The Oldest Restaurant in London: A Culinary Coronation Through the Ages (with a Dash of Debate)
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, fog, and a truly delightful pasty. But where can you get a bite that's older than Big Ben himself? Well, buckle up, history buffs and foodies alike, because we're diving headfirst into the delicious debate: what is the oldest restaurant in London?
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| What is The Oldest Restaurant In London |
The Contenders: A Tale of Two (or More?) Forks
There are two main frontrunners in this culinary coliseum:
- Rules Restaurant (Established in 1798): This Covent Garden stalwart boasts a bold claim to the throne. Established by Thomas Rule in, wait for it, 1798, it's been serving up hearty British fare (think game dishes and spotted dick) to well-heeled Londoners for over two centuries. They even claim Charles Dickens was a regular – though whether he was a fan of the spotted dick remains a mystery.
- Wiltons (Established in 1742): This Jermyn Street gem throws down the gauntlet with a slightly earlier opening date of 1742. Originally an oyster house, Wiltons has evolved into a haven for high-end seafood and a favorite amongst politicians and posh folk.
So, who wins? Well, that depends on your definition of "restaurant." Some argue Rules takes the crown because it's always been a dedicated dining establishment. Wiltons, on the other hand, might have started as a seafood stall before morphing into the swanky restaurant it is today.
Bonus Round: Other Oldies But Goodies
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Let's not forget the other contenders in this culinary marathon! There's Simpson's-in-the-Strand (founded in 1787) where Charles Dickens definitely did dine (spotted dick not confirmed), and Bertolini's (established in 1844) – London's oldest Italian restaurant.
How to Decide Where to Dine Like a Victorian
Honestly, it depends on your fancy. Do you crave a quintessential British experience steeped in history? Rules might be your game. Feeling posh and want to pretend you're hobnobbing with politicians? Wiltons could be your oyster (metaphorical or literal, they have both).
Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for these historic institutions, especially if you don't want to find yourself waiting longer than a queue for the coronation.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Frequently Asked Questions (Cuz We Know You Have Them)
How to impress your date with your knowledge of London's oldest restaurants?
Casually drop a line about the battle between Rules and Wiltons. Bonus points for knowing the year each opened.
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How to avoid a hefty bill at these historic spots?
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Check their menus online beforehand. These places aren't exactly known for their budget-friendly meals.
How to recreate a bit of history at home?
Look up some classic British recipes from the 18th or 19th century. Spotted dick optional (but highly recommended for the adventurous eater).
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How to convince your friends you dined at the oldest restaurant in London?
Take a picture of yourself outside – but maybe avoid mentioning the debate if you want to keep the peace.
How to find out more about London's culinary history?
There are actually books and websites dedicated to the city's food scene. Who knew London was such a delicious time capsule?
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