Having dined at Rules 3 or 4 times over the last two years or so, and thoroughly enjoying delicious food, we were looking forward to another visit with out of town visitors. Rules always seemed the perfect spot for this due to it's longevity and reputation, despite paying GBP 380.00 for five our last time there.

Last week's experience was miserable (25 January 2011). Many of the ‘traditional’ and fun menu items have disappeared. Sausages and mash, fish and chips, etc. These were a happy accompaniment to the game dishes and rib steak for two – a personal favorite. This evening we four all ordered beef – a rump steak, a ribeye and the rib steak for two. No one enjoyed the meal. The meat was tough and poorly cooked. The veg was hours old and very nearly inedible.

Even the dessert selection has taken a hit with very ordinary, e.g. apple pie, offerings and many of the traditional steamed puddings now missing.

Our server was hesitant, ill-informed and frequently missing. Previous experiences at Rules have been made even better with experienced English wait staff who clearly enjoyed their job. When we queried the waitress, we were told that there “is a new chef and he didn't want those things on the menu.”

Now what shall I do? I have 3 different groups of visitors to London this spring and had counted on including Rules – as typically British with a flair – as a destination for all. Simpson's fell away some years ago.
Is there anywhere in London where a superior quality ‘old British’ kind of meal can be found? Suggestions appreciated.