Rules Cocktail Bar

Rules was established by Thomas Rule in 1798 making it the oldest restaurant in London. It serves traditional British food, specialising in classic game, oysters, pies and puddings. It is a London institution and deservedly so based upon its fabulous steak and kidney pudding alone.

To the right of the restaurant lies a non-descript looking door and this is the entrance to the Cocktail Bar above.

Like the restaurant below, this bar is classically furnished with relaxing dark woods, panelling and luxuriant bar stools and chairs. The panelling around the top of the room and 'Narnia door' are from London's Savoy hotel. What is best described as a palm court offers brighter outside indoors tables.

Such a classic setting deserves reverence and accordingly, there's no music, purees, weird infusions or even beer - order a beer here and you'll be directed to the pub along the road. The result is a wonderfully old-school lounge for the discerning which serves suitably old-school spirit-forward cocktails.