Cocktails at Rules

GULLIVER recently spent a very pleasant evening in the company of Brian Silva (pictured), head barman at the new cocktail bar at Rules restaurant in Covent Garden. Founded in 1798, Rules claims to be the oldest restaurant in London. The cocktail bar, which occupies the spacious upper floor, is a recent creation though. In fact, Mr Silva admitted that some of the furniture is still on order, which is why the bar’s existence has not yet been publicised.Drinks at Rules are of the classic variety, to be enjoyed amid some sumptuous decor. There are just ten cocktails on the menu, all special to Rules, though Mr Silva—who has 25 years’ experience mixing drinks at some of London’s best hotels and private clubs—can make whatever you want. Gulliver staggered came away thinking Rules is an excellent venue for business drinks. There is plenty of seating, no music (so it’s easy to talk) and should you not want to dine in the restaurant downstairs there are plenty of alternatives nearby. All in all, it’s a worthy successor to the American Bar in the Savoy, which has been closed for refurbishment since December 2007. In fact, on close inspection some of the wall murals around the bar looked oddly familiar…