I can only echo what others have written in terms of service - it is absolutely dire, and even though the garden is lovely and the food is good value, it is ruined but the rudeness of the staff.



When unexpected guests showed up to eat lunch we were told that we couldn't have another couple of chairs. We were constantly told off for taking too much space. The waitress was impatient and impolite when taking our orders. I asked to have 2 bills and I got into an argument with the waiter.



In the end I was told that 'we don't provide customer service'. His words not mine.

I may have had a good waiter, but I've been here twice and thought it was just lovely. One of the most pleasant dining experiences I've had in London.



The decor is tasteful without trying too hard, the menu is small and seasonal and the food is inventive and full of flavour.



Often with these popular, trendy pubs they get complacent but this place seems to still take pride in food and service.

The food at the Engineer was not bad, but it's a great shame about the service. My vegetarian friend dislikes mushroom, and there was only mushroom risotto on the menu for veggies, so we asked if she could have the pasta without bacon in it. We were told no, as the sauce came ready mixed. The pasta dish was £12.00 and I could have bought an all mixed in pasta dish from Waitrose for much less!


There was no attempt to offer any alternative or ask the Engineer chef if any thing else could be done. An optional service charge was added to our bill and I'm ashamed to say I paid it.

Back in the early 90s, I used to work at the Engineer and it used to be great with friendly managers. We had a blast, so it's a shame to hear the latest reviews about the Engineer arent so great.

A friend had her 30th birthday at Engineer. My friend's sister had bought a really nice cake but the manager refused to serve it - saying it was not policy.


We had already ordered two courses, plenty of drinks and offered to all buy ice cream and coffees but she point blank refused, changing her mind and saying that as we had the table all night, she wouldn't allow us to have the cake! Clearly customer satisfaction is of no concern at Engineer.

For one reason or another I have been to the Engineer pub three times in the past four weeks and each time I've either been 'told off' or given severe attitude from the staff. What is it with people here that think they are so special? Is it so hard to raise a smile or to helpful to a group of 8 who want to enjoy the warm spring weather with a drink and food in the garden bar?



Don't be so foolish to want to move a stool for example. That is simply not allowed. Don't smoke in the bar area and definitely don't ask to use vacant outside tables. Don’t expect any service and at all costs avoid asking waiters or bar staff for anything. Also, keep in mind that even though there are free tables, they are all already booked. We sat in the Engineer for 2 hours yesterday and were denied a table even though loads remained vacant!?



The best was yet to come though, we were all then yelled out by the bar manageress to move our stools so as to keep the garden bar exit clear. An exit that was secured with 2 rather large and ominous looking padlocks I might add. I have never experienced such a 'rot' of bad customer service in a London pub. I wish Primrose Hill would open up and swallow the Engineer, along with the staff. Stay away and don't go!

Engineer is one of the very first gastropubs in London, and it shows, with a heavy emphasis on the dining experience. As such, if you're expecting to go there just for a drink, you'll feel like a 2nd class citizen. Engineer has a few dining rooms to choose from, as well as a spectacular and very surburban outdoor area. Prices are on the expensive side but the food is of good quality, and the beer selection includes a few Continental offerings. Worth a visit, but as elsewhere mentioned, service is patchy.

The Engineer is awful, the staff are rude and arrogant, especially the guy with the facial hair. It was empty on a Saturday afternoon which says it all.


The owner of the Engineer needs to sack the existing staff or do some serious training in customer relations. DON'T GO!