Rules, London's Oldest Restaurant, Given to National Trust

London's oldest restaurant has been given to the National Trust in a donation valued at £11 million.

The gift, described as one of the most valuable in the Trust's recent history, covers the building at 34-35 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden that houses Rules restaurant, according to The Guardian.

The building was gifted by John Mayhew, the restaurant said. It has been home to Rules since 1798, when the restaurant first opened at the Maiden Lane address. Rules was established by Thomas Rule that year, according to the restaurant's website.

Rules serves traditional British food, specialising in classic game. The restaurant survived the Blitz, according to the BBC.

Its long history has drawn a wide range of diners. The restaurant has hosted diners ranging from Betjeman to Bowie, and Edward VII met his mistresses there, according to The Times.