On our first visit to Rules we were impressed with the interior design which was cosy and as old fashioned as one would expect. We decided to dine as we know the barman in there, young Michael who is a superb barman and Londons finest. Not only can he make you any drink you name, he also creates his owns drinks and many of the bottles behind bar you simply cannot get anymore. Real connoisseurs the guys upstairs and very friendly.

If only the same could be said about the staff downstairs. The front of door manager literally looked me up and down on my entrance. I thought I might have left my flies undone or perhaps had something on the bottom of my shoe but I think I passed the first test. I was not jettisoned into the street anyway.

The menu was nice and the food good but the entire evening was ruined by the extremely miserable waiter we had. Never smiled once.

I wish these places would ram home to their staff that surly and miserable staff does not make one want to return. Its basic stuff really and if they don't like working there then go elsewhere…as we did. Straight back into the bar upstairs where the friendly people are..and did I mention the drinks??!