Rules Restaurant Home Donated to National Trust to Preserve Historic Site

The owner of London's oldest restaurant has donated the site to the National Trust to ensure the building is preserved, GB News, Foodservice Equipment Journal, and The Independent reported. Owner J-P Mayhew gifted the £11 million freehold of 34-35 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, which houses Rules restaurant. The BBC and the Financial Times also reported that the home of the historic establishment was given to the heritage charity. [1][2][4][5][6]

The donation includes the 228-year-old venue alongside historic artifacts, GB News reported. Among the donated items are historic visitor books, original menus, caricatures, photographs, signs, and stained glass. The restaurant has operated since 1798 and was frequented by notable figures including Charles Dickens, Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, Edward VII, Harrison Ford, Liza Minnelli, and Madonna. [1]

The National Trust operates as a heritage and nature conservation charity across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The organization protects historic estates, landscapes, and built heritage to maintain public access and conservation standards. [8][10]

According to GB News, the National Trust stated that the donation of the venue will safeguard the historic building and its collection for future generations. The historic site will remain protected under the stewardship of the charity. [1]