London’s oldest restaurant gets National Trust protection
London's oldest restaurant, Rules, has been donated to the National Trust to ensure its preservation for future generations. The donation includes the historic building, various memorabilia, and ongoing rental income to support conservation efforts.
Why it matters
This move protects a significant piece of London's cultural and culinary history from commercial redevelopment.
A 228-year-old building that houses London's oldest restaurant has been donated to Europe's biggest conservation charity in the hope of saving it for centuries to come, according to a report by the Associated Press. Along with the building, the donation also includes items such as visitor books, menus, caricatures, photographs, stained glass and signs. It also includes annual rent from the ongoing restaurant business, which will go into conservation work each year.A memorable pastThe move, which now ensures that the Covent Garden restaurant cannot be sold on, has drawn attention for more than just its history. According to a report by Daily Mail, Edward VII often dined there with actress Lillie Langtry, even having a curtain specially installed to maintain their privacy. The king, who ruled from 1901 until his death nine years later, was married to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, with whom he had six children.
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