Rules

The problem with somewhere that serves lots of game is that it's always going to attract a fair amount of loud, posh idiots, so chances are you might find yourself sitting next to a rowdy table of city boys. Being where it is, it also attracts a lot of theatre goers and tourists, however, so you might get lucky.

On my last visit I had a rather nice rabbit and black pudding salad, followed by dover sole with chips. All very tasty without being exceptional.

We ordered a jug of wine as we couldn't manage a bottle, but found ourselves ploughing through it faster than expected and ordered another two glasses. It later transpired (thanks to my beaded eyed dining guest) that the waiter hadn't been topping up our glasses, and that the jug still had a fair amount of wine left in it. Luckily they took the price of the two glasses off the bill with great apology.

On previous occasions I've ordered the stilton, which comes out as the full round with two spoons plonked in the middle, so you can eat all you like along with the celery sticks and biscuits provided. Delicious as this was, it seems a terrible waste just to eat the top - hopefully they use up the rest in soups and salads.

All in all, a good place to take out-of-towners and parents etc, as it is as properly old-fashioned as you get without going to the Savoy or Ritz. It's not necessarily the place to go for amazing, good valued food, however. The pleasure is more in the starchy white table cloths, interesting menu and adorned walls.
View/Add comments (4)

- View all reviews by this user
6 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, December 28, 2009

Rules is one of the few London restaurants I go to again and again. Yes the prices are high and the decor is bizarre, but the service is always exceptional, and there's nowhere better to eat game- always served traditionally and perfectly cooked.
Comment on this reader review

8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Sunday, November 15, 2009

I tried Rules Saturday 19th September 2009

The staff were lovely. Very friendly and the place is a place to behold. Full of the charm that one would expect. I (like a fool) ordered roe deer without checking how it would be presented. Unfortunately is was cooked to bu**ery and not to my taste. Certainly not the staff's fault and they were so pleasant and sweet to offer me an alternative for free. Very good plus point.

Unfortunately (totally NOT the fault of the staff) the food is way way way overpriced for what it is. I have eaten in places with a star about the same price. Booze is too dear, everything was too dear. Its a REAL shame. For me they have priced themselves out of the market.

The only other conversation I could overhear was three portly chaps who complained (amongst themselves) that it was too expensive for what it was...or maybe it was an echo.

I can only reiterate the staff were lovely, shame the management had priced them out of the game.
Comment on this reader review

Kevin
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This place is lovely inside and looks very posh, but I'm afraid to say the food doesn't match the interior. The quality of food is poor and not much better than simple pub food, even though it's over £20 more expensive. The "atmosphere" doesn't exist, as the restaurant is often visited by stuck-up individuals and you might feel too scared to laugh out loud. The service was fairly good, but not nearly good enough for the price of the food. Maybe just come in for a drink.
Comment on this reader review

Lady Cheesecake - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Saturday, September 19, 2009

I love this place!! I used to live a long way from London and we would always book a table there when we came for a visit. Now I live in London and I can go more regularly for special occasions or when people visit. I have never had a bad meal here and the staff are always courteous and knowledgeable about the menu. Love their soups especially!!! I always recommend this place to people looking for a traditional and fun/eccentric restaurant and everyone has always loved it.
Comment on this reader review

Steph
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 08, 2009