Review of The Engineer pub in Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill has no shortage of charming pubs, but few rival The Engineer in legacy, character, and that elusive mix of traditional and cool. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, this historic pub is named after the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel, whose offices were said to be located on the upper floors. This striking building has been a fixture since the 1800s. Its stately exterior and recently refurbished interior strike the perfect balance between period charm and modern comfort, with rich wood panelling, open fireplaces, and a mellow, inviting glow throughout.

We visited on a warm Sunday evening after a very pleasant walk around the hill. While the outdoor tables and walled beer garden were tempting, we opted for the upstairs dining room—cosy, softly lit, and overlooking the street below. It was a perfect setting for what turned into a relaxed and truly indulgent dinner.

The menu celebrates seasonal British cooking, with a thoughtful blend of pub classics and contemporary flourishes. Several of the larger mains—like the chateaubriand or sharing steaks—are designed for two, making it an ideal spot for date night or a low-key celebration.

To start, we shared pan-seared scallops with crispy chorizo and a zingy beetroot salad. Both were elegant, light, and full of clean, balanced flavours. It set a high bar for what followed.

The Engineer is known for its Sunday lunch (and still buzzing with late diners when we arrived at 6pm), we focused on the à la carte menu as many roasts had already sold out—fair warning if you have your heart set on one of the Specials or Chateaubriand.

Instead, we ordered two stalwarts: the beer-battered Atlantic haddock and chips, and one of the Aged Steak specials. The haddock was spot-on—light, crisp batter, flaky fish, fat golden chips, a pot of mushy peas, and a sharp tartare sauce. The steak was generously portioned, juicy, and came with triple-cooked chips and fresh watercress. Proper pub food, done exceptionally well.

The drinks list is impressive too. Classic cocktails sit alongside a curated global wine selection. My Argentinian Malbec was smooth and rich—an ideal pairing for the steak.

Dessert stayed true to the theme with nostalgic British classics. We went for the Dark Rum Sticky Toffee Pudding and a silky chocolate mousse—both rich, satisfying, and just indulgent enough. There’s also a tempting British Cheese Plate for those who prefer a savoury finish, featuring cheddar, goat’s cheese, and Stilton with oatcakes and hedgerow chutney.


The Engineer nails what a modern gastropub should be: warm, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of place that feels like a local secret, whether you’re settling in for Sunday lunch, escaping with a pint by the fire, or treating yourself to an elevated fish and chips. If you’re heading to Primrose Hill, consider this an essential stop.

Address: 
The Engineer 65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JH 

To book click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Photography courtesy of The Engineer