Story & photos
By Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling GourmetTM
All rights reserved
Food photos are of REAL food with NO photoshop
The intrepid and irrepressible Travelling Gourmet goes to the OLDEST restaurant in London called…
MAVELLOUS Rule’s. Rule’s even owns a 1935 Rolls-Royce called Bubbles. A younger, more female crowd has discovered Rules, and ‘yuppies’ too. However, usually you dine surrounded by mature well-off gentlemen in smart 3 piece bespoke suits…who look like they are in an episode of “The New Avengers”. Sometimes, they are accompanied by their much younger and pretty personal assistants…I expected to bump into bowler hatted John Steed and ravishing, voluptuous Mrs. Emma Peel clad in a black leather jumpsuit at the next table.
I love the perfectly mixed Martinis and the beer & real ale in silver tankard,s and a cocktail made with Pinky vodka called the ‘Kate Middleton’. I adore the intricate wine-decanting rituals. I am happy with the decor, the history, the food and the wines, and the Arthur Price of England sileverware. My friend, the humble Head Chef, David Stafford, is very helpful and accomodating. Indubitably, I am amused with the incredibly old-school, smartly groomed waiter who says, “I’ll trouble you with the wine list again shortly, Sir.”
[By its unique heritage, Rule’s has been standing room only since 1798 and why not? Unlike pretentious eateries like Pollen Street Social, this is the real thing. Macho English comfort food, no Molecular nonsense, good food well cooked and very well served. Respectfully, ask yourself this…why would it thrive since 1798? Most new restaurants close after just one year’s operation. Something must be right somewhere…It evolves in the best possible taste constantly, so seamlessly that you simply don’t notice. That’s finesse..]
Casanova’s favourite…
My starter was from the Duchy of Cornwall…a very plump, juicy and sweet Oyster au naturel bursting with umami and lightly sprinkled with Vinegar and Shallot Sauce, on the half shell. Casanova had lots of oysters before his romantic escapades…
No grouses with my Grouse…
I was there after the Glorious 12th of August! GAME season! Pheasant, Partridge, and GROUSE! I simply had to have a whole Grouse…lovingly roasted to sublime perfection! It was absolutely fabulous! as I relaxed on my red leather chair, I savoured morsel after tasty morsel. For those not used to game, I must warn you that the dark meat may have a slightly bitter taste. I bit on something hard…it was a lead shot from a 12 gauge shotgun. It means Good Luck! The grouse are shot at Lartington Estate owned by Rule’s. The estate is in Teesdale in the High Pennines. I could not resist the yummie Beef served ‘medium’ so it is pink and juicy! Rule’s is the only restaurant in the UK to serve coveted Paul Coppen’s Belted Galloway Beef. From Northumberland of ancient Celtic stock, the beef is matured for 3 to 4 weeks before it can be served.
The cardinal RULE is: Never ever skip Dessert…
The Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding is to burn all your weight loss recipe books for. So bloody good! It reminded of when I was at University in England. Gooey, sexy, luscious, sweet syrupy-spiked crumbly buttery vanilla flavoured pudding with lashings of hot and creamy Custard! Sticky Toffee Pudding with crunchy Caramelized Walnuts. Life is short, indulge yourself and enjoy your sweets first…your Dental Surgeon do the repairs later…Rum Baba is excellent. Soaked in the pirate’s favourite…Rum! with banana and creme fraiche!
Take the number 15 Bus to The Strand. Stroll up to Maiden Lane…and feast at a remarkable restaurant that’s been delighting natives and tourists alike for over 78,840 days and nights…Keep Calm and Carry On Eating!
Rule’s
35 Maiden Lane, London WC2 England
Tel: 020-7836 5314.
Open all week, from noon. Last orders 11.45pm (10.45 Sun). About £50-70 a head for three courses, plus drinks and service, depending of course, on what you order.
****See this link for The New Avengers TV Series Intro…
The Travelling Gourmet 