudding...

Another great bonus about Rules is its cocktail, all the cocktails are proper grown up based on classic recipes. Far too many cocktails elsewhere, these days are too sweet and gimmicky. For me, a well crafted cocktail should have the taste of the based spirit without losing its character to the mixers and the bar team from Rules has done a fine job. Service was excellent, it was formally with a touch of humour without the stuffiness. And I was in love with the classy and glamour decor, for a slice of old school British charm, I can't think of a better place than Rules in London.

Food 3.5/5

Head chef: 
David Stafford

What I paid: 
£70 per head with a glass of wine and cocktail

Average cost without drinks and services:
£55

34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB

http://rules.co.uk/