Rules London's Oldest Restaurant In the year Napoleon opened his campaign in Egypt, 1798, Thomas Rule promised his despairing family that he would say goodbye to his wayward past, settle down and open an oyster bar in Covent Garden. ... On the first floor, by the lattice window, was once the most celebrated table for two in London, this was the Prince of Wales' favourite spot for wining and dining the beautiful actress Lillie Langtry